Delays that have plagued the Community Maritime Park have not dampened efforts by the University of West Florida to build a maritime museum on the future park site. With matching state grants, UWF officials have nearly $10.5 million of the $18 million needed in hand. New university leadership won't deter plans to build the Vice Adm. John H. Fetterman State of Florida Maritime Museum and Research Center.

“I am personally a supporter of the maritime museum,” UWF’s Interim President Judy Bense said Friday to trustees with Community Maritime Park Associates. Bense, former director of anthropology and archaeology, was tapped to replace previous UWF President John Cavanaugh, who left for another position. “I will say very firmly our university community is committed to keeping our part of the bargain,” Bense said. The university plans to operate at the park an education facility, an amphitheater, the maritime museum and a multicultural center.

The Community Maritime Park is a proposed public-private development to build a baseball and multiuse stadium, UWF facilities, public park areas, and privately owned retail and commercial space. The City of Pensacola has pledged $40 million toward the project. Financing has not been finalized, and selection of a master developer to build the park is running behind schedule. Dean Van Galen, vice president of university advancement, said the museum components include:

• The amphitheater design is under way, and architectural services will be donated by designer Doug Mund.
• University courses at the park likely will focus on high-end, high-technotogy professional work and continuing education courses. The maritime museum and multicultural center, dedicated to Pensacola's diverse history, will be located adjacent to each other but will have separate names, entrances, missions, operating plan and advisory boards. The museum and the center may share visitor services areas, heating and cooling systems, and administration of volunteers and interns.
• The maritime museum will include exhibits tailored to public education curriculum.

Kim Walden, Escambia School District science specialist, said UWF officials already have contacted her about the project. “It’s a win-win opportunity,” Walden said. “This would get students very excited and motivated about science.”