The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the 30% design layout for Cristobal Landing Park on Tuesday, allowing staff to finalize the design, secure permits, and work with the City of Mary Esther to bid the project for construction.
- The $3 million project, funded equally by the county and city using tourism revenue from the expanded bed-taxing district, will transform waterfront property on Cristobal Road into a new public park.
The county purchased the parcel in August 2023 and entered into an interlocal agreement with Mary Esther to collaborate on the development.
This project will create a new park whose primary function is for water access for paddleboards, canoes and kayaks, with secondary functions of fishing, picnicking at pavilions, walking trails, open space, beautification, shoreline hardening, ADA accessibility, bathrooms, and water watching.
Located on a cove historically known as Lorretta Haven near the former Cristobal Landing shipping dock, the site offers high elevation and existing live oaks, making it suitable for park development, according to the county.
- Plans include parking, restrooms, a fishing pier, non-motorized boat launch, seawall, and dockage. The park will provide access to the spoil islands and shallow water areas ideal for fishing, paddle boarding, and kayaking.
The 30% design submittal, developed following multiple meetings between city and county staff along with design consultant MRD Associates, includes various access methods to accommodate diverse non-motorized vessels. These include at-grade natural sand access, simple arm guides, step-down methods, and ADA-compliant rollered access with sides.
“We truly feel that once it’s completed, it will be a gem in Mary Esther and also in Southern Okaloosa county,” said Mary Esther City Manager Jared Cobb, expressing gratitude for the county’s support and partnership. The Mary Esther City Council approved the plan on Monday, June 17, at a special meeting.
Commissioner Trey Goodwin, whose district includes the project site, visited the location with the mayor and believes it will be a valuable resource for both residents and visitors. “I’m all in favor of it. I think it’s going to be a great thing,” Goodwin said, clarifying that the park will only allow launching of kayaks, canoes, and other paddle craft, not motorboats or personal watercraft.
Deputy Administrator Craig Coffey highlighted the park’s features, including lighting, sidewalks, showers, restrooms, and gazebos. An 8-foot fence will be built along the eastern boundary to protect neighboring residents. The city held an open house to gather input from abutting property owners and the general public, with comments and recommendations incorporated into the design.
The county previously approved a $289,092 task order for MRD Associates to provide permitting, design, and construction services for the park. Staff will now work on finalizing the design, which is expected to take 4-6 months due to the required permitting, including seagrass surveys. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025.
