Cascades Park Wins “Great Places in Florida” Award
Community Votes Lead to No. 1 Ranking
If you’ve ever seen the joy on a child’s face as water dances in the light at Imagination Fountain or felt the music stir your heart during a concert at the Capital City Amphitheater, then you already know that Cascades Park is a jewel to the Tallahassee community. Now, the entire state of Florida will know that, too! Today, Cascades Park was officially announced as the winner of the American Planning Association – Florida Chapter’s (APA-FL) “Great Places in Florida” award!
Cascades Park was one of five statewide finalists for the award, which was decided by popular vote. The 24-acre park was nominated because of its ample amenities and creative use of public land. It brings together a beautiful public space with miles of multi-use trails, a large amphitheater, children’s play areas and a commemoration of the Smokey Hollow neighborhood, while also serving as a significant stormwater management facility. Additionally, the park rehabilitated what was once forgotten, contaminated land in the heart of the city, transforming a former EPA Superfund site into the crown jewel of Florida’s capital city.
“Cascades Park has added immensely to the cultural and recreational opportunities in Tallahassee and Leon County,” City Commissioner Gil Ziffer, Blueprint Chairman, said. “This award underscores the love that residents from across our community have for this park, which truly is one of the greatest places in Florida and perhaps the country."
Cascades Park is a signature project for the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency, exemplifying the agency’s mission to preserve, protect and enhance the quality of life in Tallahassee. This park was built by the citizens of Tallahassee and Leon County through the use of the local option penny sales tax.
“It’s exciting to think we have one of the great places in Florida in our very own backyard," said Leon County Commissioner Mary Ann Lindley, Vice Chair of the Intergovernmental Agency. "And with the opening of the Capital Cascades Crossing bridge, we’re making the park even better.”
This is the third year APA-FL has given this award. All nominations were reviewed by an independent selection committee of multidisciplinary experts from the fields of urban planning, conservation, sustainability and aging. This year, 37 places were nominated, and five were selected as finalists. In addition to Cascades Park, the finalists were Downtown Boca Raton, Downtown Sarasota, Downtown West Palm Beach and The River District – Fort Myers.
The Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association is a non-profit organization of professionals, students and allied professionals providing vision and leadership for the future development and redevelopment of Florida communities.
For more information about the park, please visit DiscoverCascades.com. You can also stay up-to-date with all things Cascades Park by liking its Facebook page and following @Cascades_Park on Twitter or @discovercascades on Instagram.
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