PALM COAST – A series of renovations to Palm Coast’s Waterfront Park were unveiled to the public on Friday, after months of construction and public anticipation. A new boat access launch and kayak/paddleboard rental kiosk are now available for use by residents.
The announcement commenced with an introduction from the city’s Parks and Recreation Director, James Hirst. He handed the microphone off to Mayor David Alfin, who summarized the benefits of Waterfront Park since its unveiling in 2010 along with positive feedback from locals and visitors alike. “[Waterfront Park is] one of our most popular parks in Palm Coast,” Alfin said. With as many public parks as the city contains, it’s a statement that speaks volumes.
Next up to speak was Commissioner Randy Stapleford of the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND). A grant from FIND accounted for nearly half of the $1.2 million price tag on the improvement project. In his remarks Stapleford alluded to possible additional funds being diverted to Waterfront Park, potentially expanding its waterway infrastructure even further in the coming years.
Last to speak was Mohammad Mounir Khabazeh, representing his company Saboungi Construction. A resident of the area since 1980, Khabazeh only recently moved to Palm Coast and expressed his excitement on being able to take on the job. Saboungi Construction previously bid on the initial construction of Waterfront Park over a decade ago, but did not wind up with the project.
Visitors to Waterfront Park now have the opportunity to launch kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards from the newly installed floating docks on the water, and rent equipment from the PADL self-service rental station just feet away. For a facility which previously had no easy access to the pristine waterways it bordered, the project is sure to be a game-changer for fans of water-based recreation at one of the area’s most beloved amenities.
Great a lot more money poured into something for a small group of people in Palm Coast. But all of us have to pay for it in our property taxes.
I heard something about this on the radio and missed what the $25.00 a day charge was for. Anyone know?