Economy floats in to trouble Turkey Creek
NICEVILLE - The tight economy is affecting popular Turkey Creek Park.
The city of Niceville, which runs the park, has had to close it on Mondays because of dwindling funds. It also has suspended plans to add about 500 feet of boardwalk to connect the north end of the park to the south end.
But the economy also has attracted scores of folks to the park who are looking for inexpensive ways to have fun this summer.
"On an average, we're probably getting at least 400 to 600 more visitors a week than last year," said park supervisor Kurt Bartow. "That's all because of gas. We're getting people now that would have gone over to the gulf. They can't afford it."
Bartow said connecting the two ends of the park "still comes up," but it's not a budgeted item.
City Manager Lannie Corbin said the city is applying for a state parks and recreation grant to help fund what has been called Phase III of the Turkey Creek expansion. If Niceville gets the grant, the boardwalk will be built.
If not, city workers may be able to build a small portion of it during the cooler months.
"We are going to tie it together," Corbin said. "We're just not going to tie it together as quick as we'd like to."
Corbin said the city expects less revenue in fiscal 2008-09 and is making as many adjustments as possible to balance its budget.
In addition to closing Turkey Creek one day a week, the city also has closed its Children's Park one additional day a week.
Corbin laughs when detailing other cost-saving measures. Among them is the loss of janitorial services at City Hall.
"You're talking to one of the janitors of the office," he said. "Me and three other folks, we keep our office clean."