St. Augustine CRA approves revisions to Hailing Freedom Park plan after bird-habitat concerns

The St. Augustine Community Redevelopment Agency on a motion approved changes to the Robert B. Hailing Freedom Park master plan, removing a proposed Marsh Overlook, reinstating a previously proposed pathway realignment, and eliminating several picnic-table access “fingers” that would have extended into marsh-edge habitat.

The vote followed extended public comment from neighborhood residents and the St. Johns Regional Audubon, technical explanations from staff and the project designer, and discussion among commissioners about bird habitat, site constraints and park amenities. The motion was approved by roll call: Barbara Blonder, Jim Springfield, John DePrater, Cynthia Garris and Nancy Sykes Klein voted yes (5–0).

The change matters because the park sits on the Lincolnville peninsula adjacent to sensitive marsh habitat and on top of a capped landfill. Residents and environmental advocates advocated preserving quiet, passive areas and potential wintering habitat for sparrows; other residents and commissioners said the master plan advances long-delayed improvements and historic recognition for Lincolnville.

Staff proposed the revision after recent input from the St. Johns Regional Audubon and other stakeholders. JB D. Perkins, neighborhood services and CRA…