Palm Coast – The City of Palm Coast hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Waterfront Park today to celebrate the culmination of a comprehensive improvement project, resulting in new amenities, enhancements, and renovations to elevate the park’s recreational offerings and accessibility.
The transformation of Waterfront Park, a project estimated at $1,200,000, began in November 2022 and was funded by a three-part FIND grant ($533,000), city-generated impact fees ($462,000), and capital funds ($205,000). The highlights of the project include:
- A newly installed floating dock providing convenient access for non-motorized water vessels.
- A spacious concrete gathering pad serving as a focal point for park visitors.
- A designated water access point for kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes, facilitating waterborne activities.
- Extensive landscaping and sodding throughout the park, enhancing the natural beauty of the surroundings.
- Ongoing Phase B of the project, focusing on additional parking to provide closer access to the newly improved amenities.
“This project was approached with great care to ensure that Waterfront Park’s unique charm and natural allure remain intact while introducing new opportunities for recreational engagement,” stated Eric Gebo, the City of Palm Coast’s Project Manager and Stormwater & Engineering Architect. “From the installation of the floating dock to the expansion of green spaces and the introduction of kayaking and paddleboarding options, we are excited for residents to embrace these enhancements.”
The City of Palm Coast has also unveiled the installation of a state-of-the-art rental kiosk, providing residents with convenient access to kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for use at the new Waterfront Park floating dock. The rental kiosk installation was made possible by partnering with PADL, a renowned water sports rental company based in Key Biscayne.
One of the standout features of this partnership is the favorable revenue-sharing arrangement. PADL will receive 80% of the rental revenue, while the City of Palm Coast will receive 20%. This arrangement ensures a sustainable model for offering this service to residents and supports the maintenance and improvement of the recreational facilities at Waterfront Park.
To extend this convenience to more residents, the City has set its sights on installing a similar kiosk at Long Creek. Residents can look forward to experiencing this second location within the next 2-3 months.
Pricing for these watercraft rentals starts at just $25 per hour, enabling individuals and families to enjoy leisurely outings without breaking the bank. For those looking to maximize their waterfront experiences, a monthly membership option is available for $30, granting unlimited access to the watercraft offerings. Rental fees are subject to change.
“We are thrilled to add the PADL rental kiosk to Waterfront Park,” said Parks and Recreation Director James Hirst. “This addition enriches our city’s recreational options, encouraging an active lifestyle for our community. We hope that residents and visitors enjoy this new amenity alongside the other enhancements that have revitalized this beautiful park.”
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