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Master plan for 1,200‑acre Beulah Creek Headwaters project advances; county staff highlights minimal wetland impacts and ADA access
Summary
Consultants presented a master plan for the roughly 1,200‑acre Beulah Creek Headwaters regional park, describing a 2.6‑mile north–south trail, trailhead facilities, boardwalks, ADA access and coordination with DOT and permitting agencies; LAP federal funds cover planning and early design.
County planners and consultants presented a draft master plan for the Beulah Creek Headwaters and Regional Park during the May 18 Flagler County commission meeting.
Elizabeth Manley of Kimley‑Horn described a roughly 1,200‑acre nature preserve project with five primary components: a 2.6‑mile north–south multiuse trail, a trailhead with parking and restrooms, a creek picnic area with boardwalk replacements and observation platforms, waterfront enhancements (kayak/canoe launch) and a network of 2.7 miles of unpaved trails. The consultant said the project is funded through FDOT LAP funds for planning and the next design/permitting phase and that the team is staying within a NEPA Type 1 categorical exclusion to minimize permitting burden and wetland impacts (the plan aims to impact no more than half an acre of wetlands in locations requiring the least permitting).
Manley showed site maps, explained efforts to keep recreational improvements in upland areas, and described coordination with the water‑management district, Army Corps and Palm Coast Utilities on wetland mitigation and utility service at the trailhead. She said the planning phase included public meetings with strong turnout and that some additional upland areas discovered in recent field reconnaissance offer trail‑extension opportunities.
Commissioners asked practical questions about access, restroom siting and how kayaks would be brought to a launch. Residents at the meeting requested clearer gating plans, control of contractor access drives and updated printouts of the plan; staff said the restroom location had been moved north near an existing cul‑de‑sac and staff would provide plan copies and follow up on gate security.
Manley presented order‑of‑magnitude cost ranges by priority component and recommended treating the five listed components as implementation priorities rather than strict phases; the board expressed support and praised the public engagement to date.
