ORANGE PARK – Lowe’s of Orange Park will partner with Clay County and the College Drive Initiative to turn the spillway pond next to Cassie Gardens into the first phase of a recreational nature park.

The College Drive Initiative is currently looking for volunteers to begin the first phase of this new adventure on Nov. 4.

“Lowes of Orange Park approached us with district needs,” said College Drive Initiative Founder, Connie Thomas. “They wanted to do a project in their community and asked if there was anything that would be appropriate to help with. And of course, we have many projects with College Drive. But the one that was most feasible to start with was the Pond to Park Project, which came out of the ongoing deliberative dialogue in the community. Community members wanted to see a recreational area where people could go walk their dogs or just be able to enjoy the water.”

Ideally, visitors will be able to view the pond and the various wildlife found living there, from water turtles and birds to various species of frogs and fish.

“I see people coming to the park at the end of the day or early in the morning, parking their car and walking around the pond. I see plants and wildlife, things happening out on the pond, and people just enjoying nature and taking part in the community. I see neighbors meeting neighbors. I just love that concept, a place bringing people together,” Thomas said.

Volunteers will be working on a range of projects from assisting with planting 8.5-gallon trees and shrubs, as well as putting together approximately six benches on site. The pond will also have a viewing area, allowing park patrons to get up close to the natural beauty of the pond. It will be walker and wheelchair accessible.

“It just seemed like the perfect fit and Lowes was really excited to come in and take on this project,” Thomas said. “The project is fully funded from the plant material, the benches, everything, so we just have to help supply the volunteers and the overall coordination of the event.”

If you would like to get involved, you can register to volunteer on the Clay County Volunteer Website.

“If want to be involved in the entire project, or just this one aspect of it, it’s a great aspect for the community to come together to enhance the College Drive area. We think it will be a destination park,” she said.

In preparation for the event, volunteers will need to supply their gloves, insect repellant and sunscreen. The site address is next to Cassie Garden Apartments at 534 College Dr.

Parking will be provided at Cassie Gardens at the far right near the park and at Mercy Support Services across from the park.

“After we do this part, we will start talking to the county about the masterplan, to landscape architects, to look at what all will be needed there,” Thomas said.