Escambia County and International Paper invite the community to a ribbon cutting Thursday, Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. celebrating Paper Park, the newest park addition to the Cantonment area. The event will take place at the new park, which is located at the former International Paper golf course at 109 Mintz Lane. One or more Escambia County Commissioners may be in attendance.
Located on 68 acres, Paper Park features a playground, an 18-hole disc golf course, a walking path, and a pavilion with picnic tables. The park will be open each day from sunrise to sunset.
"I'm incredibly excited to bring this new amenity to our community, which I know will improve the quality of life for residents and young families in the area," District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said. "Projects like this are truly at the heart of what it means to be a public servant, and I look forward to seeing this park enjoyed by many, including myself and my family, for years to come. A big thank you to International Paper, and especially Whitney Fike and former mill manager Scott Taylor, for their wonderful partnership that made this park possible, and to all of our dedicated county staff who worked together to bring it to fruition."
The new playground offers play features for children of all ages, including six slides, a swing set, climbing structures, and more. The playground also features shade sails and benches. Through the project, Escambia County Parks and Recreation also added 49 parking spaces on Mintz Lane to make the park easily accessible.
“As a long-standing member of the Cantonment community, International Paper is excited to see the development of Paper Park,“ International Paper Pensacola Mill Manager Travis Jones said. “This initiative reflects our dedication to the community and having outdoor activities in our neighborhood. We look forward to seeing the park foster a community and become a cherished space for everyone to enjoy."
"We are thrilled to partner with Escambia County to bring Paper Park to life,” International Paper Regional Communications Manager Whitney Fike said. “This project is a testament to International Paper’s commitment to enriching the Cantonment community. By transforming the former golf course into a vibrant recreational area, Escambia County and International Paper are providing a space for families and individuals to enjoy and enhancing the overall quality of life in our neighborhood. Together with Escambia County, we are proud to be a force for good, creating lasting experiences and memories."
To learn more about parks and community centers in Escambia County, visit MyEscambia.com/parks.
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