County partnership converts retention pond into park

Clay County Government said it partnered with the College Drive Initiative and Lowe’s of Orange Park to turn a pond near Cassie Gardens Apartments into a community nature park and walking trail.

Friday morning, more than 40 volunteers, staff, and county officials took the first steps in the project by planting shrubs and laying down pavers on the parcel. The county said the project is still in its early stages.

Brian Rau, the sales floor and merchandising manager of the Lowes at Blanding Boulevard and Kingsley Avenue, said he and Connie Thomas of the College Road Initiative came up with the idea for the improvements several months ago.

Thomas added that the home improvement retailer donated $6,000 worth of plants and materials to the project.

County Commissioner Mike Cella said the project is an example of what can be accomplished with partnerships between government, business and private citizens.

“This stormwater pond is essentially being transformed into a beautiful park,” he said. “In addition to the grasses and trees that we planted today, we’ve got benches that Lowes has also provided. So, once we get those up and constructed in place, folks will be able to come sit and enjoy this beautiful spot.”

County Parks and Recreation Director Justin Pierce said Lowes donated 180 pavers, 20 crape myrtles, 30 fountain grasses, 30 bags of compost and 65 bags of mulch to the effort.

He added that before the event, the county’s public works department graded a 16 by 16-foot overlook and a 20-foot, 4-foot-wide walking path on the property.