- April 15, 2024
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Flagler County Scenic and Historic Coastal Byways advocacy group Friends of A1A, has received a grant for park improvements.
In an effort to enhance Florida’s historic byways, the Federal Department of Transportation has announced a grant of $560,000 awarded to Flagler County’s A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byways, for access improvements at River to Sea Preserve and Varn Park.
Improvements include expanded parking areas, bathroom improvements, enhanced signage, expanded recreational facilities, trail development, canoe and kayak launches, dune walkovers and other upgrades.
According to a U.S. Rep. John Mica press release, “This should enhance tourism and help upgrade the aging infrastructure.”
Sallie O’Hara, president of Friends of A1A, the local Scenic and Historic Coastal Byways nonprofit advocacy group, agrees.
She was the writer of the recently awarded grant, and has aided in directing over $5 million to the county through her organization in the last 10 or so years.
Some past roadway improvements O’Hara has led include landscaping, park and pier improvements and the creation of marketing materials.
In accordance with FDOT and the state’s corridor management plan, Friends of A1A works to “preserve, protect and promote” all 92 miles of Flagler County’s scenic corridors.
People know about Varn Park, O’Hara explains. “It’s right on A1A, a popular hangout,” she says. But River by the Sea Preserve is tucked away in the back of Marineland.
“It’ll be a nice unveiling of the park itself,” says O’Hara, especially combined with the advertisements Georgia Aquarium has planned for their newly acquired Marineland Dolphin Adventure.
“It’s going have a blossoming,” O’Hara predicts. “ ... As the population increases ... (residents) will be looking for out-of-the way places, unique and undisturbed … ripe for exploration.”
The Preserve is also the site for the second-annual Environmental Education, on May 21.
