Clay County residents, here’s your chance to weigh in on the future of two local parks. In an effort to secure funds for planned enhancements, the county seeks public opinion on improvements at Doctors Lake Park and Moody Avenue Park. The proposals, detailed by the Clay County Board of County Commissioners, are backed by potential grants from the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program.
The agenda for Doctors Lake Park includes a new 180-ft fishing pier, a fresh bulkhead, the addition of a kayak launch, and a paved parking lot. These planned changes come with a $200,000 price tag and will be up for discussion during the 6:00 p.m. meeting on September 25. Likewise, at 6:30 p.m., those interested can learn about the proposed upgrades for Moody Avenue Park, which include installing ADA accessible playground equipment and improving both the rubber surfacing and underlying drainage system, another venture estimated at $200,000.
The gatherings, which invite public engagement and opinion, will take place at the Orange Park Library, 2054 Plainfield Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073. For residents unable to attend, Clay County is accepting written commentary via email at [email protected]. The comment period opens today and will close on September 27, 2024, at the end of the business day.
Those interested in a deeper dive into the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program grant applications, or in providing more nuanced feedback, can request copies by reaching out to the Grants Director via email at [email protected]. Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program, entrusted with championing projects like these, is funded by the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection—as outlined in Section 375.075 of the Florida Statutes, according to the Clay County.
With community-driven development at its core, these meetings and the subsequent improvements signify more than mere park enhancements, they are an acknowledgment of public space as a shared resource—one that demands the caretaking and vision of the people it serves. For further details, head to the county's official announcement at Clay County.
