🏞️ County unveils concept for 1.6-mile community park
👨👩👧👦 Residents helped design features and layout
🐾 Trails, playgrounds, and river overlooks planned
CRESTVIEW — Okaloosa County officials unveiled conceptual plans Tuesday for a new public recreation space in Crestview known as Patriot Park, a 1.6-mile green corridor featuring walking trails, pavilions, and play areas developed in partnership with residents of the Patriot Ridge neighborhood.
During a presentation before the Okaloosa County Commission, Jeff Peters, the county’s Facility and Parks Director, described the project as a “unique park” designed to reflect community priorities gathered through months of collaboration.
“About six months ago, [county staff] met with the neighborhood committee,” Peters said. “They show up to the meeting with energy and really are excited about having this park in their neighborhood.”
The concept, designed by Kimley-Horn, a design and engineering firm, originated from discussions between county staff and residents who volunteered to guide the park’s development. Peters said the early planning meetings produced a ‘vision’ that shaped the conceptual master plan presented this week.
Renderings depict a sprawling linear park that stretches across the Patriot Ridge area, connected by a continuous loop trail. Highlights include a children’s obstacle course, dog park areas for small and large dogs, multiple bridges, playgrounds, and scenic overlooks along the river.
“Until you actually walk it or jog it, it’s such a big area,” Peters said. “There are a lot of things that can be done in this park.”
The park’s west entrance will include parking, a pavilion, restrooms, and a playground. The east side will feature pickleball courts, another pavilion, and additional parking. Peters said the park will also include a walkout deck overlooking the river and a low-ropes course designed for teenagers.
“Some of the bridges that were in very bad condition have been replaced,” Peters noted. “That was one of the major concepts to get completed first so that we can continue with the project.”
Commission Chairman Paul Mixon, whose district includes the project area, emphasized that the idea for the park stemmed directly from residents.
Mixon recalled hosting a town hall meeting at Live Oak Baptist Church, where maps of the area were displayed and attendees were invited to join a citizen advisory committee. That group worked closely with Peters and other county staff to shape the design.
“It’s not the typical pathway,” Mixon said. “This really does allow this platform of the community speaking into what they get to see as the end result. I really appreciate the process that’s taken place.”
Following Peters’ presentation and Mixon’s comments, the County Commission voted unanimously to approve the concept plan.
Peters said he plans to work with Kimley-Horn to refine the design details once final approval is secured and move the project toward construction.
“It’s been a fun project to be a part of so far,” he said. “Getting into construction is going to be even better.”
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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