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Parks advisory board recommends updated Majette-area master plan to Bay County commission
Summary
A consultant presented a revised master plan for the northern portion of a large park property; the board voted to forward the plan to the county commission with a recommendation. The plan increases buffers from adjacent residences, relocates the pump/BMX tracks and adds an amphitheater footprint modeled on Lynn Haven's facility.
At a Bay County Parks Advisory Board meeting, a consultant identified in the transcript as Ray Greer presented a July revision of a park master plan focused on the north portion of a large property, and the board voted to send the plan to the Bay County Commission with a recommendation.
Greer said the July revision incorporated public and board feedback gathered since an April workshop and a May draft. He described multiple changes in the north area near the existing parks department office and an emergency management/community center drive: the vegetation buffer along Majette Tower Road was increased from about 25 feet to roughly 80 feet; the pump track was relocated away from the road to a more centralized area alongside other bike facilities; a bathroom was added near that cluster; and an amphitheater footprint modeled on the Lynnhaven Amphitheater was incorporated and sited to balance elevation and distance from nearby residences.
Greer also said the BMX track was moved toward the center of the site, adjacent to parking, with a mountain-bike trail routed through wooded, hillier areas; the existing cross-country loop was retained. He told the board that stormwater and ponding issues remain uncertain: geotechnical studies will be required to determine whether the designed ponding areas will function, so he reduced the pond footprint in the July plan and expanded a “future development area” to allow flexibility.
Board members who spoke praised the outreach and participation during the workshop process, noting the plan incorporated feedback from clubs, neighbors and staff. One board member emphasized the importance of tree planting on the property to provide shade and urged commissioners to encourage pedestrian and bicycle connections from nearby planned housing developments.
The board made and seconded a motion to forward the master plan to the county commission with a recommendation; the chair called for the question and members responded “aye.” The motion carried by voice vote. Greer and board members discussed next steps, including site-specific technical work such as geotechnical surveys, stormwater planning and phased design for specific facilities.
Ending: The advisory board recommended the revised master plan be forwarded to the Bay County Commission; staff and consultants said subsequent technical studies and phased design work would be needed before construction of major structures.
