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Facelift Planned At Marshall Street Park

By Mark Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: February 9, 2008

SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. - SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. - Marshall Street Park could get a facelift this year, if the price is right.

Monday night the City Commission voiced tentative approval of a staff proposal to revamp the park and its popular playground.

Commissioners will ultimately have to approve the project cost and the firm chosen for the park redesign.

Staff did not have a cost estimate for commissioners Monday night.

Andrea Norwood, interim leisure services director, said plans for the park include relocating a newly designed children's playground to an area of the park not hidden in the trees. This will make youngsters in the play area more visible to parents, she said.

Relocating the playground would also provide room for additional vehicle parking in the wooded area of the park, closer to the playground and picnic shelter.

A rock climbing wall will be added to playground because the attraction has been popular at other parks, Norwood said.

A new picnic shelter will be placed closer to the playground area, affording picnickers a better view of youngsters on the play area.

The park has been home to a wide variety of special events, according to Norwood. They include parties and other social gatherings, evening hikes and camp fire meetings, a wildlife show, Father's Day event, city nature camps and programs that teach youngsters of all ages about rural Florida, Norwood noted.

The redesign of the 9.5-acre park, Norwood said, will include installation of a foot bridge and walking trails so visitors can enjoy the serene wooded area of the park and catch a glimpse of nature.

Mayor Andy Steingold said the Marshall Street facility is his youngster's favorite park.

Newly elected Commissioner Nina Bandoni said the project sounds great, noting the choice of new playground equipment has already won the approval of her little daughter.

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