County seeks new deal for park

Originally published by the Pensacola News Journal

9/19/07

By: Michael Stewart

Escambia County commissioners voted Tuesday to begin a new search for land to build youth athletic fields in southwest Escambia County.

The county will advertise the need for at least 50 upland acres to build west-side ball fields to be used by area residents and members of the Perdido Bay Youth Sports Association.

Willing sellers with property that meets the county's need will have until sometime next month to reply to the "request for proposal."Funding the park will mean less money available to replace the Pensacola Bay fishing pier destroyed by Hurricane Ivan.

Commissioners approved Tuesday the use of $4.5 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency funds earmarked to replace the fishing pier to pay for construction of the ball fields once land is located.

Commissioners halted plans to purchase a 217-acre parcel off Bauer Road for $1.4 million after the News Journal reported that then-County Administrator George Touart had a presale contract to purchase a condominium with Neal Nash, vice president of Martine's Corp., which had the land up for sale.

During a five-year search for suitable park land, Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Briski said he looked at over 200 parcels and unsuccessfully approached state and federal government officials about land those governments own in the area, including Bronson Field.

FEMA has dedicated $23.8 million for demolition of the old fishing pier and construction of a new one. If any portion of that money is used for another project, the county will get a 25 percent reduction in the dedicated funds, leaving a little more than $17 million available.So far, about $2.8 million of that has already been spent on demolition. Once the $4.5 million is taken out for the park, that would leave about $10 million available for pier construction.

It is estimated that it would take $30 million to rebuild the fishing pier's entire 1.5-mile length.