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2 Nature Parks Get Green Light

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By LAURA KINSLER

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 6, 2008

GRAND HAMPTON - More than a year after announcing plans for two new nature parks in Grand Hampton, LandMar Group is ready to start building them.

The projects were delayed while LandMar and its engineers worked with the Southwest Florida Water Management District to get permits to build on the Cypress Creek Preserve. The plan calls for a mile-long nature trail and boat launch on the creek.

"We're definitely still doing it," LandMar regional manager Grady Miars said. "We haven't changed the design. We've just been waiting to get all the permits."

The Outpost Park, situated along Cypress Creek, will feature a screened picnic shelter, an outdoor fireplace area, a children's treehouse playground and multiple barbecue grills.

The 16-acre Hampton Lake on the southwest side of Lakeside Manor will be the centerpiece of the new Lakeside Park. LandMar has completed a fishing pier and is in the process of adding a walkway from the parking lot. Beach volleyball and basketball courts will be integrated into the park, which also will feature picnic shelters with barbecues.

Miars said the delay may end up saving the company in costs. "It's allowed us to go out and make sure all the numbers are good," he said. "We'd had prices locked in, but now we think we can go out and rebid it and maybe save some money."

Reporter Laura Kinsler can be reached at (813) 865-4844 or lkinsler@tampatrib.com.

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