Board recommends approval of public use for proposed Bulow Regional Headwaters Park

The planning board unanimously recommended approval of a public‑use designation for the proposed Bulow (Beulah) Regional Headwaters Park, a county‑owned tract of nearly 1,200 acres north of South Old Dixie Highway with significant flood zones and wetland indicators. Simone Kenny, planner, told the board the engineering department requested the public use approval and presented a conceptual park that includes primary vehicular access off Old Kings Highway, a trailhead and parking area, paved multi‑use trails and elevated boardwalks across wetland areas, restrooms, picnic areas, wildlife observation platforms and a future Eco Discovery Center.

Kenny described two access strategies: a primary vehicular entrance at the southwest corner from Old Kings Highway and pedestrian connections to a State Road 100 pedestrian bridge at the north end. She said parts of the site would require elevated boardwalks where wetlands are present, and that the property’s northern portion was deeded to the county in 2008 and the southern portion in 2009. She told the board staff had received no public comments at the time of the hearing and that the board’s role was to recommend approval or denial to the Board of County Commissioners.

A board member moved to recommend approval; the motion carried unanimously. The recommendation advances the project to the Board of County Commissioners for final action and additional site‑level review as subsequent site development plans are filed.