Walton County Seeks Community Input on Grady Brown Park Recreation Facilities
Walton County staff will hold a public workshop on Wednesday, August 26, to gather community input on potential recreation facilities at Grady Brown Park, the bayside park at 20940 US Highway 331 South in Freeport.
The workshop runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Board of County Commissioners Freeport Boardroom, located at 842 State Highway 20 East, Suite 118. The county is asking residents to bring their ideas for what recreation amenities could be added or improved at the park, which sits on the north shore of Choctawhatchee Bay at the foot of the Clyde B. Wells Bridge on US 331.
Grady Brown Park reopened earlier this year following a restoration project that included a ribbon-cutting ceremony in March. The park currently offers a boat ramp with two launching lanes, courtesy docks and finger piers, a handicapped-accessible kayak launch, picnic tables, grills, a playground, and restrooms. Its location on the bay makes it one of Freeport’s most heavily used public recreation assets, drawing boaters, anglers, families, and photographers who use the waterfront as a launch point for kayaking and fishing on the bay.
The August 26 workshop is a staff-led session rather than a formal commission meeting, though two or more county commissioners may attend. The format is designed to be conversational, giving residents a chance to speak directly with county staff about what they would like to see at the park. No formal agenda has been posted. The county’s notice encourages anyone with questions about accessibility accommodations to call (850) 892-8110 at least 48 hours in advance.
For Freeport residents, the workshop is an opportunity to shape the future of a park that serves as the city’s primary public waterfront access point. Grady Brown Park is the only Walton County park on Choctawhatchee Bay north of the 331 bridge, and any expansion of its recreation facilities would directly benefit the Freeport community. The workshop’s location at the Freeport Boardroom — rather than the county seat in DeFuniak Springs — makes it especially accessible for local residents to attend.
Originally reported by the Walton County Board of County Commissioners.
Image: Grady Brown Park
