CRESTVIEW — The Community Redevelopment Agency will discuss feasible master plan components that could improve residents' quality of life at a future, unscheduled meeting.
However, after three years of discussion, board members finally have an idea of what's possible.
See a map of suggested improvements>>
In addition to a skate park on Twin Hills Park's north side, proposed projects include:
• A linear park connecting the Wilson Street parking lot and historic district with Twin Hills Park
• Converting the Amtrak shelter into public restrooms for downtown events and linear park users
• Constructing a near-replica of the historic Crestview Depot, demolished in the 1970s, for use as a tourist welcome center, meeting hall and possible museum
•Constructing a dog park, including a small-dog section, on a site previously considered at Twin Hills Park's southwest corner
•Turning a natural slope into an amphitheater with terraced grass seating
•Building a boathouse, dock and deck area for pedal boat and canoe rentals
• Creating a static military tribute display
• Installing fountains to aerate the main pond
City planner Eric Davis first presented the preliminary master plan during the CRA's April 14 workshop. The board has close to $1 million for projects to enhance the district.
CRA President Robyn Helt said she was encouraged to see the plan in writing.
"This has been over three years of bantering around and discussion and dreaming — some would say pipe-dreaming — to get to this point where we can put something on a piece of paper," she said.
"I am happy that all of the pieces, I feel, are now on the table and everyone is cohesively on board to see these things come to fruition."
Davis did not provide costs for the plan. Except for proposed parking and a strip of pedestrian walkway on CSX Railway property, no additional land acquisition would be required, he said.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Dog park, boathouse, dock and deck among suggested Twin Hills improvements (MAP)