The City of Palm Coast, Flagler County, and the Tourism Development Office (TDO) are excited to announce a significant milestone in the countywide Parks & Recreation Master Plan project.
The Northeast Florida Regional Council (NEFRC), in partnership with the National Park Service, chose to review projects in Flagler County through its Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program, ushering in invaluable technical support to bolster its development and implementation. This initiative promises to elevate parks and recreational offerings across the Palm Coast and Flagler County.
The project took shape following a visionary collaboration between Palm Coast City Council and the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners, driven by the shared goal of enhancing and improving the county’s parks and trail systems. To bring this vision to life, consultant BerryDunn was hired to support the project, embarking on an extensive community engagement effort. This comprehensive process encompassed statistically valid mailed surveys, open link surveys, focus groups, leadership interviews, and the use of an interactive social engagement website. The heart of the community’s input was trail connectivity, driving dedicated discussions and becoming a central focus of the project.
In response to the community’s voice during this process, the project has immediately incorporated key recommendations derived from the input of local residents:
Enhancing Trailheads: Aiming to make trail entry points more accessible and inviting.
Uniform Signage: Implementing consistent wayfinding signage across parks and trails for improved navigation.
Closing Trail Gaps and Improving Wayfinding: Ensuring that missing trail sections are completed, and navigation support is enhanced.
Shade Improvements: Identifying areas in parks and along trails where shade structures are needed, prioritizing safety and comfort.
More news will be forthcoming as the project develops but the bottom line is that this is a great opportunity for area residents who love outdoor recreation. For more information you can visit the National Park Service’s website.
