By-Line: Brittany Kershaw, Palm Coast Government

The City of Palm Coast was awarded the “Outstanding Private and Public Partnership” award by the Florida Planning and Zoning Association (FPZA) Surfcoast Chapter. This award recognizes the City’s collaborative work with Mesa Capital Group to bring the Palm Coast Disc Golf Course to life.

As part of the project, the Master Developer donated the land for the park to the City of Palm Coast, demonstrating their commitment to community amenities. Mesa Capital Group partnered with the City to construct the disc golf facility, utilizing park impact fees generated exclusively from Mesa Capital Group’s development. The park will feature nine to 18 holes, restrooms, shade structures, and a parking lot. Importantly, no property taxes from the broader community will be used to construct this park, ensuring it remains a cost-effective addition that is free to play and accessible for everyone to enjoy.

The disc golf park reflects the City’s goal of creating parks that blend naturally with the environment and need little upkeep. In the joint city-county Parks Master Plan approved in 2023, adding unique recreational options like disc golf was highlighted as a top priority. Residents showed strong interest in the sport through surveys and focus groups, making it a key part of the City’s efforts to provide new and creative recreation opportunities.

“The City of Palm Coast is dedicated to creative solutions that enhance our growing community,” said Deputy Chief Development Officer Ray Tyner. “This project fills a recreational gap, enriches the neighborhood, and exemplifies the collaborative spirit that defines our city. As Palm Coast grows, we remain committed to improving residents’ quality of life through innovation. The FPZA award reflects the success of this approach and the dedication of everyone involved.”

Illustrated map of Blue Heron Flats Disc Golf Course in Palm Coast, Florida It features holes, with marked paths and obstacles Logos of Blue Heron Flats, Palm Coast, and Alliant appear in the corners Streets labeled as White Mill Drive and Pine Lakes Pathway

Established in 1950, the FPZA Surfcoast Chapter is part of a rich tradition in urban planning and development. The FPZA has been instrumental in shaping Florida’s planning landscape, championing key legislation such as the Growth Management Act of 1985. For more information, visit www.fpza.org.