Highlighted features included the fishing pier, playground, kayak/paddleboarding, trail system.
The City of Palm Coast’s Waterfront Park was awarded the 2024 Great Places in Florida People’s Choice Award by the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association at a City Council meeting on Feb. 18. The park was one of three finalists for the award, which also included Lake Shore Drive in Lake Park, and Ringling Trail in the City of Sarasota.
Since the award’s inception in 2013, municipalities have been encouraged to identify and nominate memorable places that work for the good of their community and attract visitors. Nominated locations are expected to embody cultural and historical interest, community involvement and a vision for tomorrow. For 2024, the theme was Great Places Exemplifying Safe Mobility for All.
“For years, Waterfront Park has been one of the best examples of outdoor recreation in our city that really has something for everyone,” said City of Palm Coast Parks and Recreation Director James Hirst. “We’re so proud to be recognized by the APA.”
The three finalists were selected by the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association, and winners were determined by a public voting process on the organization’s website between Sept. 3 and Oct. 7. Highlighted features from the Waterfront Park nomination included the fishing pier, playground, covered patio, kayak/paddleboarding, picnic pavilions, trail system as well as its natural beauty and ecological diversity along the Intracoastal.