Bay County parks staff review playground, pier and trail projects; approve minutes

Bay County parks staff on an advisory meeting reviewed completed and upcoming recreation projects across the county and discussed outreach and funding strategies for new trails and features, while the board approved the July 17 meeting minutes by voice vote.

Staff member Vince summarized recent and ongoing construction and maintenance: the recently completed Beach Access 1; parking and access conditions at Beach Access 2 and 3 near Newby's Curve; completion of Bayou George Playground and a new basketball court; renderings and plans for new playgrounds at High Point and Ira Hutchison; a pier rebuild at McCall Everett; replacement of deteriorated tee pads at Majet with concrete; and the walkover bridge and new sidewalks under construction at Majet. Vince also said the department ordered replacement pier panels this year (about 157 panels) and is procuring trash cans, bleachers and other site furnishings for the Southport Complex, which the staff expects to complete in mid-February (completion timeline discussed by staff; final dates not specified in the meeting).

Nut graf: The projects affect multiple neighborhood parks and regional facilities and involve a mix of county construction, vendor partnerships and community…