The City of Lynn Haven will celebrate the grand opening of the Lynn Haven Bayou Park and Preserve on June 29 at 9 a.m. The new Lynn Haven Bayou Park and Preserve is located behind Deer Point Elementary School on CR 2321, and nestled along North Bay and McKithen’s Bayou.
The new park features six trails, boardwalks with scenic overlooks, disc golf, pavilions, boat ramps, ADA kayak launch, a playground, fitness loop, outdoor classroom, and restroom facilities.
The Park was funded by Early Restoration Natural Resource Damage Assessment fees and penalties from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill that affected the region in 2010, the largest environmental disaster and settlement in United States history. As part of the settlement, The Trust for Public Land has helped build or expand waterfront parks in six communities in western Florida, with the Lynn Haven Bayou Park & Preserve being the largest and final project to be completed.
“We are proud the Lynn Haven Bayou Park & Preserve is now open to the community,” said Doug Hattaway, senior Project Manager for The Trust for Public Land. “Between the economic impacts from Deepwater Horizon and the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Michael, the people of Lynn Haven deserve a place where they can come together, recreate and experience the restorative benefits of nature.”
The Trust for Public Land partnered with FDEP to invest over $15 million of these Early Restoration funds to purchase the land and construct the park. Additionally, FDEP and the City have entered into a 10-year operations and maintenance agreement for another $3.5M.
“The city has awaited a very long time for this park to come fruition,” said Vickie Gainer, City Manager for the City of Lynn Haven. “It’s a one-of-a-kind park in Bay County that offers a pristine and beautiful environment for families, individuals, organizations and school groups to interact and experience the beauty and growth of Lynn Haven.”
“DEP is pleased to partner with The Trust for Public Land and the City of Lynn Haven to provide residents and visitors of this region additional outdoor recreational opportunities,” said DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein. “Especially in the wake of a disaster like Deepwater Horizon, it is important to restore the natural resources that are the foundation of the economy and way of life of this community.”
The city anticipates state and local officials to attend the grand opening along with dignitaries and representatives from Trust for Public Land and Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The public is invited.
About The Trust for Public Land
The Trust for Public Land creates parks and protects land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come. Millions of people live near a Trust for Public Land park, garden, or natural area, and millions more visit these sites every year. To support The Trust for Public Land and share why nature matters to you, visit www.tpl.org.