![The City of Milton has designated a new event area on South Willing Street, and new parking areas for public and event use. Event parking will be at the corners of Pine and Willing Streets; public parking will be along Pine at the empty lot between Escambia and Santa Rosa Streets, and the corner of Elmira. [Special to the Press Gazette]](http://127.0.0.1/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-4d4b77d6-4516-2e35-e053-0100007fe439-118dcf8f.jpeg)
MILTON — The city has acquired a new festival area on South Willing Street in the historic downtown district. Events like Scratch Ankle, Bands on the Blackwater and the Riverwalk Market will take place here.
A wall was built between the Riverwalk Park and the new festival area to provide a transition between the park and the event area, according to Pamela Holt, the city’s public information officer.
“The stairs and wall are lit for safety," Holt said. “The city recognized there was a grade change from the park into the event area.”
Earlier this year, the Milton City Council approved new irrigation and grass in the event area. The installation is now complete.
“Lee Willingham, landscaping department head, came up with the design for a smooth transition between the two areas with ornamental plantings and accent lighting,” Public Works Director George Rials said.
Event goers will soon see new parking areas designated along Pine Street, according to Holt.
Parking lots along Pine Street include the lot between Santa Rosa and Escambia Streets and the empty lot on the corner of Pine and Elmira.
The owner of lots on the south end of Pine and Willing Streets has agreed to make the property available during designated city events, according to Holt. The other areas will have public parking at all times.
"We love the upgrade to the venue with the addition of sod and the change of the stage location," Janet Hamilton Raines of Milton said.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: City designates new festival area, parking