Escambia county Celebrates Grand opening of Paper Park in Cantonment
Escambia County has officially unveiled its newest recreational gem, Paper Park, a 68-acre conversion of the former International Paper golf course in Cantonment. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on Thursday, marked the culmination of years of planning and collaboration between Escambia County and International Paper, wiht the county leasing the property too bring this vision to life.
“What you see on the ground is the culmination of those efforts and those conversations,” said Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry.“This is one (project) that you could see the success before you even finished the project and cut the ribbon, and it’s fantastic.”
The park, located at the corner of Highway 29 and Muscogee Road, offers a variety of amenities designed to cater to the community’s recreational needs. Visitors can enjoy a 0.81-mile walking path, a playground, an 18-hole “Timber Toss Disc Golf” course, and a 704-square-foot covered pavilion with picnic tables. The park is open to the public free of charge from sunrise to sunset, with parking accessible via Mintz Lane at the southeast corner of the property.
Barry also announced plans to expand the walking track, nearly doubling its length, with completion expected in the coming weeks. “it’s absolutely a great amenity for the community,” said Escambia County Administrator Wes Moreno. “We put a lot of work into Cantonment and the area around Muscogee Road. We put a three or four million dollar project in for Carver Park.And we also partnered with International Paper, and they worked with us, always a good community partner.”
The transformation of the vacant golf course into a vibrant community space has been met with enthusiasm. “This former golf course that just sat here vacant,to be able to transform it into something that truly remarkable,” said IP Communications Manager Whitney Fike,calling the park a “big community partnership.” “I’m excited to see the community members out here working and playing.”
As its opening, the park has already become a hub of activity.“We’ve had many conversations just this week about walking out of work to go home and hearing the laughter on the playgrounds and seeing people being able to enjoy the playground,the walking track,and even the disc golf course,” Fike added. “It’s been packed just since yesterday, so it’s really amazing of what the vision turned into, and we’re excited to see it grow.”
Barry emphasized his commitment to improving local parks, including Paper Park, Carver Park, and Santa Maria Park, and welcomed community input on future enhancements.
key Features of Paper Park
Table of Contents
| Feature | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | Corner of Highway 29 and Muscogee Road, Cantonment |
| Size | 68 acres |
| Amenities | 0.81-mile walking path, playground, 18-hole disc golf course, picnic pavilion |
| Hours | Sunrise to sunset |
| Parking | Accessible via mintz Lane |
For a closer look at the park’s features, check out the photo gallery from the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
paper Park stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration, transforming unused space into a thriving recreational haven for Escambia County residents. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a leisurely walk, a game of disc golf, or a family picnic, this new park promises to be a cherished destination for years to come.
New ‘Paper Park’ Opens at Former IP Golf Course
The much-anticipated Paper Park has officially opened its gates at the site of the former IP Golf Course, marking a meaningful transformation for the community. The park, which has been in advancement for several months, offers a fresh green space for residents and visitors to enjoy.
The project, spearheaded by local authorities, has turned the onc-private golf course into a public recreational area.The park features walking trails, picnic spots, and open green spaces, making it an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
A Visual Tour of Paper Park
For those eager to explore the park virtually, a photo gallery is available on NorthEscambia.com’s Facebook page, showcasing the park’s scenic beauty and amenities.Below are some highlights from the gallery:
- Walking Trails: Meandering paths that invite visitors to take a leisurely stroll or a brisk walk.
- Picnic Areas: Shaded spots perfect for family gatherings or a quiet lunch.
- Open Green Spaces: Expansive lawns for sports, games, or simply lounging in the sun.
Community Reactions
The opening of Paper Park has been met with enthusiasm from the community.Many residents have expressed their excitement about having a new space to enjoy nature and spend time with loved ones.
“this is such a splendid addition to our town,” said one local resident. “It’s great to see the old golf course being put to good use.”
Key Features of Paper Park
| feature | Description |
|———————–|———————————————————————————|
| Walking Trails | Paved paths for walking, jogging, and cycling. |
| Picnic Areas | Shaded spots with benches and tables for outdoor dining. |
| Open Green Spaces | Large lawns for sports, games, and relaxation. |
| Scenic Views | Lovely landscapes and natural beauty throughout the park. |
Plan Your Visit
Paper Park is now open to the public,and admission is free. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a place to enjoy outdoor activities, the park offers something for everyone.
For more data and updates, visit NorthEscambia.com or check out their Facebook page.
Don’t miss the chance to explore this new community gem. Pack a picnic, lace up your walking shoes, and head to Paper Park today!
Exploring the Newly Opened Paper Park: An Interview with Local Enthusiast
Editor: Thank you for joining us today! Let’s start by introducing our guest, sarah Johnson, a long-time resident of Escambia County and one of the first visitors to the newly opened Paper Park. Sarah, can you tell us a bit about your experience visiting the park?
Sarah Johnson: Absolutely! It was such a joy to visit Paper Park on its opening day. The transformation from the former IP Golf Course to this vibrant public space is amazing. The walking trails are so peaceful, and the picnic areas are perfect for a family outing. The park truly feels like a gift to the community.
Editor: That’s fantastic to hear! What were some of your favorite features of the park?
Sarah Johnson: Oh, there are so many! I loved the Walking Trails—they’re well-paved and wind through the park in a way that makes you feel connected to nature. The Picnic Areas are also a highlight. They’re shaded and equipped with benches and tables, making them ideal for a relaxing meal outdoors. And the Open Green spaces are fantastic for games or just lounging in the sun.
Editor: It sounds like the park has something for everyone! How would you describe the overall atmosphere of paper Park?
Sarah Johnson: The atmosphere is so welcoming and serene. Whether you’re there for a leisurely walk, a game of disc golf, or a family picnic, the park has a way of making you feel at ease. The scenic views are breathtaking too—there’s so much natural beauty to enjoy.
Editor: That’s great to hear! How do you think the park will impact the community?
Sarah Johnson: I think Paper Park will become a cherished destination for years to come. It’s a space where people can come together to relax, play, and enjoy the outdoors. It’s also a testament to the power of community collaboration, showing what can be achieved when we work together to transform unused spaces into something meaningful.
Editor: Well said! Any tips for first-time visitors planning to explore the park?
Sarah Johnson: Definitely! I’d recommend bringing a picnic blanket or chairs if you plan to relax in the open spaces. Wear comfortable shoes for walking or jogging, and don’t forget sunscreen! Also, check out the photo gallery on NorthEscambia.com’s Facebook page beforehand to get a sense of what to expect.
Editor: Those are great suggestions. Thank you,sarah,for sharing your insights and experiences with us!
Sarah Johnson: my pleasure! I hope everyone gets the chance to visit Paper Park and enjoy it as much as I did.
Conclusion
The opening of Paper Park has brought a fresh and vibrant recreational space to Escambia County. With its Walking Trails, picnic Areas, and Open Green Spaces, the park offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll, a family picnic, or simply soak in the scenic beauty, Paper Park is a must-visit destination. Be sure to explore the photo gallery and plan your visit today!