The report from Legacy Arborist Services regarding the Mckenzie Park Tree Assessment Follow-up may be viewed in this link: https://www.pcgov.org/DocumentCenter/View/5726/McKenzie-Park-Updated-Arborist-Report.
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The City of Panama City’s Quality of Life department hosted a public walk-through of McKenzie Park on March 10th to announce and provide clarity regarding proposed renovations to the park landscape and facilities. More than 30 citizens attended the walk-through hosted by Quality of Life Director Sean DePalma.
Arborists, contracted through the City post-Hurricane Michael, have identified several stressed trees and plants for pruning or trimming in order to make way for new tree growth, ultimately enhancing the park’s overhead canopy. In all six, trees were identified for removal due to infestation, compromised root systems, and significant decay or crown die back. Several others were identified for transplant to other areas of the park to allow for healthy growth.
Trees identified for removal will be replaced by developed trees of like species with an established trunk flare at a ratio of three new trees for every one removed.
The tree survey by Legacy Arborist Services may be viewed below.
The Quality of Life Department is also working on repairs and improvements to the other parks and facilities in the City.
The City is looking to fund park improvement projects with FEMA 428 Project funding and other Federal and State grants.
This funding structure represents a unique opportunity to make improvements with 75% of the cost funded by FEMA and 12.5% by the State. The City will absorb 12.5% of the total project costs once the project is closed out and the reimbursement process is completed. The local cost share can be offset by other Federal and State grants.
Funding obligated by FEMA for 428 Projects can only be used for 428 Projects in accordance with Federal guidelines.
McKenzie Park is located at the corner of Oak Avenue and Park Street.