On Thursday, June 18, the Board of County Commissioners awarded a contract to HDR, Inc. to plan and design the long-awaited Hollice T. Williams Stormwater Park, located under the I-110 overpass from Maxwell Street to Wright Street, in the City of Pensacola.
The Hollice T. Williams Stormwater Park is a RESTORE Direct Component (Pot 1) funded project. Design will include stormwater management improvements, dual-use recreational fields, multi-use paths, landscaping, lighting, early learning activities, a skate park and programmed art space. HDR Inc. has completed similar projects, including the historic Fourth Ward Park and Rodney Cook Sr. Park in Atlanta.
“I am thrilled to see this project honor the life and legacy of Hollice T. Williams, the first African American city councilperson in Pensacola,” said District 3 Commissioner Lumon May. “The park will be a one of a kind, urban green space and an amazing public amenity that all walks of life in our community can enjoy for years to come.”
The park will not only serve to significantly improve stormwater management for the I-110 corridor, but will also reconnect the fabric of the neighborhood by creating a place the entire community can enjoy.
“I’m excited to see this significant step forward for such a positive, impactful project for our city and our entire community,” Mayor Grover Robinson said. “I am looking forward to gathering input from the public and continuing to work with the county to bring this project to fruition.”
Citizens will be engaged in the design process through a series of public workshops, surveys and interviews.