<body><div><ul><li>Alachua County purchased 75 acres of the former West End Golf Course in May 2024 for $3.8 million to develop it into a community park.</li><li>The West End Planned Development amendments change the property use from golf course to community park and allow various recreational activities.</li><li>Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler was honored for her eight years of service as she prepares to leave the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners.</li></ul>The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on Tuesday adopted a resolution approving amendments to the West End Planned Development (PD). The board also recognized an outgoing commissioner. West End Planned DevelopmentThe amendments specifically involve roughly 75 acres within the larger West End (PD) – West End Community Park. The property, located at 12830 W. Newberry Road (across from Tioga Town Center), was formerly known as the West End Golf Course. The golf course closed in 2019, and Alachua County purchased the piece of land for $3.8 million in May 2024.“The closure of the golf course ultimately provided Alachua County with the opportunity to purchase the 75 acres and develop the parcels there as a recreational amenity serving the citizens of Alachua County,” said Gerald Brewington, senior planner of the Alachua County Growth Management Department, while addressing the board. The amendments change the permitted use of the property from golf course to community park and allow additional recreational uses at the park. The resolution, meanwhile, outlines the permitted uses and conditions for the park. <ul><li>Alachua County will own and operate the park as a recreational amenity to the public. </li></ul><ul><li>Recreational uses allowed in the park can include a combination of developed and passive recreation consistent with the county’s latest park master plan. </li></ul><ul><li>The county may enter into partnerships with private entities to operate recreational facilities. </li></ul><ul><li>Organized athletic competitions, such as the World Masters, are allowed within the park subject to approval by county staff. </li></ul><ul><li>Exterior lighting will be designed to minimize impacts to nearby residential properties and shall fully comply with all applicable requirements in Land Development Code Article XIV (Outdoor Lighting). </li></ul><ul><li>Stormwater facilities, utilities and any other required infrastructure to serve the park are allowed throughout the park. </li></ul><ul><li>Future proposed access driveways onto Newberry Road will require permitting from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). </li></ul><ul><li>The park usually operates from dawn to dusk, except for illuminated activity courts, which can operate until 10 p.m. </li></ul><ul><li>A 10-foot arterial street buffer, including landscape plantings, is required for the park on Newberry Road where existing development or infrastructure does not prevent it. </li></ul><ul><li>A 50-foot-wide low project boundary buffer is required around the park’s perimeter. Pedestrian-scale lighting is allowed in the buffer when located at least 25 feet from the property line. The buffer can use a combination of existing and new plantings. </li></ul>Brewington noted that staff found the amendments to be consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan and land development code, adding that it “will not impact the health, safety or welfare of the citizens of Alachua County.” According to the meeting agenda summary, the West End PD amendment has “no direct fiscal impact and does not authorize additional expenditures. Planned Park improvements are incorporated into the Parks Master Plan and Capital Improvement Plan and will be funded through the applicable budget approval process.” The board adopted the resolution unanimously. Commissioner Charles Chestnut IV was absent from the meeting. Outgoing commissioner recognized Tuesday’s meeting was also the last for Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler, who is vacating her District 2 seat. Tina Certain, a former School Board of Alachua County (SBAC) member, will take Wheeler’s seat next week after winning the primary election in August. Wheeler has served on the county commission for eight years, having first been elected in November 2018. She was reelected in November 2022. Several members of the public, county staff and commissioners took time to say a few words about Wheeler. Chair Ken Cornell became emotional as he shared remarks about his colleague. “Marihelen, you have been the heart and soul of this commission. You have made all of us better,” Cornell said. “You have made this county stronger and kinder.” Cornell invited Wheeler, county staff, fellow commissioners and Certain to join him at the lectern, where he read and presented a plaque to Wheeler for her eight years of service as a commissioner. Wheeler offered remarks before citizens, staff and her fellow commissioners. She reflected on her eight years with the commission, thanking staff, friends and supporters for their support. Wheeler concluded her remarks in a way she said she used to end her classes as a teacher: by sharing poetry. Wheeler read two poems by Robert Frost: “The Road Not Taken” and “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” The last paragraph of the second poem reads: “The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep. And miles to go before I sleep.” “That’s us too, and that’s me. I’ve got miles to go before I sleep, so I’ve got a lot of trouble to get into, and you all will see me out there doing it,” Wheeler said. “Thank you all for this opportunity to be here for eight years, to be here now with you, and to share my deep love for all of you and much, much even deeper respect.” Nick Anschultz is a Report for America corps member and writes about education for Mainstreet Daily News. This position is supported by local donations through the Community Catalyst for Local Journalism Fund at the Community Foundation of North Central Florida</div></body>

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Alachua County purchased 75 acres of the former West End Golf Course in May 2024 for $3.8 million to develop it into a community park. The West End Planned Development amendments change the property use from golf course to community park and allow various recreational activities. Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler was...

Alachua County approves changes to West End Planned Development

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Alachua County purchased 75 acres of the former West End Golf Course in May 2024 for $3.8 million to develop it into a community park. The West End Planned

Alachua County approves changes to West End Planned Development

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