Santa Rosa County will host a grand opening celebration for the Bagdad Mill Site Park on Monday, May 16 at 10 a.m. at the Bagdad Mill Site Park. There will be guest speakers, an unveiling of a historic marker and light refreshments provided.
The 21-acre Bagdad Mill Site, located at the union of Pond Creek and Blackwater River in Bagdad, was previously the location of the Bagdad Land and Lumber Company Saw Mill which was in operation from 1840 through 1939. The site was acquired by the State of Florida Board of Trustees in 2000 and was leased to Santa Rosa County for development in 2004 as a passive recreation area. The Bagdad Waterfronts Florida Partnership, Inc., has served as a catalyst for progress following a community visioning and master planning process in 2006.
“I am proud of the efforts of the community and county departments who worked diligently over the last ten years to open Bagdad Mill Site Park. We were able to leverage grant funds and contributions along with $250,000 of county in-kind services to minimize expenditures,” said Commissioner Bob Cole. “I am looking forward to the grand opening of this beautiful park and encourage the community and citizens to celebrate with us.”
The program will conclude with an unveiling of a historical marker describing the significance of the Bagdad Lumber Mill and Shipbuilding in Bagdad. The Florida Historical Marker Program recognizes historic resources, persons and events that are significant in the areas of architecture, archaeology, Florida history and traditional culture by promoting the placing of historic markers and plaques at sites of historical and visual interest to visitors. The purpose of the program is to increase public awareness of the rich cultural heritage of the state and to enhance the enjoyment of historic sites in Florida by its citizens and tourists. The marker was donated by the Blackwater Pyrates.
Following the grand opening program, there will be a brief overview of Arcadia Mill’s evolution to Bagdad Mill and live enactment with period-dressed actors representing early Bagdad including a reverend, postmistress and mill worker.
Completion of Phase One would not have been possible without the support of grants, donations and resources from the following: Land and Water Conservation Fund, Coastal Partnership Initiative Program, Recreation Trails Program, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, State of Florida, Santa Rosa County District II Commissioner, Tourist Development Office Lodging Tax Collections, Bagdad Waterfronts Florida Partnership, Inc., Blackwater River Foundation, Inc., International Paper, Blackwater Pyrates, and countless hours and resources provided by volunteers.
