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Monday, November 12, 2007

Florida Communities Trust Launches Online Parks Directory

Florida Communities Trust (FCT ) today launched a new online parks directory that will make it easier for residents and visitors to find outstanding recreational opportunities throughout the state. FCT is the state's premier program for helping local communities preserve open space and recreational areas, and the online directory will enable users, with just a few clicks, to identify local and regional parks in a specific geographic area or those that offer particular amenities.

Department of Community Affairs Secretary Tom Pelham, who serves as chair of the FCT Governing Board, announced the launch of the online directory at a Board meeting in Tallahassee today. Tomorrow, the Board will review 118 applications before selecting the projects that will receive funding over the next year for land acquisitions.

"Many people are not aware of the important role Florida Communities Trust plays in protecting our state's open spaces through partnerships with local governments," Pelham said. "The online parks directory can help countless Floridians learn about the local treasures all around them."

Since 1991, Florida Communities Trust and its local partners have established some 450 local and regional parks in more than 200 communities throughout Florida.

The online directory, which can be found at www.floridacommunitydevelopment.org/fct/parks/, was developed by the Trust in conjunction with the Tallahassee-based technology firm Design Farm. The directory features a listing of FCT parks throughout the state. After finding parks by location or amenities, users can read brief descriptions, view pictures and maps, and access a monthly listing of annual events or festivals occurring at the parks. A different park will be highlighted each month.

Administered by the Department of Community Affairs, Florida Communities Trust is a state land acquisition grant program that has provided nearly $667 million to local governments to preserve parks and recreational space. The Trust makes $66 million of Florida Forever funds available each year. For more information regarding the Department of Community Affairs and the FCT program, please visit www.dca.state.fl.us.

Press Release - DCA