After being severely damaged by Hurricane Michael in 2018, St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach (Florida) looked to improve and restore the park with various construction projects to improve facilities and amenities.
As per a press release this month, the park opened its new primitive group camp facilities made possible by an investment of $60,000 from the St. Joe Community Foundation in partnership with the Florida State Parks Foundation.
The updated and rebuilt group camp facilities improvements include a new activity pavilion, restroom, fire pit, and benches.
The group campsite was used for organized youth camping, which engaged young people in hands-on nature experiences away from electronics and modern amenities, allowing them to connect with the environment,” said Tammy Gustafson, Florida State Parks Foundation President.
We are thrilled these improved facilities are back up and running, helping children to learn firsthand the importance of our natural resources in a fun and impactful way.
St. Andrews State Park has also recently added a new playground at its lagoon picnic area. With numerous features available in the park, guests of all ages can enjoy beaches for swimming and fishing, walk through pines along dunes and coastal plant communities, and overnight stays with campground accommodations.
“Reopening the primitive campground is another example of how St. Andrews State Park continues to thrive and serve the community after Hurricane Michael,” said Chuck Hatcher, acting director of Florida State Parks.
“Generations of young people have enjoyed this site, and our staff are excited to welcome the first visitors to experience our new facilities and amenities. Thank you to the Florida State Parks Foundation, the St. Joe Community Foundation, and all of our partners who support St. Andrews State Park.”
The Florida State Parks Foundation, established in 1993 as Friends of Florida State Park, is a nonprofit organization aiming to help and support the Florida Park Service, its 175 award-winning trails and parks, local Friends groups, and more than 20,000 park volunteers.
For more information, visit https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/st-andrews-state-park.