Legion Park improvements set for public bid amid neighborhood concerns over design and stormwater

Walton County commissioners approved advertising an invitation to bid (ITB) for improvements to Legion Park, but several residents and nearby stakeholders asked the county to provide fuller public engagement before finalizing plans.

The county’s project manager said the work would include sidewalks, a splash pad, a new playground, entry drive improvements, one new pickleball court, and resurfacing of the basketball court. Staff said a stormwater design change required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection altered earlier plans and required rework; a TRC meeting remains to be completed.

Several neighbors and frequent park users told commissioners they had not seen current detailed plans and that public input had been limited. Resident Sarah Moss said some park users specifically wanted two upgraded pickleball courts similar to a nearby facility, while resident Donna Johns asked that the county avoid repeatedly bringing the project to the consent agenda where public input is limited.

County staff said the advertised ITB would proceed but committed to distribute updated renderings and permit drawings to members of the commission and to post the most current plans to the project web page. Commissioners approved the motion to advertise the ITB, and staff said a later step — bid opening and board approval of construction contracts — would provide another opportunity for review and comment.