Resolution No. 21-31RESOLUTION NO. 21-31
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THAT
THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE CONSIDER INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE GREATER UTILIZATION OF
KATHERINE ABBEY HANNA PARK, STARTING WITH PROVIDING FREE ACCESS TO ACTIVE AND
RETIRED MILITARY PERSONNEL AND THEIR DEPENDENTS, AND TO THOSE WITH VALID
IDENTIFICATION WHO RECEIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE; AND BY INSTALLING A
BICYCLE/PEDETRIAN GATE AT THE PARK'S SOUTHWEST BOUNDARY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, with its beautiful public beach and many amenities, and its value to Duval County
residents and visitors, alike, Katherine Abbey Hanna Park is a County asset and a crown jewel in the
Greater Jacksonville community; and
WHEREAS, the Jacksonville City Council is considering adopting Ordinance 2021-212, which
establishes reduced admission fees at Hanna and Huguenot Memorial parks, and this Resolution
identifies means in which the Ordinance can be enhanced; and
WHEREAS, our public beaches, including those at Hanna Park, are a treasure for all to enjoy, and
offer us coastal resiliency. To those two ends, we are very grateful for continuing County efforts to
replenish the beach via shoreline protection projects; and
WHEREAS, the City of Atlantic Beach respectfully asks that the City of Jacksonville recognize the
challenges that providing public beach access presents in terms of congestion and traffic, lack of
adequate parking, and the impacts on neighborhoods and our limited resources in the beach
municipalities.
WHEREAS, the City of Atlantic Beach respectfully asks that the City of Jacksonville recognize the
value of promoting public access to Hanna Park and the beach for people in vehicles, on bikes, and on
foot.
WHEREAS, the City of Atlantic Beach respectfully asks that the City of Jacksonville to provide
relief from entry fees for those who have served our Nation in the military, and for those in financial
need.
WHEREAS, the City of Atlantic Beach respectfully asks the City of Jacksonville to actively partner
in the effort to manage and promote public access to the beaches.
WHEREAS, the need to promote access to Hanna Park was first identified in Atlantic Beach at
least 30 years ago. As the park's direct neighbor, we see firsthand the steady increase in the number of
visitors and County residents. Over just three summer months last year, Atlantic Beach lifeguards served
approximately 74,000 beach patrons — during the pandemic.
WHEREAS, with finite parking available in Atlantic Beach, continued development outside of our
community, and the progressively challenging traffic congestion in our neighborhoods and beach access
parking areas, it stands to reason that promoting greater utilization of Hanna Park would better serve
our City, as well as County residents and visitors; and
WHEREAS, the City of Atlantic Beach asks the City of Jacksonville to consider initiatives that will
promote greater public access to Hanna Park and its amenities. As a start, and given the park's proximity
to Naval Station Mayport, we support free admission for active and retired military personnel and their
dependents with identification. Also, we support free or reduced -cost access to those who can present
valid identification that they receive financial assistance.
WHEREAS, the City of Atlantic Beach has a multi -use path along Mayport Road as a proposed
East Coast Greenway route through Atlantic Beach, which would serve as a catalyst for greater, safer
pedestrian and bicycle travel along Mayport Road and into Hanna Park; and
WHEREAS, the City of Atlantic Beach also desires for the City of Jacksonville to install a
bicycle/pedestrian gate at the park's southwest boundary in Jacksonville, thus promoting multimodal
public access to the trail system, park amenities, and beach.
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Commission of the City of Atlantic Beach as
follows:
Section 1: The City Commission respectfully requests that the City of Jacksonville promote
greater utilization of Katherine Abbey Hanna Park through various initiatives, starting with providing
free access to military personnel, veterans and their families, and free or reduced -cost access to people
with valid identification who receive financial assistance; and by installing a bicycle -pedestrian gate at
the park's southwest boundary.
Section 2: This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its final passage and adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Commission of the City of Atlantic Beach, this 101h day of May,
2021.
Ellen Glasser, Mayor
Attest:
Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk
Approved as to form and correctness:
/ u�
Brenna Du -City Attorney
Resolution No. 21-31 Page 2 of 2