City Council approves $8 million expansion of Preston Hood Athletic Complex, adding new sports facilities and parking
Fort Walton Beach, Florida – The Fort Walton Beach City Council decided decisively on Tuesday to approve a $8 million addition to the Preston Hood Athletic Complex. With a vote of 5-1, the development seeks to improve the recreational amenities for the neighborhood and support the city’s status as a sports tourism center.
Four new multi-purpose synthetic turf fields, which offer low maintenance and year-round usability, will significantly improve the current facilities according to expansion plans. Along with these disciplines, the project will include a large 13-court pickleball complex with eight covered courts, a new basketball court, and a specialized playground area appealing to younger visitors.
The development will also see the construction of a new parks facility with contemporary facilities and a concession area, therefore improving the visiting experience. The predicted rise in visitors will be handled by over 350 more parking spots.
With an additional $100,000 set for waste disposal, Bear General Contractors of Pensacola have been hired to complete the building project for a contract value of $7,962,107.15. The city manager has been assigned power to investigate several financing sources and authorize any required change orders up to 10% of the bid value.
The project will be funded from a mix of sources, including half-cent sales tax income and Tourism Development Council money, thus distancing local property taxes from the financial load. Once finalized, the council will examine final funding sources.
This initiative marks a major step toward enhancing the recreational scene of the nearby area and establishing Fort Walton Beach as a top site for regional sports events. The expanded complex is expected to draw visitors year-round, providing a boost to the local economy through increased tourism and sporting events.
More details can be found here.
