News of the Nature Coast of Florida

Dunnellon's Eugene Martin Park is finally getting its due.

Years ago, the county promised to give the park a facelift, but the money never came.

Now, that's changing. The Citrus County Commission on Tuesday voted to allow funding for the long-awaited park improvements. "We have struggled over the years trying to fit that into the CIP (Capital Improvement Program)," said County Administrator Brad Thorpe.

The money that could have gone to that park was instead used for Central Ridge Park, and Eugene Martin Park's improvements were put on the back burner. "I can remember participating in community meetings in that park," Thorpe said, "and telling the residents of that area that we would finish that park as soon as we could. So, this is some unfinished business, as far as I'm concerned."

He was referring to $350,000 funding for the engineering and construction of the new ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) restroom, pavilion and sidewalks at the park. The park is currently not yet ADA compliant, and should be, Thorpe said.

Commissioner Winn Webb, who represents that area on the commission, agreed with Thorpe. "It will create jobs, it'll reduce the county's liability and it'll create a family activities site." He said families need a place to go in these difficult financial times. "They can afford to go to the park," Webb said.

"It's the right time to do it," said Commissioner Dennis Damato, "and the right thing to do."

The commission passed the funding measure unanimously.

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