An 82 Acre Park within a 165 Acre storm water basin, featuring beautiful lakes, trails and eventually an entertainment venue, this project is a perfect example of redevelopment.

This is a Collaboration with several regional agencies and county departments such as Brevard County Parks, Brevard County Natural Resources, Brevard County Facilities, Brevard County Public Works, and St. Johns River Water Management District.

The ongoing effort is a multi-purpose redevelopment initiative, known as Veterans Memorial Park, the Lakes at Veterans Memorial Park, and the Fortenberry Regional Stormwater Treatment Project.

With 72,000 veterans residing in Brevard County, it is appropriate that this park is the largest Veterans Memorial Park in Florida.

Creating a beautiful park with sparkling lakes, meandering trails and recreation opportunities is a wonderful result of the vision of the planners, but another important aspect is the stormwater management. For example, if a developer wanted to build a commercial building in this area, a retention pond would often be necessary to keep pollutants from reaching the lagoon. This pond would have to be built on the developer’s land, which could otherwise be used to build a larger building or perhaps allow for more parking.

With payment of a Stormwater Tie-In Credit, the developer can elect to handle stormwater mitigation off-site, using the Fortenberry Regional Stormwater Treatment System.  Paying through stormwater credits eliminates the developer’s cost to build a pond, permitting costs (which can take up to two years to get approved) and long-term maintenance fees. The Stormwater Assessment Fee is calculated using a formula that includes gross area and impervious area measurements as recorded by the Brevard County Property Appraiser. Eligibility is determined by Brevard County Natural Resources, and when granted, extends for the life of the development.

Recent and planned developments include:

• $1.4M contribution from MIRA for sidewalks, boardwalks, environmentally friendly parking lot, and first stage landscaping
• Approximately $2.5 Million as a MIRA Contribution in aid for land acquisition
• A historical $50,000 charitable gift from a donor was received by MIRA to create a special landscaping area and the bidding for installation is in process
• New playground equipment with shade canopies
• An exercise trail
• Future “Medal of Honor” Park, with dedicated walkway and landscaping, an area for quiet contemplation honoring veterans
• Future 6,000 SF amphitheatre with tiered grass standing room for up to 2,350 people (and over 5,000 total park attendees), and parking, infrastructure and concession amenities developed in part with a contribution from the Brevard County Tourist Development Council.