Recreation meeting is Sept. 18
FROM STAFF REPORTS Gulf Breeze News news@gulfbreezenews.com

Utilizing resident input through a public meeting and survey, Santa Rosa County will create its first ever recreation master plan. The District 5 Recreation Master Plan will include the communities of Gulf Breeze, Tiger Point and Midway and will provide a framework for decisions for recreational areas in the future. The recreational needs study was initiated by County Commissioner John Broxson when local clubs commented current capacity at ballparks could not meet the demand. In addition to addressing needs for baseball, football, soccer and community centers, the plan will incorporate all aspects of community recreation including neighborhood parks, boat ramps, picnic areas, bike and walking trails, dog parks and recreational programs.

Resident input is needed to determine what facilities are currently being utilized and what types of recreational opportunities are missing from the area. Comments will be collected at a public meeting on Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Oriole Beach Elementary cafeteria located at 1260 Oriole Beach Road, Gulf Breeze. Additionally,

survey can be completed online through September 21 at http://santarosaparksurvey.org. Residents without internet access can receive a copy of the survey by visiting either the south-end service center located at 5819 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze or the Gulf Breeze Library located at 1060 Shoreline Drive, Gulf Breeze. A survey can also be obtained by calling 850-981- 7075.

Commissioner Broxson urges public participation in the planning process, stating: "By focusing on capacity, quality and affordability, we are working towards creating a plan that will serve the current community needs and its needs over the next 20 years. In order to create a plan that will serve all our residents, we need everyone's input- not just those who use the ballparks. I encourage all to complete the online survey and attend the meeting on Sept. 18."

After the survey closing date of Sept. 21, the community needs will be compared to facilities currently available, and a plan for the community for the next 20 years will be designed. Once the recreation plan is completed, Santa Rosa County officials will work towards funding the proposed improvements through public-private partnerships.