Located on County Road 393 is another completed parking facility less than 2/10 of a mile from the Ed Walline public beach access on 30A. This 83 parking space facility will help with the heavy demand for parking when residents and visitors make their way to the beach during peak seasons, when the search for a parking space is difficult. The beautiful “Wave Design” Pavilion on the 2.3-acre site was designed by Anthony “Tony” Vallée of McWhorter Vallee Design Inc. The Transit Pavilion on the property is impressive because of its ‘wave’ inspired rooftop that has a wonderful skylight ceiling with bathroom accommodations for those who are heading to the beach.
County Administrator Brian Kellenberger talked about the thanked Branch McClendon of RBM Contracting Services, who “took it [the property] from a forested piece of vacant land into this municipal parking facility with a really cool building that serves as a restroom and bus [Beach Tram] stop.
The County Administrator gave a brief history of this important project, stating that the land was purchased in 2019 for approximately $3.7 million. The engineering for the project was approximately $110,000. The contract for construction was “a little over $2 million. The “wave” pavilion building is approximately 1000 square feet. Kellenberger shared that the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) many years ago instructed him to “go find some land.” He added that their objective was to build public parking facilities.
Kellenberger shared that the project was a step away from the traditional coastal cottage architecture of the past, and he said that the new and innovative design, although appealing, was “pretty hard construction.” He continued, “We had to cast-in-place concrete block structural steel, translucent roof system, all together in a pretty small compact package. And I think that if I had some knowledge [of the complexity of the project] that I have now – a year and a half ago, I’d maybe [would] do something different.” Those in attendance laughed at his remark.
He praised the uniqueness of the structure and the utilitarian aspects of the future “tram system” that will service this location (and other major 30A beach parking facilities) in the future. The ‘Grayton Tram’ that services Grayton Beach will be the model for the “Beach Tram” that will serve our visitors and residents by transporting riders east and west on 30A. Kellenberger stated that the vision for the Beach Tram (which will service the new 393 Transit Pavilion) has two primary goals.
Kellenberger showcased two of the Beach Trams that are ready for service, and he acknowledged Tabitha “Tabby” Bolen, Transportation Manager, who, with her team, is putting a plan in place to expand on the one that ‘rolled out’ last year in Grayton Beach. Kellenberger told attendees to anticipate a more formal transportation system notification/launch in late February or March of 2026.
He indicated that the new 393 parking facility will serve Ed Walline Beach and Dune Allen Beach. The Grayton Beach Beach Tram will serve visitors parking at Grayton Remote Parking and continue service to Grayton Beach, and include service west to Blue Mountain and Gulf View Heights. Kellenberger said that the Grayton Tram will also make a stop at the 393 Transit Pavillion.
Closing his remarks, Kellenberger said, “In the future, if we’re going to do something different here. This whole parking lot has been designed [for expansion], and we can go up with a vertical structure and add more parking. Right now, it’s a surface parking lot. It’s going to operate as designed, and I predict it [the lot] will be full every day, and it will also be part of a “pay for parking” program.” He continued, “…Coming March 1, as well,, there’ll be the three larger parking lots of Walton County – paid for parking [lots].” The County Administrator shared that the details for that process are still “in process.” He did mention that there will most likely be a “reduced cost pass” or some type of annual pass for locals.
Commissioner Donna Johns (District 4 ) shared with delight the opening of this much needed parking facility to the West End of 30A. Johns said, “It’s one of the important parts of everything here, not just to get us to the beach, but…for locals and tourists, to be able to have somewhere to safely park their car – and that’s been a big issue.” She described the difficulty of parking along busy roads and the danger of pulling onto the road when you can’t easily see if another car is close by. She added, “It’s just so nice to have such great, beautiful parking lots and the structure behind us [referring to the 393 Transit Pavilion]…I am appreciative of Brian [Kellenberger] and his entire crew – all of you that had your hand in this…I understand what Brian’s saying…sometimes people don’t really like change, but once it’s done, they’re happy it’s done.
Brian Kellenberger returned to the podium to share that 100% of the expense for the Parking Facility and Pavilion was funded by the Tourist Development Tax. He added, “That’s the tax that visitors pay when they come to stay in a “short-term rental.” It’s not your ad valorem tax. It’s not your sales tax. It’s not anything that comes out of your pocket.”
The Ribbon Cutting took place immediately following in front of the new “Wave Pavilion.” County Commissioners in attendance were Chairwoman Donna Johns, Danny Glidewell, Dan Curry, and Tony Anderson.
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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