Story courtesy WZEP AM 1460
When the new U.S. 331 Clyde Wells second bridge is built, the current Bayside Park will go away to be replaced with a new park and an upgrade. Currently the bridge has the park, boat docks and fishing on the old bridge. With a new causeway and second bridge, these features will be supersized and updated.
The District Three Florida Department of Transportation says the conceptual park layout was prepared by their Design Build Team – Skanska and Parsons Brinkerhoff. They note the concept is draft and subject to change. Once the design is at the 90% done stage, the FDOT will send the plans to the Walton County Commissioners along with the County Engineer for review.
The FDOT says that since the new park is being constructed to mitigate for the loss of the existing park facility and the boat ramps along the causeway, their contract required at a minimum the following facilities be included:
- 380 ft wooden fishing pier
- Four boat ramps
- Six, 55 ft. docks along the boat ramps
- Three 24’ x 24’ picnic shelters
- Restrooms
- Three fishing platforms
- A scenic overlook
- Parking for 21 boat trailers and 71 spaces for other vehicles
The design calls for the overhead power to be removed. There will be a boardwalk and small fishing piers for pedestrians. Those with mobility problems will have a fishing area they can use with more ease. Right now, the design has some of the shelters extended out over the water. The design also shows the new park, docks and fishing features on the south end of the bridge with parking under the bridge. There currently are some of these features, less than the Bayside park on the north end, in this location.
Click here to see proposed plans: https://docs.google.com/file/