Henry Davis Park Set For Major Transformation With Community-Driven Upgrades

PANAMA CITY, FL - In Panama City, Florida, Henry Davis Park is undergoing a remarkable transformation, as announced by Keith Mefford, Director of Parks and Recreation. Speaking at a recent community event, Mefford detailed an ambitious revitalization project, fueled by local sponsorship and community input, to enhance the park’s facilities and foster a stronger sense of community pride. This initiative, part of a broader post-hurricane recovery effort, promises to make the park a vibrant hub for families and residents.

The transformation, set to unfold over the next three months, includes a community garden already thriving as a success story. A large pavilion will provide shaded gathering spaces, while $130,000 to $150,000 in new playground equipment will cater to children of all ages. Upgraded bathrooms with a potential mural will add aesthetic appeal, and shade structures will offer relief from Bay County’s scorching 90-degree heat. A storage shed will support the community garden, ensuring tools and supplies are secure. A unique addition is a “fan shop” basketball court, featuring 10 goals arranged back-to-back for a game-style experience similar to H.O.R.S.E., a creative twist Mefford, an Indiana native and basketball enthusiast, finds intriguing.

Across the street, the MLK Recreation Center is nearing completion as a $20 million community investment. The center will boast a STEM lab, fitness center, teaching kitchen, 14 ceiling-suspended basketball goals, volleyball courts, an indoor walking track, art and study rooms, a senior café, and a recording studio. Outdoors, a grass field with Musco lighting, two playgrounds, an outdoor basketball court, and pavilions will create a dynamic campus. A sculpture by Miami artist George Gadsden, inspired by community feedback, will grace the entrance, making it a destination point.

Mefford emphasized community involvement, with local contractors and organizations donating services to keep costs down. A documentary and ribbon-cutting event will honor these contributions. This project, alongside others like Carl Gray and W.O.R. Front Park, reflects Panama City’s commitment to revitalizing public spaces post-hurricane, ensuring lasting community benefits.

Watch Keith Mefford speak at the Kiwanis Club on July 2, 2025

Video by Karen Custer
Photos by Karen Custer