Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Escambia County opens Carpenter Creek Headwaters Park, emphasizing wetlands restoration
Summary
Escambia County Commissioner Lumen May and county natural-resources staff opened Carpenter Creek Headwaters Park on Olive Road, highlighting a three-part project to restore wetlands, improve stormwater treatment and add walking paths, boardwalks and wildlife viewing for District 3 residents.
Commissioner Lumen May opened the ribbon-cutting for Carpenter Creek Headwaters Park on Olive Road, identifying herself as "County Commissioner in District 3" and inviting residents to visit the new facility.
Beth Gala, of Escambia County's Natural Resources Management Department and the project's restoration construction manager and project manager, outlined the project's three goals: "to restore the wetlands," to manage stormwater for flood protection and water treatment, and to create a park for people to enjoy. Gala said crews removed invasive plants such as Chinese privet and cogongrass and planted native species including oaks and magnolias.
The stormwater portion of the project is designed to reduce local flooding and to treat runoff before it reaches Carpenter Creek by removing trash, sediment and oil from road runoff, Gala said. The recreational work added walking paths around the pond, boardwalks over the creek and a nature trail between planted areas where visitors can observe turtles and birds.
May described the project as an "environmental recreational project" that both protected habitat and provided amenities for the community. "If you're looking for a beautiful park, an opportunity to bring your families, please join us right here at Carpenter's Creek Park, the newest park in District 3 and the newest park in Escambia County," May said.
All of Escambia County's natural-resources staff invited the public to come enjoy the new park. The opening marked the completion of site work described by county staff; no funding specifics or subsequent administrative actions were announced during the remarks.
