2022 Newsletter: Enhancements to the MPOA Beach Park

by Rick Freniere, MPOA Vice President

This past year, The MPOA installed internet access and park-wide Wi-Fi. This installation has enabled us to install security cameras to monitor both the entrance and exit driveways. Monitoring both allows our attendants to review any incidents with the local authorities. Our internet access will permit us to modernize our record-keeping and move to an auto-sticker process. It will be an integral part of our gate installation and then daily gate use.

Over the past 18 months, we have been working to install motorized sliding entrance and exit gates and modernize the restroom facilities. Our goal was to have both projects completed for the upcoming season, but the timeline for these projects has been substantially delayed by Ian’s devastation. The storm damaged both our water and electrical supplies to the park. The water supply has been restored, and a complete replacement of the electric meter and main shut-off is scheduled for the near future. Work inside the bathrooms has resumed, and we hope to have the facility back in service before the year’s end.

Many emergency projects have taken place since the storm including the removal of large amounts of sand and debris. Essentially all existing tables and benches were damaged or destroyed and needed to be removed. Several palm trees were uprooted and the entire hedge along Gulf Shore Boulevard was severely damaged and needed removal as well. In its place, we installed a six-foot construction fence with gates.

We have once again started working on our master plan which includes a comprehensive restoration of the Beach Park. This long-term goal has become imperative because of Ian’s damage. Items to be addressed include benches, tables, walkways, landscaping, and rebuilding the accessibility porch. Our vision includes using products that are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

These enhancements are being made with attention to safety, beauty, comfort, and preservation of our asset – the beautiful Beach Park.

The full 2022 Newsletter can be found here!