Conservation Florida and City of Pensacola Receive $2.2 Million for Restoration of Bay Bluffs Park
Photos by City of Pensacola
22.5 Escambia County acres to be reopened for public recreation
Pensacola, Fla. (June 26, 2024) — Conservation Florida and the City of Pensacola are thrilled to announce the success of a major funding initiative to restore Bay Bluffs Park. This 22.5-acre park, renowned for its unique red bluffs overlooking Pensacola Bay, will undergo a comprehensive transformation thanks to a $2.2 million award aimed at revitalizing and safeguarding the park for future generations.
“It’s a great day for the City of Pensacola,” Mayor D.C. Reeves said. “I appreciate Gov. DeSantis, Sen. Doug Broxson, Rep. Andrade and Conservation Florida for their advocacy in this projects, and we look forward to getting started soon.”
“Our team at Conservation Florida is incredibly honored to work alongside the City of Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves, Rep. Andrade, and Sen. Broxson on bringing Bay Bluffs back to life,” said Conservation Florida CEO Traci Deen. “As a native Floridian and passionate conservationist, it makes me proud to see our community and leadership rally behind public recreation efforts to ensure current and future generations can enjoy these wild places. Thank you to our leadership, Gov. DeSantis, our state legislature, the City of Pensacola, and every single person who made this funding initiative possible.”
Bay Bluffs Park, established in 1984, has long been a cherished natural space for the Pensacola community. Extreme weather and erosion on the south end of the boardwalk rendered the area unsafe, while sagging decks, missing guard rails, and cracked girder beams led to the eventual closing of Bay Bluffs in March 2023.
When estimated repair costs exceeded $1 million, surpassing the $200,000 initially allocated from the city’s Local Option Sales Tax Parks Improvements Fund, the outlook for this community treasure looked bleak. Many residents feared the park would be closed for good.
But earlier this month, Gov. DeSantis awarded Conservation Florida and the City of Pensacola $2.2 million to save Bay Bluffs Park, located at 3400 Scenic Highway.
The funds awarded in the Florida state budget will be used to demolish the condemned boardwalk and revamp the park, incorporating community input to ensure it meets the needs and expectations of residents and visitors.
"I look forward to watching these funds be used to restore a very special amenity for my constituents. Bay Bluffs Park stands out in Florida for its elevations and incomparable views of our beautiful Pensacola Bay," said Rep. Alex Andrade. "I couldn't be happier to secure these funds for the City alongside our partners at Conservation Florida."
With more than 320,000 people calling Escambia County home, many are grateful to see the re-opening of a space that will boost outdoor access and recreation for residents.
"It is always humbling to receive recognition from the people I serve with," said Sen. Doug Broxson. "I am thankful for my recognition by Mayor Reeves, the city council, and Conservation Florida for my efforts to advocate for the much-needed funding that will allow preservation of the natural habitat of the Bay Bluffs while improving visitors' experience to safely explore and enjoy the park. I am excited to see this restoration come to fruition for our citizens and visitors."
The restoration of Bay Bluffs Park is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the shared commitment to preserving Florida's natural beauty. Conservation Florida, the City of Pensacola, and state leadership are dedicated to ensuring that this beloved park remains a safe and enjoyable space for all.
For more information, contact:
Sarah Shepard, Communications Director
About Conservation Florida
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to connecting and protecting the 18-million-acre Florida Wildlife Corridor. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has saved more than 35,000 acres, serving all 67 counties in Florida, by prioritizing strategic and evidence-based land protection to conserve the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, and wild places for future generations.
For more information, visit www.conservationfla.org and follow us on social media @conservationflorida.