Pensacola Begins Construction on Hollice T. Williams Park

The city has launched a major park project featuring new stormwater infrastructure and miles of multi-use trails.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Construction

Pensacola Begins Construction on Hollice T. Williams Park

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Pensacola has officially begun construction on the Hollice T. Williams Park project, a significant initiative designed to reduce flooding and reconnect neighborhoods divided by Interstate 110. This current phase of the development aims to enhance community infrastructure through extensive landscaping and public space upgrades.

Why it matters

The project serves to mitigate chronic flooding across 17 acres while providing new walking and biking connectivity in an area historically bisected by highway construction. It represents a long-term urban revitalization effort following decades of community displacement.

The current project phase carries a total cost of $31.2 million and incorporates $19.8 million in contracts with the Talcon Group. Plans include adding 1.3 million gallons of stormwater capacity and constructing 3 miles of walking and biking paths.

The players

Talcon Group

This construction firm secured a $19.8 million contract from the city to perform work on the park project.

Site and Utility

This company was awarded a $1 million contract by the City Council to assist with the development of the multi-use trail.

D.C. Reeves

He is the current Mayor of Pensacola who took office in 2022 and oversees city-led infrastructure initiatives.

Florida Department of Transportation

This state agency is providing the funding necessary to support the construction of the multi-use trail component.

The details

Construction crews are installing underground stormwater systems and developing new park landscapes following a design process that incorporated over 30 public meetings. The multi-use trail component is supported by funding from the Florida Department of Transportation.

The neighborhood was split by the construction of Interstate 110 during the 1970s.
Major flooding events impacted the city in 2004 and 2014.
Mayor D.C. Reeves entered office in 2022.
The City Council approved a $1 million contract with Site and Utility on October 22, 2026.

Market Landscape

The park project aligns with the pattern set by the federal Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program by prioritizing urban restoration in areas fractured by historic interstate highway development. This initiative positions Pensacola to address long-standing land-use issues while modernizing public amenities for residents.

Residents can expect improved flood protection for the surrounding 17-acre area as underground infrastructure is upgraded. The development will also grant the public access to 3 miles of new walking and biking paths once construction is finalized.

The takeaway

The transformation of the park reflects a broader trend of cities repurposing land near highways for public utility and flood mitigation. Local residents should monitor future council updates regarding the multi-decade rollout of the remaining vision plan elements.