East Pays, West Plays: Taxpayers East of I-95 Fund $22.86 Million Park They May Rarely Use

It would surprise many in Nassau County to know that a whopping 82.7% of all County Ad Valorum taxes comes from properties east of Interstate 95. However, Nassau County has programmed $22.86 million into the Westside Regional Park which is located 20 miles west of Interstate 95. This project spans over 100 acres, with a construction cost estimated at $21 million. The County purchased the land in 2007 for $1.09 million, but it took 17 years to develop a viable plan for the park.

While the park is intended to serve the entire county, its location makes it largely inaccessible for many residents, especially those in the eastern parts of the county who pay the lion’s share of all taxes.

Additionally, over 67% of Nassau County’s population is located in the eastern most zip codes of 32034 and 32097 who have to travel up to 35 miles to visit the park. Studies show that individuals living more than 10 miles away from a park are likely to use it only occasionally, if at all. This means that the taxpayers who bear the brunt of paying for a majority of the park likely won’t use it, which means they likely don’t need it.

This raises concerns about the park’s true value and whether the project should continue.

Desired Outcome: Responsible Use of Public Funds

We want Nassau County to reconsider the long-term investment in the Westside Regional Park, with an emphasis on equitable access for all residents. Given the location and the distance many residents must travel to reach the park, we believe the county should reassess whether this park is the best use of public funds. A fairer solution could involve investing in parks and recreational facilities that are more accessible to the majority of the population.

Call to Action: Reevaluate the Park’s Feasibility and Accessibility

It’s time for Nassau County to have a transparent and open conversation about the future of the Westside Regional Park. Residents should ask: Is the current plan the most effective and equitable use of our tax dollars? We urge county leaders to consider alternative ways to provide recreational opportunities that serve all residents.

What Can Local Taxpayers Do?

Learn More: Stay informed about the park’s funding and construction plans.
Get Involved: Join the conversation by attending local county commissioner meetings and voicing your concerns. Let the commissioners know “You’ve been DOGEd on this waste of taxpayers dollars.”
Sign the Petition: Advocate for a reassessment of the park’s feasibility and the development of parks that benefit a larger portion of the county.

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Reconsideration of the Westside Regional Park Investment

Petition to the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners

Subject: Reconsideration of the Westside Regional Park Investment

Dear Commissioners,

We, the undersigned residents of Nassau County, respectfully submit this petition regarding the allocation of public funds toward the development of the Westside Regional Park.

It would surprise many to learn that 82.7% of all Nassau County Ad Valorem taxes are paid by properties located east of Interstate 95. Yet, the County has programmed $22.86 million into the Westside Regional Park, located 20 miles west of Interstate 95 — a location largely inaccessible to the majority of residents who are funding it.

This project spans over 100 acres with an estimated construction cost of $21 million. Although the land was purchased in 2007 for $1.09 million, it has taken 17 years to bring forward a plan, raising additional concerns about the project's long-term viability and true priority.

Over 67% of Nassau County’s population lives in the easternmost zip codes of 32034 and 32097, areas where residents would have to travel up to 35 miles to access the park. Research shows that individuals living more than 10 miles away from a park are unlikely to use it regularly, if at all.

In short: the taxpayers bearing the largest burden for this project are the least likely to benefit from it.

Given these facts, we have serious concerns about whether the Westside Regional Park is the most responsible and equitable use of taxpayer dollars.

We respectfully request the following:

A full public reassessment of the Westside Regional Park's location, accessibility, and return on investment.
Consideration of alternative investments in parks and recreation facilities that are more geographically equitable and accessible to the majority of Nassau County taxpayers.
Greater transparency and opportunity for public input regarding major capital projects moving forward.

We urge you to pause further expenditures on this project until a thorough and transparent review is conducted.

It is time for Nassau County to ensure that public funds are invested fairly, wisely, and in ways that serve the entire community — not just a select portion of it.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

We look forward to your leadership and stewardship of our county’s future.

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