- April 15, 2024
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FIND Commissioner Randy Stapleford presents a check to Councilmen Ed Danko and Nick Klufas, Director of Stormwater and Engineering Carl Cote and City Manager Denise Bevin. Photo by Sierra Williams
FIND Commissioner Randy Stapleford, Councilmen Nick Klufas and Ed Danko and Flagler County Commissioner David Sullivan break ground on the Waterfront Park project. Photo by Sierra Williams
Hard hats and gold shovels for the ceremony. Photo by Sierra Williams
City employees and others who had a hand in the project attend the groundbreaking ceremony. Photo by Sierra Williams
After a successful groundbreaking ceremony, the Waterfront Park construction project is underway.
The project will add a water access point for non-motorized boats like kayaks and canoes to the park, and is being funded by the City of Palm Coast and the Florida Inland Navigation District. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Wednesday Nov. 30 at 2 p.m.
"This place is really special," City Manager Denise Bevin said. "It's a beautiful park that really takes nature into consideration."
The ceremony had remarks from Bevin, Councilman Nick Klufas, FIND Commissioner Randy Stapleford and Saboungi Construction, Inc. owner Hassan Saboungi. During the ceremony, Stapleford presented the Klufas, Bevin, Councilman Ed Danko and Carl Cote, director of Stormwater and Engineering at the city, with a $533,000 check representing FIND's financial contribution to the project.
"Palm Coast is most grateful for the support we've received from FIND," Klufas said.
The park's main paved trail along the water will be open up to just past the pavilions, including the restrooms and fishing pier, a press release from the city said. The second paved path near the parking lot will be closed for the duration of construction, but a detour, shell-paved path will be available for residents to use, it said. The detour will begin at the first wooden bridge at the park's entrance and signs will be displayed directing guests to it.
For the Palm Coast Boat Parade on Dec. 3, while the park will be open, space will be limited. Residents are encouraged to use St. Joe’s Walkway and Canopy Walk, the press release said. Parking will be available at European Village and under the toll bridge.
Construction on the first phase is expected to last through the summer of 2023 and will include dredging, shoreline work and installation of a dock and a concrete pad, the press release said. The first phase is estimated to cost the city $462,000 in generated impact fees and $205,000 in capital funds, in addition to FIND's $533,000 contribution. The second phase will expand the parking available at the park and is estimated to cost $600,000, paid for in a mixture of grants, impact fees and capital funds.
Saboungi Construction has worked on many projects in Palm Coast, from the Palm Coast Post Office built in the late eighties to the Indian Trails Sports Complex, with several parks and preserve projects along the way.
"This is our second home," Hassan Saboungi said. "We thank you very much, and we promise to make everyone proud."
