A $4 million “Adventure Park” planned in St. Lucie West may face complications if Florida’s Turnpike uses part of the site for a Crosstown Parkway interchange.
Port St. Lucie plans to start construction on the park for skating, biking and other action sports in 2021 on a 39-acre site north of the parkway and west of the turnpike. Conceptual plans call for a skatepark, BMX race course, jump park, stryder track, mountain bike trails, rock walls, zip lines, standing wave rides and a playground at 1501 SW Cameo Blvd.
However, turnpike officials notified the city in August part of the site might be needed for a southbound entrance ramp in about a decade. It’s one of three options they are considering for the entrance ramp.
The proposed entrance ramp would start on Crosstown Parkway westbound, turn north onto what is now Cameo Boulevard, loop over the action park site and cross the turnpike twice before merging onto the southbound lanes, records show.
“It looks like there is still significant usable property on the site, which we were worried about,” City Manager Russ Blackburn told the City Council on Nov. 18.
The council voted unanimously to proceed with the adventure park. “This is making good on a long-standing promise,” said Mayor Greg Oravec. “I’m glad that it’s finally moving forward.”
A public planning meeting will be held this spring to develop general concepts for the adventure park, said Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Brad Keen. A design-build firm will be hired in 2021 to construct the facilities.
Councilwoman Jolien Caraballo said a constituent recently asked her about the park’s progress.
“They’re still waiting and they’re ready to get to work and help bring ideas forward,” Caraballo said.
The adventure park will blend well with Crosstown Parkway’s multi-purpose path and linear park, Caraballo said.
The council also voted unanimously to oppose any turnpike interchange plan that takes land away from the adventure park.
“I think we just need to move forward with the park, get it done, put in all the amenities, and let them work around our site when their solution has to be developed,” said Councilman John Carvelli.
