Walton County Beach Operations Director Brian Kellenberger recently shared news about upcoming municipal parking projects with the Walton County Tourist Development Council.
Referring to the Driftwood Road Municipal Parking Facility, Director Kellenberger said the construction bid was awarded to Elite Building Group for $2,210,719.12 at the April 22 Walton County Commission meeting.
This project includes 70 parking spaces, dedicated ADA, low-speed vehicle spaces, bicycle parking, and electric vehicle charging stations. The facility also includes a restroom building with sidewalk connectivity to Miramar Beach Reginal Beach Access. Kellenberger said construction is expected to begin in June and should take approximately 11 months to complete.
He also updated progress on other projects sure to enhance the area and appeal to seasonal visitors.
Among them is the Kellogg Park Nature/Community Center. Kellenberger said this 1600-square-foot assembly-type building will be built at the existing park location off Nursery Road and feature traditional coastal cottage architecture.
Included in the design will be an observation deck on the upper level for nature viewing. He said they anticipate beginning construction in June. Construction is expected to take approximately 11 months.
Kellenberger also talked about improvements at Legion Park. He said the proposed improvements will include revamping the entry drive/parking area, stormwater systems, basketball court, volleyball court, and installation of a splash pad, picnic pavilions, new playground equipment, an additional pickleball court, plus site lighting, and two small piers. Kellenberger said the design phase is nearly complete, and they have applied for a development order.
He also gave brief updates regarding other south Walton projects. These included the proposed new Visitor Center, Discovery Center and DMO Administration facility. The redesign is underway for a 14,000-18,000-square-foot two-story facility located on US Hwy 331S. Once completed, this facility will house the new visitor/discovery center as well as administrative offices for the Tourism department.
Kellenberger also mentioned a beach parcel acquired at the Eastern Lake outfall (approximately three acres) to be developed into a public beach access. The components to be included have not been determined, but public workshops will be held to receive public input on how to develop.
Finally, a 4.5 acre parcel in Miramar Beach will be used for a beach-related municipal parking project and property development will be included in the overall design/permit efforts for the Driftwood Road-Ellis Road corridor.
