City of Panama Beach recently issued the following announcement.
As family comes home for the holidays and our visitors from the north return for the season, it's a good time to remind everyone that no motorized vehicles are allowed on any City trails. In many cases this is because trails were specifically funded by grants for non-motorized use only. In addition, it is a safety issue for walkers and others. There is an exception for users who fall under ADA guidelines. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
"We hope locals and visitors alike will take advantage of our trails this winter," said Mayor Mark Sheldon. "The National Weather Service is calling for a high in the low 70s daily between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day. Getting some fresh air and exercise is a great way to work off those extra holiday pounds while enjoying the outdoors with family and friends. We encourage you to get out and enjoy these trails for your physical and mental health! All are bicycle and dog friendly and dog watering stations are available at Conservation Park."
The City’s trail system began with the construction of walking trails at Frank Brown Park in 1998 and has expanded over the years to include several miles of paved path which connects the Colony Club subdivision to the trails at the Panama City Beach Conservation Park west of State Road 79.
The trail system also includes:
- 5 miles up SR 79 across the West Bay Bridge
- 3.5 miles at Frank Brown Park
- 1.5 miles at Aaron Bessant Park
- Connection to nearly 30 miles of trail at the PCB Conservation Park
- 4.5 miles down Powerline Road from the Conservation Park to Colony Club
- 0.7 miles down Gulf Boulevard from Powerline Road to Harley Davidson
Research has shown that spending more time outdoors is linked to higher levels of concentration, creativity, and improved mental clarity. Sunshine, which we are blessed with an abundance of, is also a great source of Vitamin D, which helps with bone strength, helps fight disease and keeps your immune system functioning. Vitamin D, and exercise, are also good for reducing depression and boosting weight loss.
Conservation Park is a 2,912-acre conservation and recreation gem located west of SR 79 and north of Panama City Beach Parkway, off Griffin Boulevard. The massive trail system is great for observing native wildlife roaming free. Please follow our rules while visiting, and leave no trace of your visit.
Conservation Park Rules
1. Trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Any use after these hours is not permitted.
2. Available parking for vehicles is provided at the designated parking lot located off Conservation Drive. The City is not responsible for articles lost or stolen from vehicles.
3. No motorized vehicles of any kind are allowed on the trails, except for battery powered chairs for ADA accessibility.
4. The City does not allow discharge of firearms on City property; however, adjacent property owners may allow hunting on their land. Therefore, if using Conservation Park during hunting season, please use extreme caution along the outer boundaries. No hunting or taking of any kind is permitted in Conservation Park.
5. Help keep the trail, facilities, and parking area clean. Do not litter, and deposit all waste in receptacles provided at the trailhead parking area.
6. Dogs are permitted, but must be kept on leashes and controlled at all times. No more than two dogs per person are allowed. Please clean up after your pets!
7. No horses or equestrian activity of any kind is permitted on the trails.
8. No smoking, campfires, or open flames are permitted within the Park.
9. No overnight stays or camping is permitted within the Park.
10. No person shall possess or consume alcoholic beverages within the Park.
11. Stay on the trails at all times; use of any other areas of the Park is prohibited.
12. Respect wildlife and plants while you visit their home. Do not approach wildlife.
13. Release of any animal within the Park is prohibited.
14. Preserve your heritage; do not remove artifacts or vegetation from the forest.
15. Yield to others.
16. Let nature's sounds prevail. Keep loud voices to a minimum. Wear ear phones when listening to music.
Please report violations of these rules to PCB Utilities (850) 233-5050. Non emergency calls for police assistance should be directed to the Panama City Beach Police Department Dispatch at (850) 233-5000. Emergency and medical calls should be directed to 911. When you call for help, be sure to give your location. Look for new directional signage coming soon.
Communications Director Debbie Ingram can be reached at (850) 233-5100, Ext. 2261.
Original source can be found here.
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