Summer Season Arrives: New Oceanfront "Seaside Park" Opens

New Seaside Park Opens on Amelia Island

While in many parts of the country, the summer season begins with Memorial Day weekend, here on Amelia Island, (once the Shrimp Festival has passed), we islanders know the summer season is upon us. Already temperatures are hoving around 90, and the grand opening of a new oceanfront public park took place May 10, 2003.

A celebration was held at the new Seaside Park, located at the intersection (roundabout) of Sadler Road and South Fletcher, on Saturday, May 10th from 9 am until 9 pm -- yes, a full day of entertainment and festivities were enjoyed by locals and visitors. Opening ceremonies began at 9 am, followed by live music through the day and into the evening. More than seven performers provided musical entertainment, including Gitlo, the Wade Sax Band, Marla Southwell and the Deep Water Band, Shawn McCarthy, First Baptist Praise Team, the Grace Notes, and the Mullet Wrappers.

Local residents have watched the construction progress of the new park for the past month or so, located next door to Slider's Seaside restaurant, with new wooden beach access walkways and several gazebos. Seaside Park is an additional public beach access point on Amelia Island, centrally located, where one can enter the beach or linger under the gazebos and enjoy the ocean views and seaside breeze.

So stop by Seaside Park -- it's yet another public park along the beach for both residents and tourists to enjoy all year round. The new park offers additional parking spaces for beach access along Fletcher Avenue. ________________________________________________________