ABLE Support Group and Bay County Parks Update

As the weather warms, opportunities abound for fresh air and exercise, and Bay County Parks and Recreation offers many choices for folks to get some outdoor time with friends and family or as part of organized sports teams. In addition to the multiple boat ramps and canoe launches, parks, piers, and sports programs, the county is currently making improvements at several parks:

New Southport Sports Complex

This much-anticipated, 30-acre facility offers a variety of amenities, including sports fields, ball courts and tracks, where residents can participate in organized sports leagues, fitness classes, and other recreational activities. The project cost is approximately $11 million, and construction is expected to be completed in Spring 2025.

The facility features five fields, batting cages, a walking park, playground area and much more. It will primarily be used for local recreational ball, but will also give residents a safe location to bring their children to play or to get exercise on the walking trails.

“Residents in the Southport area have been waiting for this project for a long time and everyone is very excited about it,” Bay County Commissioner Doug Moore said. “Not only will it provide recreational opportunities, the Southport Sports Complex will also enhance the quality of life for Bay County residents.”

Isaac Byrd Park

Located at 100 Harvard Blvd., this beautiful, 3.7-acre park that features 600 feet of waterfront is being improved to feature a new kayak launch and shaded pavilion area for picnics and other outdoor activities. Isaac Byrd Park also has a playground and an open green space for recreational use.

Renovations at the park are expected to begin in Fall 2024 at an estimated cost of $250,000 that will be completed by a contractor and funded via the county’s General Fund.

“The kayak launch will provide easy access to the bay for paddlers of all skill levels, and the shaded pavilion area will offer a place for families and friends to gather and enjoy the outdoors. Isaac Byrd Park provides a welcoming and enjoyable environment for the community to relax and have fun,” Commission Chairman Tommy Hamm said.

New Access 22 ADA Parking

Bay County is working with the Tourist Development Council and a private donor to complete the new, $450,000, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant handicapped beach access, located 8525 Surf Dr., Panama City Beach. A donor provided a $100,000 grant for maintenance of the access.

The lot includes five dedicated handicapped parking spots, six parking spots for vehicles, and six to eight golf carts. It will provide easy access to the beach for citizens and visitors with disabilities, and is the first of its kind in our area.

The ramp to the beach is wide and gently sloping and leads to a mobility mat to make it easier for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues to navigate. The parking area is spacious and close to the ramp, ensuring that those with disabilities can easily park their vehicles and access the beach without any obstacles.

“We have a lot of veterans and wounded warriors that are coming to Panama City Beach, and it’s impossible for them to get to the beach without a facility like this,” Bay County Commissioner Clair Pease said. “We also have visitors and residents that would not get to enjoy the gulf without a facility like this.”

Pease initiated an “Adopt-a-Park” program for the county that resulted in the $100,000 donation from a local family that will help fund maintenance of the new park. She said she hopes the program grows and that it can be scaled to a particular neighborhood’s needs.

“We have a lot of neighborhood parks, and it would be great if people in the community could do trash pickup days or have a neighborhood watch to look out for the parks and help catch vandals before they have an opportunity to tear up our parks,” she said, adding that she envisions individuals or organizations sponsoring park improvements like playgrounds or benches.

Under the Oaks Park

At 18.7 acres with about 800 feet of waterfront, Under the Oaks Park is a gem of a facility, and it will soon get upgrades to make it even more popular. A project to add four pickleball courts – including two that are ADA accessible – and a new restroom facility are expected to be completed in Summer 2024.

Under the Oaks is located in the city of Parker, near Tyndall Air Force Base and features open green spaces, pavilions, a small craft launch, a playground and disc golf course. The park is also a popular spot for events and weddings, with its picturesque backdrop and peaceful atmosphere.

“Pickleball has exploded in popularity, and we’re excited to offer this fun new sport to the community,” Bay County Commissioner Robert Carroll said. “Under the Oaks Park is really a hidden gem in Bay County, and I encourage everyone to go check it out if you haven’t been.”

Bay County Shooting Range

Finally, the Bay County Shooting Range was established in 2014 and is a collaboration with the state of Florida. It is operated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and sees and average of about 1,400 visitors monthly.

The FWC is developing plans for a skeet and trap range at the facility and hope to have it opened by Fall 2024.

Currently, the range offers an 18-station sporting clays course, 5-stand sporting clays and multiple position rifle and pistol ranges and 3D archery. It is located at 10900 Steelfield Rd., Panama City Beach, 32413. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Frida and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit myfwc.com.