By Samantha Joseph

Staff writer

MARTIN COUNTY - Even before it was built, the little park on Hutchinson Island was already drawing a crowd.

Construction crews had to usher off canoeists, strollers and eager fishermen who preempted the opening of the newly minted Joe's River Park.

"It has been packed since Monday," said Chuck Barrowclough, Martin County's environmental lands administrator, speaking four days after a Feb. 9 dedication ceremony. "Actually, it's been packed since construction."

The news comes as no surprise to Laura Beaupre, a county employee who helped coordinate the opening.

"In this economy, lots of people are looking for free or inexpensive recreation. Our parks and libraries are a good option," she said. "We'd heard that people were clamoring to get in (to this park). People wanted to get in even before it was done."

The new park, located at 3500 N.E. Ocean Blvd., sits on the north end of Bob Graham Beach, as an addition to the island.

It features a pavilion, boardwalk, fishing pier and floating dock for launching canoes, kayaks and non-motorized vessels. It spans about 15 acres, including a large mangrove swamp.

A small parking area offers six spots, but officials encourage visitors to take advantage of parking space on Bob Graham Beach.

Inside, small signs dot the park, pointing out the names and other details about plants and the mangrove.

"It's incredible how well-received it has been," Mr. Barrowclough said.

This month's opening was a long time coming.

Martin County resident Ruth Richardson first took steps to create the park about 25 years ago, when she donated the land to the county in 1984.

She gave the gift in memory of her son, Joe, who died at age 17 in 1969. But bureaucratic delays hindered the project for years.

The county was able to raise the $275,000 construction costs in recent years, aided in part by a $50,000 federal grant and a commitment by the non-profit Treasured Lands Foundation to cover maintenance costs.

The opening ceremony drew County Commissioners Edward Ciampi, Sarah Heard and Doug Smith.

It came at a time when county administrators are considering closing several parks as part of several proposals to trim costs amidst deep budget cutbacks in Martin County and across the state.

Word of the new park, with its free recreation opportunities, spread quickly.

Within days of the official opening, county staff said they had fielded more than a dozen calls from residents seeking directions and other information.

Planners are already eying additions, including a bike rack and two picnic tables.

Hometown News contacted Imelda O'Mara, the sister of the boy for whom the park was named. However, Ms. O'Mara asked that her comments not be published.