Almost one year later — still no improvements at Hawkins Park

MILTON — Hawkins Park is meant for use by people with disabilities, but it is overgrown with weeds and needs maintenance.

The Santa Rosa County Commission showed interest in revitalizing the park in 2014, and private organizations made efforts to clean it up. However, the park still looks abandoned, even though it’s not.

In 2014, Commissioner Bob Cole said he would contact Rep. Doug Broxson about the situation. Kevin Brown, Broxson’s legislative assistant, said the park has not been forgotten.

“It's something our office has been working on with a few community leaders for the better part of a year to get funds and people together,” Brown said.

While he could not confirm the number at the time of this writing, Brown said the state budget appropriated $80,000 for the park.

Gov. Rick Scott on June 23, 2015 signed a “Keep Florida Working” budget for fiscal year 2015-2016 that includes $1.2 billion for the Agency of Persons with Disabilities, according to the governor’s website.

“The ‘Keep Florida Working’ budget invests $1.6 million to provide for maintenance and repairs at Billy Joe Rish Park and Hawkins Park located in Northwest Florida,” the site states. “These parks, open year-round, are specialized to allow people with disabilities, their family members, guardians, and caregivers, to enjoy Florida's natural beauty.”

That’s the goal, according to the governor’s website, but it’s one that has not been reached in almost a year now.

It’s unclear when the park may officially reopen, but Brown said Broxson’s office is clear in its position.

“We wanted it to be available for what it’s intended,” he said.