Phase One of Bruce Beach Park in Pensacola to open to the public Saturday

Alexa Daly
·2 min read
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PENSACOLA, Fla. (WKRG) — Families will soon have a new place to visit and enjoy the Gulf Coast as the city of Pensacola is set to open Phase One of the new Bruce Beach Park.

Located on West Main Street, Phase One of the park will open to the public on Saturday.

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A ribbon cutting celebrating the opening of Phase One will take place Saturday morning at 9 a.m., and visitors will be able to see the park equipped with a new playground, walkways, bay access, and a pedestrian bridge connecting the park to Community Maritime Park.

The price tag of Phase One is $6.6 million.

The city says one of the biggest priorities while moving forward with the design of the park was connecting people to the water.

While Phase One of the park opens to the public, construction of Phase Two will continue.

“To have this open as an amenity for kids, for parents and grandparents, who put a lot of value and memories into this area to have that open for six months seven months before Phase Two I think will be a big asset for us,” Mayor D.C. Reeves said.

Some of Phase Two’s features will include a sand volleyball court, a picnic area, and a kayak launch.

Construction of the $4 million Phase Two is expected to be complete this fall.

Although the park is becoming a place to enjoy the Gulf Coast scenery, officials say it is important to not forget the park’s history. Bruce Beach was once home to a public pool for African Americans during segregation.

To honor its history, the city has installed cultural exhibits throughout the park.

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“How we commemorate what was here, and what that meant to the people who lived in the City of Pensacola in a very difficult time in our city. And you’ll see that commemoration,” Reeves said.

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