New ‘Paper Park’ Opens in Cantonment: A Testament to Community and Transformation
CANTONMENT, FL – In a significant development for local residents, Escambia County has officially opened a new park on the 68-acre site of the former International Paper golf course. The park, aptly named “Paper Park,” celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, highlighting the power of community collaboration and the potential for renewal.
“We are witnessing the transformation of a space that once lay vacant into a vibrant area for community engagement,” said Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry during the opening ceremony. This transition echoes the scriptural principles of renewal and stewardship, as demonstrated in Isaiah 43:19, where it is stated, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?”
The partnership between Escambia County and International Paper has yielded not only a park but a hub for local activity. The park features an 0.81-mile walking track, a playground, the complete 18-hole “Timber Toss Disc Golf” course, and a covered pavilion with picnic tables, all accessible free of charge from sunrise to sunset. The location at the corner of Highway 29 and Muscogee Road makes it an inviting space for families and individuals looking to enjoy the outdoors.
Wes Moreno, Escambia County Administrator, praised the project, noting that it complements other significant investments in the area, including developments at nearby Carver Park. “This is a great amenity for the community, and we are committed to making it even better,” he said. Plans are already underway to expand the walking track, effectively doubling its length within weeks of the park’s opening.
Whitney Fike, Communications Manager for International Paper, expressed satisfaction with the park’s swift uptake by the community. “To see families laughing on the playground and people enjoying the disc golf course has been rewarding,” she said. This resonates with fundamental teachings about the value of community and connection, reflecting the biblical call to love and serve one another.
As we reflect on the establishment of Paper Park, it serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that encourages us to invest in our communities and uplift those around us. The collaboration between government and business fosters a space where relationships can flourish and families can thrive—a true embodiment of Matthew 5:16, which encourages us to let our light shine before others.
In closing, let this new park inspire us to engage positively with our surroundings, nurturing the connections we share within our communities. As we gather in such spaces, may we remember the words of Hebrews 10:24, which calls us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”
So, as you visit Paper Park, take a moment to appreciate not only the nature around you but also the spirit of unity and upliftment that such spaces cultivate. How might you contribute to this spirit within your community?
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