Waterfront Park Trail Closure March 6-8

Construction enhancements at Waterfront Park will require a temporary 3-day closure of the shell path from March 6 to March 8. The shell path will be closed at the trail entrance on Waterfront Road and at the bridge that leads to Children’s Memorial Garden. During this time, there will be no alternate route to reach the trail.

This closure is required for the project to continue and is paramount for the safety of our trail users. The shell path will reopen on March 9. An electronic message board sign will be displayed regarding the closure. 

During the closure, contractors will: 

• Grade the retention area to the needed elevation.
• Conduct underground pipework across the path for drainage.
• Add additional shell material to raise the path.
• Install sod to protect the new retention slopes.

The City of Palm Coast has received a multi-year grant through the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) to enhance Waterfront Park by building non-motorized boat access through a floating dock for a launch area. This will provide access to kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, row boats, and others, further adding to residents’ recreational experience at one of Palm Coast’s most treasured parks.

Bringing water access to Waterfront Park has been part of the park’s master plan since 2005. The 20-acre park’s amenities currently include:

• Family picnic pavilions.
• A playground.
• A fishing pier.
• Trails connecting the City’s entire trail system.

It is also home to the Children’s Memorial Garden. The launch area will be available for public use on the Intracoastal Waterway for recreational activities. This project is expected to be completed in mid-August 2023.   

Improvement Update

The canal is being dredged and dirt is stockpiled on-site at Waterfront Park as construction for enhancements has officially begun. 

Hear from Eric Gebo, Stormwater & Engineering Architect for the City of Palm Coast, as he gives a brief project update on the construction being done at Waterfront Park in Palm Coast, Florida.

Eric explains all the exciting changes that are happening on-site and what residents can look forward to once this project is complete. The ground is prepped for the construction of a 60 x 100-foot concrete patio for public use. Dredging of the canal will deepen the waters for the installation of the kayak and boat launch. 

“It’s important to note that with all the construction happening at this beautiful park that the contractor has been diligent in trying to protect as many of the historic trees and underbrush existing on the site as possible,” said Eric Gebo, Stormwater & Engineering. “The dredged material is stockpiled and will be transferred to the future site of the Southern Recreation Center. This is a great example of making the best use of the materials we have on hand.”   

Residents are still able to access the shell path while the construction is ongoing. This project is expected to be completed in mid-August 2023.   

To read more details about the Waterfront Enhancement project information, click here.  

Groundbreaking Event

The City of Palm Coast has received a multi-year grant through the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) for enhancements to Waterfront Park to build non-motorized boat access. This will provide access for kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, row boats, and others, further adding to residents’ recreational experience at one of Palm Coast’s most treasured parks.

A groundbreaking event is planned for Wednesday, November 30 at 2:00 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, a rain date has been scheduled for Thursday, December 1 at 11:00 a.m. FIND Commissioner Randy Stapleford will deliver remarks on the project, as will Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin. The event is open to the public and all those who enjoy Waterfront Park. 

What: Waterfront Park Groundbreaking Event

Who: City of Palm Coast & FIND Commission

When: November 30, 2022  | 2:00 PM 

Where: 150 Waterfront Park Road, Palm Coast

For more information, contact the Communications and Marketing Department by emailing Communications@palmcoastgov.com

The City of Palm Coast has received a multi-year grant through the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) for enhancements to Waterfront Park to build non-motorized boat access through a floating dock for a launch area. This will provide access for kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, row boats, and others, further adding to residents’ recreational experience at one of Palm Coast’s most treasured parks.

The main Intracoastal Waterway Trail that runs along the water will remain open and accessible until just past the pavilions and also will include access to the restrooms and fishing pier. The second paved path near the parking lot will be closed in its entirety for construction. A detour trail access will be available from the first wooden bridge near the park’s entrance sign through to the remainder of the trail (along our Children’s Memorial Garden and beyond). Please note this detour just west of the parking lot will only be by the shell path. There will be signage for the detour prominently displayed at the park. 

A groundbreaking event is planned for Wednesday, November 30 at 2:00 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, a rain date has been scheduled for Thursday, December 1 at 11:00 a.m. FIND Commissioner Randy Stapleford will deliver remarks on the project, as will Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin. The event is open to the public and all those who enjoy Waterfront Park. 

The construction taking place at Waterfront Park may affect the viewing accessibility of the ever-popular Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade, presented by the Palm Coast Yacht Club, scheduled for December 3, 2022. The main entrance of Waterfront Park will be accessible to viewing the intracoastal, but space will be limited. Residents are encouraged to view the parade from St. Joe’s Walkway and Canopy Walk, with parking available at European Village and under the toll bridge. 

Bringing water access to Waterfront Park has been part of the park’s master plan since 2005. The 20-acre park's amenities currently include family picnic pavilions, a playground, a fishing pier, and trails that provide the linkage to the City's entire trail system. It is also home to the Children’s Memorial Garden. The launch area will be available for public use on the Intracoastal Waterway for recreational activities. 

Enhancements will be completed in two phases. In the first phase, dredging, site work, shoreline stabilization, dock installation, and a concrete pad installation will occur. This work is estimated to cost $1,200,000, split between the three-part FIND grant of $533,000 and city funds generated by impact fees at $462,000 and capital funds of $205,000. The second phase will expand parking and is estimated to cost $600,000 comprised of $228,000 in grant funds and $258,000 from city park impact fees and $114,000 from capital funds. The construction of the first phase will begin this week with completion in the summer of 2023.

Groundbreaking Event for the Southern Recreation Center and Lehigh Trailhead Improvements

Today was the official breaking ground for two exciting projects coming to Palm Coast - the Southern Recreation Center and Lehigh Trailhead Improvements. We want to thank both the FDOT and TDC for their support and contributions to make these projects possible!

Palm Coast to Break Ground on Southern Recreation Facility, Lehigh Trailhead

The City of Palm Coast is set to break ground on its new Southern Recreation Facility and Lehigh Trailhead this coming Sunday, February 12 at 9am at 1290 Belle Terre Parkway. 

The facility, part of Phase 2 of a Master Plan that previously included the Palm Coast Tennis Center (Est. 2008), will be partially funded by a $739,000 grant from the Flagler County Tourism Development Council (TDC). 

The remaining costs will be covered by Park Impact Fees and a contribution from the State Road 100 Community Redevelopment Agency (SR100 CRA) – all sources of revenue coming from outside the City of Palm Coast general fund.

The projects consists of approximately 63 acres of land in total that will include:

• A community building
• 12 pickleball courts
• restrooms
• locker rooms
• kitchen dining space
• lobby/balcony space
• an exterior patio
• 2 multi-purpose rooms available to the public
• community garden
• dog park
• exercise trail
• trailhead restrooms
• new parking lot

“The Southern Recreation Facility will provide residents with new programs, events, and a state-of-the-art complex where they can explore, connect and play while the Lehigh Trailhead will see some tremendous enhancements that will add a number of amenities to this popular city destination,” said James Hirst, City of Palm Coast Parks and Recreation Director. “With a growing population comes a growing demand for new avenues of recreational offerings, so we are excited to see these projects come to fruition and look forward to the new programs we will be able to offer as a result.”

These projects are slated for completion in 2024. The public is welcome to attend Sunday’s groundbreaking which will begin promptly at 9am. Parking for the event will be available at the Palm Coast Tennis Center.

TDC Grant

On August 15, the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) awarded the City of Palm Coast a $739,000 grant from the Flagler County Tourism Development Council (TDC) to aid in funding the construction of the Southern Recreation Facility. The TDC has previously approved the grant funds going to the City of Palm Coast at their July 20, 2022, meeting, but needed the Commission’s approval as the final step. 

Through the grant process, the TDC recommends funding for eligible capital projects as determined to be in the best interest of Flagler County tourism. There are no guarantees that applicants will be awarded funding. In addition, even though a project may qualify, limited funds may not allow all projects to receive assistance. The grant funding is drawn from revenue generated from a percentage of the tourism sales surtax collected. Decisions regarding the award of funds are at the sole discretion of the TDC and BOCC. 

“The community of Palm Coast was designed to be the perfect place to live, offering a balanced blend of the natural environment and recreational amenities. The pillar sports were tennis, golf, and watersports; these three amenities were designed to serve as magnets to attract potential residents and investors.” George A. Libonate Jr. wrote in the Palm Coast Historical Society’s newsletter years ago.

The existing Tennis Center is on the property of the Southern Recreation Facility. It is approximately 63 acres and is located off of Belle Terre Parkway near the entrance to the popular Lehigh Trailhead. Phase 1 of the Master Plan was constructed in 2008 and features 10 Full-Size Clay Courts as well as a Temporary Clubhouse. The construction of Phase 2 of the Master Plan will accommodate two major projects: the Lehigh Trailhead Project and the Southern Recreation Facility Project. 

The Lehigh Trailhead Project will feature an expansion of amenities including community gardens, a dog park, and an exercise trail. The Southern Recreation Facility, which was awarded the TDC grant, will feature a Community Building and 12 Pickleball courts. The Southern Recreation Facility Community Building will consist of administration offices, restrooms, locker rooms, kitchen dining space, public access to 2 multi-purpose rooms, lobby space, an exterior patio, and balcony space. The exterior of the facility will consist of 12 pickleball courts, in which 6 will be lighted and covered for all-season use. 

“As a place to explore, connect, and play – the Palm Coast Southern Recreation Facility will be both an asset to residents and a regional destination for tourists,” said James Hirst, City of Palm Coast Parks & Recreation Director. “We are genuinely excited to see these enhancements come to life providing a home to many programs, events, and sports tournaments. The Palm Coast Southern Recreation Center will better assist our community with its ever-growing need for recreation space.”

In addition to the funds from the TDC grant, the Recreation Facility project is funded by revenue sources outside of the general fund for the City of Palm Coast. Funding has been made possible by the TDC grant, Park Impact Fee, and State Road 100 Community Redevelopment Agency (SR100 CRA). 

The City of Palm Coast plans to move forward with construction of the Southern Recreation Facility in the coming months will a tentative completion date of December 2023.

Project Update

The City of Palm Coast continues to work with Gilbane Building Co. for the construction of the Regional Racquet Center at the site of the Palm Coast Tennis Center. Currently, the project is in the design phase and moving into the permitting stage. Site data collection is in progress. Updated renderings of the project will be available in the coming weeks. The groundbreaking for construction is projected for 2023.

Frequent updates to transform the Palm Coast Tennis Center into a Regional Racquet Center are developing, and reflect a design inclusive of the community's needs

The facility has become a popular amenity among residents who play tennis. By the end of fiscal year 2019, total attendance to the tennis center reached 14,293. In 2020, that number grew to 17,000. According to the United States Tennis Association, tennis participation surged among Americans during the pandemic last year. The sport saw an unprecedented 22 percent increase in overall participation compared to the previous year because it's the perfect social distancing activity

Detour Extended to Apr. 28

While construction is currently underway near the Lehigh Trailhead, we want to inform residents that access to the trail along Belle Terre Parkway will be inaccessible for the next several weeks while crews work to install new enhancements along the trail.

In order to provide a safe alternative for residents to enjoy, we have created a detour along Royal Palms Parkway in the meantime. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to build our future here in the City of Palm Coast.

Detour Extended to Feb. 28

Construction on the Lehigh Trailhead Project off Belle Terre Parkway will require a partial trail closure beginning January 25, 2023. The contractor will begin work on the restroom facility, which will cause closures to the trail from Royal Palms Parkway and Belle Terre Parkway to Royal Palms Parkway and Town Center Boulevard.

With the trail entrance closed, trail users will be routed down the sidewalk on Royal Palms Parkway where they can reconnect with the trail at Town Center Boulevard. The trailhead is expected to be closed from January 25, 2023, through February 28, 2023, at which time the trail entrance will reopen. 

Currently, the dirt parking lot at the Lehigh trailhead and the sidewalk that runs along the parking area is closed. Visitors to the area must park across Belle Terre Parkway in the grass lot and use the designated crosswalk at Belle Terre Pkwy and Royal Palms Pkwy. It is important for visitors to use the crosswalk for their own safety, as well as for the safety of others. The closure and parking arrangements are in place to allow for necessary construction and improvements to the trailhead area. Construction is expected to be completed by November 2023. 

To discover more about this project, visit the Capital Projects dashboard at palmcoast.gov/engineering.  To view progress on current park enhancement projects, visit palmcoast.gov/parks-and-recreation/projects. 

Construction on the Lehigh Trailhead Project off Belle Terre Parkway will require a partial trail closure beginning January 25, 2023. The contractor will begin work on the restroom facility, which will cause closures to the trail from Royal Palms Parkway and Belle Terre Parkway to Royal Palms Parkway and Town Center Boulevard.

With the trail entrance closed, trail users will be routed down the sidewalk on Royal Palms Parkway where they can reconnect with the trail at Town Center Boulevard. The trailhead is expected to be closed from January 25, 2023, through February 8, 2023, at which time the trail entrance will reopen. 

Currently, the dirt parking lot at the Lehigh trailhead and the sidewalk that runs along the parking area is closed. Visitors to the area must park across Belle Terre Parkway in the grass lot and use the designated crosswalk at Belle Terre Pkwy and Royal Palms Pkwy. It is important for visitors to use the crosswalk for their own safety, as well as for the safety of others. The closure and parking arrangements are in place to allow for necessary construction and improvements to the trailhead area. Construction is expected to be completed by November 2023.

Construction on the Lehigh Trailhead Project off of Belle Terre Parkway will commence on January 23, 2023. The project enhances the popular path by providing ADA-compliant paved parking with more than 60 parking spaces, a restroom, and a water fountain. The project also includes community gardens, a dog park, lighting, and pavilions.

The dirt parking lot at the Lehigh trailhead and the sidewalk that runs along the parking area will close starting Monday, January 23, for the duration of construction. Visitors to the area must park across Belle Terre Parkway in the grass lot and use the designated crosswalk at Belle Terre Pkwy and Royal Palms Pkwy to access the trailhead. It is important for visitors to use the crosswalk for their own safety, as well as for the safety of others. The closure and parking arrangements are in place to allow for necessary construction and improvements to the trailhead area. Construction is expected to be completed by November 2023. 

This project supports the City Council’s priority pillar of safe and reliable services and promotes collaboration with Flagler County on the Countywide Parks Master Plan. It is also a direct result of great partnerships and inter-agency cooperation by the City of Palm Coast, the Florida Department of Transportation, and the River to Sea Transportation Planning Organization.City planners worked with staff from both organizations to amend FDOT’s 5-year Work Program and the River to Sea TPO’s 5-year Transportation Improvement Plan to make this project a reality.  

This project was made possible by a grant for $1.24 million provided by the Florida Department of Transportation. Residents and visitors to Palm Coast also help contribute to improvements at city amenities through spending locally, which is highlighted in the city’s Be Local Buy Local campaign. A portion generated through the small county surtax and the local government half-cent sales tax comes back to the community to pay for capital improvement projects. This is another example of how shopping local helps not just the businesses, but also the community.

In addition to sales tax, recreation impact fees are also utilized. This means every new dwelling unit constructed in Palm coast pays an impact fee that is used to pay for a portion of recreation capacity improvement projects.

To discover more about this project, visit the Capital Projects dashboard at palmcoast.gov/engineering