Santa Rosa County will re-open Fidelis Park on Fri., Jun. 19 at 10 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate major improvements to one of the county’s longest-standing facilities. The park, located at 13774 Highway 87N in the Berrydale community near Jay, underwent a major makeover to provide accessibility for all and to support growing sports program needs, including:
- Basketball court renovations
- Improved ADA parking
- ADA-accessible family restrooms
- All-inclusive playground
- Baseball field renovations including bleachers, lighted two-lane batting cage and extended field
- Modifications and improvements to the tennis court
- Picnic facilities
- ADA accessible walkways
- ADA playground equipment
The Fidelis Community Center was originally constructed as a school house in 1925, with additions in the 1940-60s. In the mid-80s, the school closed and the building was converted into a community center. Over the years, the county has made a series of improvements to the 8.5-acre property, including the addition of three ball fields and playground equipment.
“After hearing ideas from the public, we were excited to revitalize Fidelis Park so the current and future residents of northern Santa Rosa County have a beautiful park to use for recreation and sports," said Santa Rosa County Commission Chairman Don Salter, District 3.
Many residents in the area have used the facility for receptions, anniversaries, reunions and showers. The cafeteria will re-open for reservations after Friday’s event and picnic pavilions will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The project was funded by a $200,000 grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund along with local option sales tax (LOST) and District 3 recreation funds. For questions regarding the project, call Santa Rosa County Facilities Management, 850-983-1940. Visit www.santarosa.fl.gov/capitalprojects for more information on LOST projects.
See site plan: https://www.santarosa.fl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5042/FidelisParkSitePlan