FELLSMERE — The City of Fellsmere received official word this week that it would receive $200,000 in federal funds to make improvements to the Fellsmere Preserve, located on the north side of County Road 512, west of Interstate 95.
The 86-acre site is slated to get a picnic pavilion, playground, canoe launch, biking trails and other improvements. “It’s very exciting,” said Fellsmere City Manager Jason Nunemaker of receiving the award letter.
The overall project is expected to cost $400,000 and include a visitor/welcome center and other amenities.
The city is still waiting to hear from another government agency to find out if the project will be awarded further grant monies. Nunemaker said they expect to hear from the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program.
The city purchased the preserve land in 2007 and, under the purchase agreement, has 10 years to make the proposed improvements.
The next step will be for the city to develop a site plan for the Fellsmere Preserve to be sure not to disturb the wetlands there.
“We’ll go ahead and get started now,” Nunemaker said of preparing the plans for the project, which will help tie in the historic railroad right of way and the future Fellsmere 392 development.
