Destin's Clement Taylor Park is up for a $1.5 million restoration

In the past five years, Destin opened two new parks for the public to enjoy, Capt. Leonard Destin Park on Choctawhatchee Bay in 2021 and the Capt. Royal Melvin Heritage Park on Destin Harbor in 2023. 

In the meantime, Destin’s oldest park, Clement Taylor Park, is on the books for some much-needed upgrades. The park at 131 Calhoun Ave. on Choctawhatchee Bay is yards down the beach from Capt. Leonard Destin Park. 

Located on 3.5 acres, the park boasts a swim area, benches, grills, parking area, pavilion, picnic tables, playground, public restrooms, sand volleyball court, waste receptacles and a pier for fishing. 

However, the park has been on the radar of the city council for some upgrades and restoration. 

According to Tamara Young, public information director for Destin, the list for restoration at Clement Taylor Park is long. 

“The Clement Taylor Park Restoration Project shall include, but may not be limited to, demolition of the existing bathroom, playground, various walkways, and existing parking lot,” Young wrote in an email. 

“Improvements shall include, but may not be limited to, a new pavilion, gazebo, bathroom, playground, parking and sidewalk improvements, potable and sanitary sewer service lines, necessary ADA walkways/ramps, board for board replacement of portions of the pier, and final site grading and stabilization,” Young wrote. 

The project's construction costs, including inspection fees, monitoring reports, site work, demolition and removal, are estimated at about $1,500,000, she said. 

The estimated cost for sod and stabilization of disturbed areas in the park is $11,212, while the concrete sidewalk is estimated at $6,226. The demolition of the gravel parking area is estimated at $2,639. 

For now, the park is open to the public. Park hours are from sunrise to sunset.

The restoration project for the park will not start until fall or winter, Young said.