Established in 2005, University Park preserves and protects its footprint while allowing UWF faculty, staff, alumni and community supporters to designate funds for park improvements.

Oak Grove Reservations

Oak Grove, located behind the Aquatic Center, offers a wooded outdoor setting for group events. It includes a covered pavilion with power and water, as well as a fire pit with benches. Restrooms are located in the Aquatic Center and HLS Facilities.

Regulations
• Bring your own firewood.
• Fire stays below 3 feet tall.
• No alcohol.
• Must have a reservation.
• OA Fire Attendant must be present.
• There cannot be a county fire ban.

Pricing
Campus groups are $12 per hour, with an extra hour for setup/takedown. For example, a 3 hour program would be $12x4 hours = $48. Off-campus groups are subject to a tiered pricing depending on if a group is educational, nonprofit or profit. Off-campus group rates start at $50 for the facility plus $10/hour for staff.

Reservations
To make your reservation contact Shaun Boren, Assistant Director of Outdoor Adventures: sboren@uwf.edu, 850-474-2819.

Current Projects

Through a matching grant with the Professional Disc Golf Association, community sponsorships and Student Government Association funding, an 18 hole Frisbee Golf Course is being completed in already drawing enthusiasts from around the region. A newly formed UWF Disc Golf Club is actively updating the course and raising awareness. As of December 2008 the first 16 holes are complete. For more information, contact the UWF Disc Golf Club.

2007-2008 fiscal year will release funds for improvements to the Skeeter Carson Tennis Complex.  Court resurfacing, windscreen replacement and fencing repair/replacement is underway.

Recreation and Sports Services Outdoor Adventures program has outgrown its former space and has moved into two of the original indoor racquetball courts.  At present, the Outdoor Adventure Center houses camping, hiking and back packing equipment in one court and the other functions as an education and training center for Outdoor Clinics and as the Pre-Trip Meeting site for some adventure outings.

Upcoming Projects

Future plans also include improved Oak Grove picnic area ADA accessibility. An academic field experience or internship is available to students interested in researching, writing and implementing an ADA project grant. Contact Shaun Boren sboren@uwf.edu or Shelley Trimm strimm@uwf.edu for additional information.

History

Dave Scott, Associate Director Recreation and Sports Services (RSS), originated the concept of preserving the area inside the Campus Drive 30MPH curve as University Park .

Nancy Quina, Assistant Director RSS and Melissa Padden, MBA Program Coordinator, both members of the President's Advisory Council, brought the park concept to the President's attention. He was in favor of the idea and advised council members to bring the idea back to him through appropriate university committees.

In the spring of '05, Environmental Conservation and Beautification Committee members Shelley Trimm , Associate Director RSS and Melissa Padden drafted the University Park roposal. ECBC was the first to unanimously approve the proposal.

In July 2005, Dr. Jim Barnett, Associate VP Admin Affairs and co-chair of the Facilities Planning Committee, presented the park proposal to the FPC. Receiving unanimous approval, the proposal was forwarded to the President.

The park dedication was held on Friday, March 31, 2006 in conjunction with the Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening Ceremony for Bldg.72. Master of Ceremonies was Mr. Bill Healey, Executive Director of Student Life. Speakers included Pres. Cavanaugh, ECBC Chairperson, Melissa Padden, and Mr. Healey. The park dedication monument was unveiled by Cavanaugh and Padden.