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Escambia County has no shortage of parks and recreational activities available to its residents. In fact, Escambia County is home to more than 100 parks and 16 community centers, each offering a vast array of resources and activities for all ages. From 2006 to the end of 2017, approximately $41 million of funds earned from the Local Option Sales Tax will have been invested in these amenities.
TAKE A SHORT SURVEY ABOUT PARKS & COMMUNITY CENTERS
Escambia County Parks
Community access to parks, trails, open spaces and recreational facilities provide increased opportunities for children and adults to be physically active. The Escambia County Parks and Recreation Department works in partnership with various youth athletic associations to provide team sports at parks throughout the County. Adult sport leagues also utilize the park amenities.
ARE PARKS IMPORTANT? – (from a research report by The Trust for Public Land)
ADA Enhancements – In 2013, the Escambia County Parks and Recreation Department enhanced the playground equipment for special needs children using Local Option Sales Tax funding at a cost of $300,000. Eight parks throughout the County received equipment targeted for children with special needs. These additions were placed adjacent to existing playground structures at their respective locations. This equipment is designed for children of all ages specifically to stimulate motor and sensory skills while providing enjoyment. An additional special needs playground is slated for completion fall 2014 at Regency Park in northeast Pensacola.
Examples of parks recently receiving LOST-funded improvements
Southwest Escambia Sportsplex - $8.5 million
Sitting on approximately 200 acres, the Southwest Escambia Sportsplex opened during the summer of 2013. The facility features lighted baseball, softball, soccer and football fields, an open play area, walking trails, playground, covered pavilions and ample parking. The Sportsplex was funded through the Local Option Sales Tax at a cost of approximately $8.5 million.
Video - Robertson Response: Southwest Sportsplex
Escambia County Equestrian Center - $2.8 million
The 151-acre Escambia County Equestrian Center is designed as a multi-function event facility. The Center is host to numerous horse shows, supporting both English and Western style equine events, Rodeos, dog shows, clinics, exhibitions, festivals, concerts, weddings and more that draw participants from around the country to the facility. Almost $3 million of Local Option Sales Tax dollars have funded The Equestrian Center, which opened its doors in 2002, and since 2013 alone the facility has generated nearly $14.5 million in economic impact to our community.
John R. Jones Athletic Park - $2.9 million
The John R. Jones Athletic Park sits on 70 acres and features 12 youth baseball fields, a football field, covered pavilion, playground, security lights and picnic area, which Local Option Sales Tax funded for nearly $3 million. Partnerships with the Youth Association of Northeast Pensacola and the Ensley Chiefs Football Association provide sports programming for the young people in the Ensley area.
Escambia County Community Centers
Community Centers in Escambia County are places for youth and adults alike to gather. Many of these facilities offer outdoor space including playgrounds, pavilions with picnic tables, walking paths and more.
PARKS AND RECREATION CENTERS BRING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER (from South University)
Play, Learn, Grown – Hosted by the Escambia County Department of Community Affairs, Play, Learn, Grow – a summer feeding and summer activity program – was held throughout the summer of 2014 at multiple County community centers. The program was free of charge for school-age participants and offered children an opportunity during summer days to stay physically active, learn new lessons within the classroom space and receive nutritious meals.
Molino Community Complex – Opened in spring 2013, approximately $3.7 million of Local Option Sales Tax monies were spent towards the Molino Community Center complex, which includes the old Molino School that was converted into a 15,600 square foot library, community center and museum, as well as a 7,000 square foot facility constructed for the Tax Collector and Property Appraiser. This facility also houses a polling station for early voting and elections.
Perdido Key Community Center – Escambia County’s newest community center facility, which is more formally known as the Perdido Key Fire Station, Community Center and Visitor Information Center, officially opened September 2013. The building is located at the site of the previous Perdido Key Fire Station and is host to the Escambia County Fire Rescue Station 19, the Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce and visitor information center and serves as a community center. Offices, meeting space and a helicopter landing pad for EMS and disaster recovery use are also featured at the 18,500 square foot facility that sits on more than 2 acres of land. This project was funded solely by the Local Option Sales Tax for $5.5 million.
Upcoming Meeting Schedule:
Additional public meetings will be held through November, with the dates announced on this web site, posted to the MyEscambia.com calendar.
For more information, visit MyEscambia.com/community/lost, follow @EscambiaLOST on Twitter for forthcoming information and email [email protected].
The mission of Escambia County government is to provide efficient, responsive services that enhance our quality of life, meet common needs and promote a safe and healthy community.
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