Nassau County’s Westside Regional Park Receives Statewide Planning Award
YULEE, Fla. (Nov. 12, 2026) – Nassau County's Westside Regional Park has received the Florida Planning & Zoning Association's (FPZA) “Before Its Time/Stood the Test of Time Award,” recognizing the park's forward-thinking approach to recreation, environmental stewardship and community planning.
The award was accepted jointly by Nassau County Planning Director Elizabeth Backe and Nassau County Regional Park Manager Levi Welling during FPZA's awards banquet Nov. 5.
Located on 107 acres in Hilliard, Westside Regional Park was designed to be much more than a traditional recreational facility. By bringing together competitive athletic fields, family-friendly amenities, community gathering spaces and protected natural areas, the park reflects a comprehensive approach to public space that supports both the community's current needs and its long-term vision for the future.
Opened to the public in June 2026, the park represents a significant investment in the quality of life for residents throughout Nassau County. Its amenities include three competition-size athletic fields, a 10,000-square-foot covered multi-use athletic court known as the Airnasium, a nature-themed playground, a dog park, an amphitheater and event lawn, a fishing lake, scenic trails and a dedicated stargazing area.
What makes Westside Regional Park particularly noteworthy is its balance of active recreation and environmental preservation. While providing opportunities for organized sports, fitness and large community events, the park also incorporates preserved natural habitats, elevated boardwalks and opportunities for wildlife observation and environmental education.
The project also reflects priorities identified through the County's Vision 2050 initiative and the Western Nassau Heritage Preservation Visioning Plan, particularly those related to quality of life, sense of place, environmental stewardship and creating opportunities for meaningful community connections.
"Westside Regional Park is a wonderful example of what thoughtful planning and investment can bring to a community," said Nassau County Board of County Commissioners Chairperson Alyson McCullough. "It provides residents with opportunities to stay active, connect with one another and enjoy the outdoors, while also preserving the natural spaces and wildlife that make western Nassau County so special."
Westside Regional Park welcomed approximately 2,500 visitors during its grand opening celebration and has continued to attract residents and visitors for recreation, sports and family gatherings ever since. The athletic fields have received positive feedback from youth sports organizations, while the park's rental facilities are often booked for birthday parties, private gatherings and community functions. The Airnasium quickly became a popular destination, followed by the opening of the park's expansive nature-themed playground.
The park is the result of years of planning and collaboration, beginning with its inclusion in the County's Parks and Recreation Open Space Master Plan, followed by a groundbreaking in 2022 and several years of construction. Its completion represents the combined efforts of County leadership, staff, project partners and the community to bring a long-term vision to life.
The FPZA award recognizes not only the park's extensive amenities but also the planning philosophy behind it: creating public spaces that serve multiple generations, strengthen communities and protect the natural resources that make Nassau County unique.
For more information about Westside Regional Park, including amenities, hours and rental opportunities, visit www.nassaucountyfl.com.