At the April 27, 2021 Walton County Board of County Commissioner’s (BCC) meeting, a request from Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) to move forward with a nature center at Kellogg Park was set in motion. The BCC approved the task order to start the design and permit effort for a community/nature center on the Kellogg Park property.
“It will be a small (800-1,200 square feet) building on an existing building pad that will be used as a nature center and community center,” said Brian Kellenberger, Director of Beach Operations with the TDC.
“The land gift of 10 acres from the Kellogg family included some terms and conditions of creating a nature preserve and education center where people could come and enjoy nature and learn about the history of Walton County and Choctawhatchee Bay. We have received approval to begin the design/permitting phase of a small structure to be used as a community/nature center which will begin w requesting a proposal from one of our continuing services contracted architectural/engineering firms. After A/E firm approval we will put together some conceptual plans and have a public workshop to present the intent of the project, display our conceptual plans, and receive public input. We will then consider and include appropriate input into the conceptual plans and present to the BCC for consideration. The new building will be similar in function to Padgett Park and will include a small meeting space, bathrooms, and possibly a catering kitchen area,” Kellenberger continued.
Click here for the task order request that was approved.
About Kellogg Park:
In 2003, the late Pat Kellogg, land owner and nature lover, deeded the 10-acre parcel to Walton County. The land was to be used as a wildlife nature preserve and educational center. A portion of the park is on Nursery Road, and includes a short nature trail just south of the additional bayfront portion of the park. The bayfront portion includes a kayak/canoe/sup launch, picnic tables, grills, and shower.
The park is located at the north end of Nellie Drive off of Nursery Road. ::MAP::