Sean Rossman

Democrat staff writer

Standing in front of the sun-glistened expanse of Fred George Greenway and Park, Leon County Commissioner John Dailey saw his second ever commission vote nine years ago finally become a reality.

On Wednesday, the 170-acre tract opened to northwest Leon County residents who have long clamored for more nearby recreational opportunities.

"We did not have this space on this side of town and here we are today," Dailey said. "You no longer have to drive all the way across the county for a fantastic greenway."

Located on the corner of Fred George Road and Capital Circle NW, the park includes a multipurpose field for Pop Warner football, a regulation-size baseball diamond for Little League games, a playground and concession stand. At the park's far end is an education center and museum, which houses artifacts from the park's namesake Fred George, the well-respected farmer, property owner and game warden who used to live in northwest Leon County.

Who was Fred George anyway?

The majority of the area is a 160-acre greenway with miles of hiking and biking trails, a designated longleaf pine tree planting area, a wood stork habitat and Fred George Sink at its northern edge. The park and greenway also is the final connector of a pedestrian walkway from the Lake Jackson Library and Community Center to Capital Circle NW.

Dailey — whose district includes the park — spoke while children climbed, ran and laughed behind him on a play set. Other attendees brought their dogs and walking shoes in order to be some of the first to make use of Leon County's newest amenity. Dailey, fellow County Commissioner Mary Ann Lindley and Leon County Administrator Vince Long all posed for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

Dailey lauded the efforts of county staff and community members for helping make the park a reality — from permitting staff, to commission aides and building contractors.

The park was paid for by Blueprint sales tax dollars and about $2.35 million from a Florida Communities Trust grant, a program of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Gary Clark, DEP's deputy secretary for land and recreation, said the preservation of the greenway will help clean water flowing into the Fred Geoge Sink, the Floridan aquifer and the city of Tallahassee's drinking water.

"I'm positive that Fred George Park and Greenway will become a cornerstone in this community," Clark said.

Contact Sean Rossman atsrossman@tallahassee.com or follow@SeanRossman on Twitter.