Bird Island Park ribbon cutting and dedication

Historic City News readers are cordially invited to a ribbon cutting and dedication of Bird Island Park on Friday, October 15th at 10:00 am.

Bird Island Park is located behind the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library, located at 101 Library Park Boulevard.

Bird Island Park is an innovative, passive park to be enjoyed by all generations. Designed by Bobby Weed, the park illustrates the ecosystems of northeast Florida and highlights native flora and fauna. The landscape includes dune and wetland areas, with educational signage and interactive art sculptures. The vision for the community-funded park began with a group of dedicated citizens in 2002, and Phase I was recently completed.

Bird Island Park is open from dawn until dusk daily and offers ample opportunities for small group gatherings, theatre events, children’s programming, picnicking, bird watching, strolling and relaxation.

Features
Bird Island Park features an entrance gazebo, followed by a winding trail which leads park guests past water features and examples of native hammock. Visitors will enjoy a hedged sea turtle maze with four beautifully crafted benches in the center. The park also features a story telling area with benches and a small stage with a labyrinth center enhanced by shade trees. Additionally, a boardwalk surrounds the pond, leading to a second gazebo on the waterfront and a play area for children.

History
Bird Island Park began several years ago when a handful of Ponte Vedra residents sought to have a local park built in the community. The residents worked with the County to identify the vacant piece of land between the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library and Fire Station 10. The County set aside some money for the park, but the community was asked to raise the majority of the necessary funds. A non-profit 501c3 organization was formed, and the volunteer Board of Directors raised more than $400,000 during the past seven years, with the assistance and support of numerous businesses and individuals. On December 16, 2008, the Bird Island Park Board of Directors officially presented their funds to the County Commission, who then began construction of the park in early 2009.

Park Pals
Bird Island Park is the result of a group of hard working residents who formed the non-profit Ponte Vedra Beach Park at Library Boulevard Incorporated (PVBPALBI) to raise funds and implement the vision of a park for the Ponte Vedra community. Their fundraising, supported by numerous corporate and individual donations, is what made Bird Island Park possible. PVBPALBI continues to rally the support of businesses and philanthropists to finish the final phase and assist with programming. Phase II will include an additional walkway, gazebo and more.

Learn more at www.BirdIslandPark.com.