![Chumuckla Park Playground [Special to the Press Gazette]](http://127.0.0.1/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-692f52dd-9f33-572f-e053-0100007f148d-c40f93c8.jpeg)
THE QUESTION
“I would like to know how much [the Chumuckla Playground] and the restrooms at Baghdad Mill Site cost.”– Keith McClung, Milton
THE ANSWER
The Chumuckla Playground project in Jay comprised the replacement of existing 14-year old playground equipment with an all-inclusive playground, according to Santa Rosa County Administrative Coordinator Sabrina White. The new playground equipment has a life expectancy of 15 years.
The new all-inclusive playground equipment includes play structures designed for two age groups: 2 years old through 5 years old, and 5 years old through 12 years old. The project also includes ADA upgrades to the park and restrooms.
The project was approved in the fiscal year 2017 Local Option Sales Tax budget for $140,930, White said. The Chumuckla Playground opened to the public on Friday.
The Bagdad Mill Site restroom project included the construction of four individual family-style restrooms at the 21-acre Bagdad Mill Site Park.
The park opened in May 2016 and offers a multi-use path, handicap-accessible fishing pier, picnic areas, benches, kayak launch and educational displays, according to White. The completion of the restrooms and opening to the public should occur early- to mid-April.
In the fiscal year 2018 LOST plan, $200,000 was allocated to each district for the use of upgrades and new capital projects for their district.
“A portion of the $200,000 for District 2 was allocated to the Bagdad Mill Site restrooms,” White said. “Approximately 52 percent of the project has been billed to date with $26,778 coming from the LOST portion.”
The breakdown of funding allocation is as follows:
- $51,500 from District 2 Recreation Reserves
- $51,500 from LOST District 2 Recreation Allocation (approved in FY18 budget)
- $30,000 from Coastal Partnership Initiative Grant
- $10,000 from Bagdad Waterfronts Florida Partnership (donation)
- $143,000 total budget
WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU
The Chumuckla Playground project cost $140,930, and the Bagdad Mill Site Park restroom project has a budget of $143,000. The Chumuckla Playground opened to the public on Friday, and the Bagdad Mill Site Park restrooms should be complete this month.
The Local Option Sales Tax funded both projects. People who shop in Santa Rosa County contribute to projects such as these, along with other projects including infrastructure improvements.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: How much did 2 county park projects cost?