Representatives from the Florida State Park System invited me to join them for a ribbon cutting in D1 at Big Lagoon State Park Friday |
Like a lot of our area did--Big Lagoon State Park in Perdido in District 1 took a huge hit during Hurricane Sally in September of 2020.
The state has subsequently invested millions of dollars into the rehabilitation of the facility.
A rebuilt pavillion and observatory deck, a repaired observatory, repaired boardwalks, a repaved roadway through the park, and much, much more.
So this past Friday dignitaries from the state of Florida's Parks department descended on Pensacola to come out and "cut the ribbon" at the newly revitalized facility.
The local park superintendent, the regional supervisor of the parks, and also the state's park system director, Chuck Hatcher, were all present.
Because this park is in District 1--I was also invited to speak and celebrate the ribbon cutting, which I did.
There were about 100 citizens and others present for the event to see the new facility and hear from the dignitaries present. "We have more than 1000 employees and we take pride in parks like this one in Perdido." said Hatcher. "We brought in $85 Million in revenue and we appreciate the state of Florida's support for our parks system" he continued. "For many years we were the only gold medal winning state park system that had repeated this honor multiple times--until recently when Delaware earned a second Gold Medal for their state park system. But Florida stands out: We not only have won the Gold Medal for quality--but we are the only state that has won this honor four times."
Hatcher and the other parks personnel thanked the citizens who volunteer to help operate the park, and then refreshments and a trolley tour of the facility was offered for all in attendance.
It was a beautiful day, and this is a beautiful facility--I encourage all Escambia Citizens to visit!
Read more about Big Lagoon State Park
Read more about the Florida Parks Service
Great, love big lagoon Cant wait to kayak there again Now lets push the state to get east parking lot open of the beach state park. Better yet, lets help them expand both east and west lots and pay them the parking fee for any county resident to enjoy that great, empty public beach
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