A new park is on the way for St. Johns County after the county finalized a sizable property acquisition.
County officials announced they have completed a land deal to buy 32.9 acres of property that will be turned into a regional park. Officials said they are buying the land from Sykes Family Limited Partnership in the southern area of the county.
“This is exactly the kind of proactive investment our community deserves,” said County Administrator Joy Andrews. “Since forming our Infrastructure Delivery Team in 2023, we’ve taken a disciplined, team-based approach focused on proactive planning and responsible financial stewardship to meet our residents’ quality-of-life needs without delay or unnecessary financial burden.”
The Delivery Team was established in 2023 and is designed to expand infrastructure and amenities for the county. It’s part of a 10-year plan to expand park capacity in high-growth areas needing more recreational outlets.
The County Commission approved the acquisition process in December, and it was closed this month. The property is on Moccasin Creek Lane near State Road 207. It’s not far from the St. Johns County Fairgrounds. The property has an appraised value of about $824,000.
The funding for the purchase is coming from the current fiscal budget in St. Johns County, along with some impact fee reserves.
“This is an important step for the future of our community,” said Commission Chair Clay Murphy. “As our county continues to grow, families need access to quality parks and places to play. This investment helps us stay ahead of that need, especially in our southern communities, and reflects our commitment to expanding recreational opportunities and improving quality of life for our residents.”
County officials are currently reviewing potential additions to the property for recreational offerings.
“The County extends its sincere appreciation to the Sykes Family for their partnership and willingness to work with us on this property acquisition. Their collaboration ensures this property will be preserved and developed for the benefit of the public,” said Corey Bowens, Land Management Director.
