BMX track one option for Warrington park upgrades as major renovations begin
Lexington Terrace Park in Escambia County’s Warrington community is getting some long-awaited upgrades.
Often plagued by vagrants and vandals, the park has been cleaned up and will soon be home to a newly renovated community center, a new playground and disc golf course, as well as basketball hoops. Even the existing dog park will get new fencing and equipment.
These improvements have been in the works for years and are funded with Local Option Sales Tax revenues. What’s undecided is what to do with the southern, or back-end, of Lexington Terrace Park, where includes the dog park. Options for discussion include a BMX park, pickleball court, multi-use recreation field, as well as keeping the dog park where it is. The original plan proposed expanding and relocating the park from the back of Lexington Terrace Park to the front, an area with more shade that is closer to the headwaters of Bayou Chico.
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"We are committed to making a super nice dog park," said Escambia County Parks and Recreation Director Michael Rhodes. "Whether that means a shift to the north end of the park, incorporating shade from existing oak trees or if they want to keep it at the back we may have to add some shade structures, but we want to make sure it's a great dog park."
County leaders say the dog park will be expanded and receive new amenities regardless of whether it stays in the same place or is moved. Warrington is in Escambia County Commissioner Mike Kohler’s district, and he is hosting a series of public meetings to discuss the different options and get feedback from the community.
“Lexington Terrace is a place for dogs, for walkers, for kids, for athletes. We’re going to have a nice park for these folks in a low-income area,” said Kohler. “The back part is not funded yet and that’s where we’re going to decide what will go there. We’ll decide by having public meetings and get input before deciding about what to do with the money we have.”
In 2019, Escambia County Commissioners voiced support for a conceptual plan that included the idea of building an American Bicycle Association certified BMX track at the park. At the time, the organization Gulf Coast BMX Racing of Pensacola Association Inc., was formed by Ryan Bunch to help support the idea. Bunch has not returned messages for comment, but he posted about the upcoming informational meeting on the Gulf Coast BMX Facebook page.
“Escambia County is having an informational meeting about the proposed BMX facility we have been working toward for well over six years at Lexington Terrace Park in Pensacola,” Bunch posted on the Gulf Coast BMX page. “This is the time to be heard and show support. We all know this is a positive impact facility we are seeking and the good it can bring to so many youths in our area.”
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The topic drew varied opinions on social media. Some neighbors have expressed concern about building a BMX track at Lexington Terrace Park, with worries over increased traffic or unfounded fears that it will replace the dog park.
“The next county money pit we will be expected to pay for,” wrote Dianne Robbins. “There isn’t a documented need or use for this BMX Park. Then we’ll have to pay for upkeep and liability costs!”
“This is a very positive thing for Escambia County,” David Haeffner posted. “This area needs something for youth to do and alternative sports are a positive thing. The park will stimulate the economy through jobs and the BMX park, will also aid in jobs and economic growth.”
Escambia County Parks and Recreation Director Michael Rhodes said the park improvements are being funded with more than $200,000 in LOST revenues. The playground equipment is on order and is expected to be installed by the fall, along with baskets for an 18-hole disc golf course.
Kohler is encouraging people to attend the informational meetings to learn about the options and share their concerns, whether they support keeping the dog park where it is or relocating it to make space for another option. The meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m. March 30 at the Pavilion at Lexington Terrace Park.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Lexington Terrace Park Warrington could get BMX track, dog park work
