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As Pinecrest approaches its 30th anniversary, the Village is investing in a project that enhances its commitment to community and quality of life. This new project at Veterans Wayside Park is a prime example of resident-focused planning.
Rededicated in honor of veterans in 2007, the park currently offers passive green space and benches overlooking a freshwater pond. Now the beautification of the park will follow a thoughtful, community-centered approach to make it a green space that serves multiple age groups and uses durable, modern materials.
The park is set to receive a new, modern playground, an initiative that originated directly from resident feedback sessions and the Village’s parks master plan. The project addresses a key goal: providing more walkable, neighborhood-scale playgrounds. This addition will create a safe, active hub for local children and families, improve the quality of life for nearby neighborhoods, and move Pinecrest closer to its long-term vision of having a park within a quarter-mile of every resident.
The Village has proactively designed the space to address community feedback, particularly regarding the park’s proximity to US-1. Safety is the top priority. The playground will be set back significantly within the park and will be buffered by a new low coral wall facing the highway, along with new landscaping.
The $1,271,946.35 project is a complete revitalization. It is funded by an existing capital allocation set aside specifically for Veterans Wayside Park and was approved in the FY 2024 budget. This was not connected to the millage rate adopted this year.
The plan also includes new lighting for safety and enhancements to the park’s natural environment, including a combination of natural and concrete walking paths throughout the park, allowing patrons to enjoy the facility from various areas while preserving as much of the trees’ natural beauty as possible. The Village is addressing water quality in the lake, a vital stop for migratory wildlife, and is partnering with Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden to introduce native orchids to the park’s trees. Residents seeking more information can read the detailed FAQ at www.pinecrest-fl.gov/veteranscip.
