Orman House State Park Management Plan

Representatives from the Florida Park Service held a public hearing on Monday, Sept 22 at City Hall to gather input for their management and land use plan of the Orman House Historic State Park, which include Chapman Botanical Garden, and Veterans Memorial Plaza.

In July of this year, the City of Apalachicola and the Three Servicemen Statue South, Inc. signed a long-term management agreement with the State of Florida Park Service to manage under the umbrella of the Orman House Historic State Park the aforementioned sites.

Plans for Botanical Gardens include removing invasive plants and planting plants named by Dr. Alvin Wentworth Chapman, building a large shelter for wedding and family picnics, replacing broken light fixtures, installing restrooms and placing a resident ranger house on site.

The portion of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Avenue between fifth and Market Street will be closed and the asphalt removed to accommodate parking, a sidewalk system and green space. Pedestrian traffic will be able to enter the Park from either 5th Street or Market Street, with parking on the Market Street side of the complex.

The small gathering attending the hearing agreed to help solicit volunteers to assist with the construction and maintenance of the parks.

For more information on how you can help contact Tony Tindell, Park Manager at tony.tindell@dep.state.fl.us.