Exemplary Parks

Florida establishes Blackwater Heritage State Trail

Milton, Florida

With Federal Land to Park's help, the State of Florida converted this surplus railroad into the Blackwater Heritage State Trail, an 8.5-mile long scenic corridor. Blackwater is a multi-purpose trail, offering accessible hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and other outdoor recreational experiences as it meanders through both urban and rural areas. Crossing over several creeks, the trail provides a unique opportunity to observe the American alligator, Florida pine snake, river otter, bobcat, red-headed woodpecker, native wildflower meadows, and white-topped pitcher plants. State park officials estimate that the trail contributes $3 million a year to the local economy.

Commander's House, Old San Antonio Arsenal Reused as Senior Center

San Antonio, Texas

Built in the early 1880s, the Commander's House served as living quarters for the Commanding Officer of the Texas Arsenal until 1947. Once the Federal government no longer needed the Commander's House, it was declared surplus property. In 1972, the Federal Lands to Parks Program orchestrated transfer of the historic site to the City of San Antonio Department of Parks and Recreation for public use.

The Commander's House and surrounding 2.29-acre grounds provide a green space for the entire community. The Commander's House has served as a popular Senior Citizen's Community Center since 1978, enhancing quality of life for seniors by providing activities, programs, special events, and low-cost meals in the greater San Antonio community. Through innovative partnerships with local businesses, the Center provides computer, driving, art, music, dance, and pottery classes. Seniors can broaden their horizons by learning to paint, playing guitar, or taking ballroom dancing lessons. Special events and activities range from bunco marathons to Travel Club excursions. Community volunteers provide educational and recreational activities, providing a mutual learning experience by allowing interaction between seniors and other community members.

Seattle, Washington, gains major new park from Sand Point Naval Station

Seattle, Washington

The transformation of land from the former Sand Point Naval Station Sand Point into a new park will dramatically expand recreational opportunities for residents of the city and region. In 1999, the Federal Lands to Parks Program transferred 93 acres of the former Sand Point Naval Station, closed under the Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1991, to the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation. An adjoining 11 acres, formerly part of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, was transferred in 1998 and 2000. The Seattle Parks Department plans to integrate the Sand Point land with the adjacent Magnuson Park, containing 196 acres of former Sand Point property transferred in 1975. Sand Point Park, with Magnuson Park, form a large urban park with a restored natural lake, wetlands, a mile-long shoreline, open spaces for informal play, and sports fields. The reuse of historic buildings on the site is creating a new setting for arts, education, and culture programs, including community activities, special events, classes, exhibits, and performances.