Parks+Rec

Fort Walton Beach to expand artificial turf project at Preston Hood Athletic Complex

Fort Walton Beach City Council approved a $1.06 million project to install artificial turf and reconfigure two baseball/softball fields at Preston Hood Athletic Complex, expanding previous improvements.

Jared Williams

Add Get The Coast on Google

The Fort Walton Beach City Council voted unanimously to approve a $1.06 million expansion of artificial turf installation at the Preston Hood Athletic Complex.

The project will add synthetic turf to Fields 9 and 10, large baseball/softball fields at the complex. ForeverLawn Emerald Coast, LLC will handle both the turf installation and field reconfiguration work.

The majority of the $762,925 turf installation will be funded through $675,000 in Tourist Development Council (TDC) funding, with the remaining $87,925 coming from the Half Cent Sales Tax Fund Balance.

An additional $298,275 for field reconfiguration work, including backstop replacement and batting cage installation, will also be funded through the Half Cent Sales Tax Fund Balance.

This expansion follows the successful installation of synthetic turf on Fields 1-5 earlier in 2024, which has already hosted multiple tournaments. The city began receiving TDC funding in 2022, collecting 12.5% of annual tourist development tax collections for tourism-driven projects.

The new project will maintain consistency across the complex by using the same contractor and materials as the previous installation, according to the city. The cost per square foot remains comparable to the original project, which was awarded through a competitive bid process in October 2023.

Work on Fields 9 and 10 will include comprehensive field reconfiguration, featuring backstop renovation, netting replacement, batting cage installation, and fencing reconfiguration.

The timing of the project has been planned to align with the baseball/softball season.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Business

City of Fort Walton Beach twice-weekly trash pickup begins Oct. 5

Public Safety

Fort Walton Beach firefighters seek 343 volunteers to ring bell on 25th anniversary of 9/11

Business

Fort Walton Beach Council votes to use cemetery funds to buy out $3.87 million deed restriction on City Hall property

Business

Fort Walton Beach City Council postpones cottage food stand ordinance to October, seeks more input

Roger L Schaeffer commented on Okaloosa County to begin developing a regulatory framework for data centers

“I will keep an open mind for now. Data Centers are complex and must be evaluated thoroughly before approving any applications. Our county officials must keep all the facts accurate...”

Respond

kathleen porter commented on Fort Walton Beach firefighters seek 343 volunteers to ring bell on 25th anniversary of 9/11

“How do you sign up for bell ringing or do we just show up day of?”

Violet commented on Okaloosa County to begin developing a regulatory framework for data centers

“If there is a data center built anywhere near my home, my home goes up for sale. We are currently living part-time in Fredericksburg, Virginia. You do not want these...”

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: September 3, 2026

“2:34, 5 attempts”

Victoria Sellers commented on Suds N Cinema to host ‘Steel Magnolias’ screenings benefiting the Fort Walton Beach Library

“How fun!!”

Jim McSwain commented on Okaloosa commissioners to explore ‘penny sales tax initiative’ that could replace homestead property taxes

“This is the fly in the ointment. “It would not affect school district taxes, independent special districts, fire districts, non-ad valorem assessments, MSTUs or MSBUs.” Special Districts, fire districts, etc...”

James Keir Baughman Sr. commented on Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office to remove license plate reader cameras after statewide FDOT order

“It is shockingly past time to end these invasive citizen surveillance cameras. So many of us are stunned that our hired and elected officials were willing to abuse, even criminalize,...”

Teri Whittaker commented on Suds N Cinema to host ‘Steel Magnolias’ screenings benefiting the Fort Walton Beach Library

“What a great idea and such a wonderful way to honor Dolly! Love this!”

Sandee Paradisi commented on ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Niceville volleyball’s Kate Jannazo plays every rotation and is only getting more comfortable

“I what an outstanding young lady this Kate Jannazo is!!! Congratulations on all your accomplishments!”

Brooke Warrick commented on Fort Walton Beach Council votes to use cemetery funds to buy out $3.87 million deed restriction on City Hall property

“They should not be allowed to sell off the property. We do not need another hotel or apartment buildings. Behind city hall we have a neighborhood and city athletic fields....”