Clay County wants to rebuild the 180-foot fishing pier at Doctors Lake Park and replace the playground at Moody Avenue Park, with residents invited to weigh in on the proposed improvements through Tuesday, Oct. 13.

The Clay County Board of County Commissioners plans to apply for two grants through the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP), seeking approximately $200,000 for each park, according to a county announcement published Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Residents can submit feedback through online surveys or email comments to [email protected].

Proposed improvements include new pier and accessible playground

At Doctors Lake Park, the county proposes replacing the approximately 180-foot fishing pier and an existing bulkhead, adding a kayak launch and paving the parking lot.

The improvements would address waterfront recreation facilities and expand opportunities for visitors to access Doctors Lake.

At Moody Avenue Park, the county wants to replace the existing playground with equipment accessible to people with disabilities, install rubber safety surfacing and improve underground drainage in the play area.

The county is seeking approximately $200,000 in state funding for each project.

FRDAP, administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, provides competitive grants to local governments for acquiring, developing and improving public outdoor recreation facilities.

The program allows grants of up to $200,000.

For projects costing more than $150,000, the state requires a 50% local match. A project receiving the maximum $200,000 grant would therefore require another $200,000 in eligible local contributions, bringing the total project budget to $400,000.

Local matching contributions may include cash, qualifying in-kind services or eligible land value.

If Clay County receives the full amount requested for both parks, the combined projects could represent approximately $800,000 in improvements, including $400,000 in state grants and $400,000 in local matching contributions.

The county's announcement did not specify how it would provide the required matching funds.

Projects depend on state grant approval

Neither park improvement project has received state grant funding.

Clay County plans to submit its applications before the Thursday, Oct. 15, deadline. The state application period closes at 5 p.m. EDT.

The Department of Environmental Protection evaluates eligible applications and prepares a ranked list for funding consideration by the Florida Legislature.

Grant awards depend on legislative appropriations and are not guaranteed.

County officials said public feedback will help identify which improvements matter most to residents who use the parks.

Residents can complete separate online surveys for Doctors Lake Park and Moody Avenue Park through the county's announcement.

How residents can participate

The county scheduled a public meeting for Thursday, Oct. 8, at 6 p.m. at the Florida Department of Health in Clay County, 1845 Town Center Blvd., Building 400, Suite 405, in Fleming Island.

Residents who cannot attend may submit written feedback by email or complete the online surveys.

Public comment deadline: Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Email: [email protected]

Online surveys: Available through the Clay County government website.

The county must submit its grant applications by Oct. 15. If approved, the funding would support the proposed improvements at both parks.