Commission rejects proposed Truesdale Park parking design, reopens community input

The Panama City Commission voted Dec. 16 to reject the previously proposed parking design for Truesdale Park, direct staff to reopen public outreach and to solicit alternative designs for parking, grounds and amenities, and to proceed with grant‑funded exterior improvements to the park building.

Commissioner Josh Street requested the action in response to widespread public comment urging that Truesdale remain a park rather than a large parking lot for adjacent uses. Several residents attending public comment described the park as deed‑restricted and urged the city to limit paved parking, prioritize permeable surfaces and return the clubhouse to nonprofit management.

Staff told the commission that certain grant funds (Hometown Revitalization Program monies) are available for park exterior improvements — HVAC, electrical, doors, windows and façade upgrades — and that competitive bidding will be required for construction. The commission said it wants alternative parking and landscape concepts that reduce paved area and reflect neighborhood preferences; it agreed the existing bid could be amended or repressed depending on redesign outcomes. The motion to reject the current design and seek alternatives passed unanimously.

What’s next: Staff will reopen public feedback and present alternative designs; the grant‑funded exterior work will proceed through competitive procurement to the extent allowed by the grant terms.