Opening Parks. Maintaining Parks. Protecting Public Spaces.

Veterans Memorial Park is one of Pensacola's most visited public spaces, yet for years veterans, families, and visitors have had to rely on temporary restroom facilities during ceremonies and special events. Permanent restrooms have been discussed for years, but the project continued to face delays. 

As City Council President, Ann Hill sponsored action to extend temporary public restroom access while permanent facilities were being pursued, ensuring visitors would continue to have access to basic amenities rather than allowing the park to go without them. 

The photo above reflects Ann reviewing the proposed restroom plans with Veterans Memorial Park leaders because she believed this project deserved continued attention until it became a reality.

Parks are more than monuments and landscaping. They should also provide the basic amenities families, veterans, and visitors expect. As mayor, Ann will continue focusing on completing long-delayed projects and maintaining the public spaces our community already depends on.

General Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. was born in Pensacola and became the first African American four-star general in United States military history. His legacy deserves more than a promise, it deserves a completed public memorial. 

During her service on the Community Redevelopment Agency, Ann Hill voted to approve the final design plans for the Chappie James Museum and Youth Flight Academy project, helping move the next phase of the project forward. 

Today, Ann continues to support completing the General Daniel "Chappie" James Memorial Plaza at the foot of the Chappie James Memorial Bridge. The plaza will feature a bronze statue of General James, a restored F-4 Phantom II aircraft, the last aircraft he flew in combat during the Vietnam War, and public gathering space celebrating one of Pensacola's greatest heroes.

Honoring our history means more than announcing projects. It means finishing them so future generations can learn from them, visit them, and take pride in Pensacola's remarkable story.

Parks and recreation are about more than playgrounds and green space. They are where children learn teamwork, seniors stay active, families gather, and neighborhoods build community.

As mayor, Ann Hill will strengthen Pensacola's Parks & Recreation Department by expanding programs, reopening community facilities, and making our parks more active, welcoming, and accessible for residents of every age. Before building new facilities, we should make better use of the parks, gyms, community centers, and recreational spaces we already own.

✔ Reopen Bay Bluffs Park so families can once again enjoy one of Pensacola's most beautiful natural area.

✔ Rebuild the Malcolm Yonge Community Center and Gym as a vibrant neighborhood hub for youth basketball, volleyball, fitness classes, senior activities, after-school programs, community events, and neighborhood meetings.

✔ Expand after-school, weekend, holiday, and summer recreation programs so young people have safe, positive opportunities when school is out.

✔ Keep community centers open during evenings and weekends, when children, families, and working parents need them most.

✔ Expand senior transportation, recreation, wellness programs, educational classes, and social activities to help older residents remain active and connected.

✔ Increase public fishing opportunities, swimming access, waterfront recreation, and outdoor education for residents of all ages.

✔ Continue investing in neighborhood parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, trails, dog parks, and public gathering spaces.

✔ Protect and maintain the parks, sidewalks, trees, and public spaces that residents use every day. Add more shade and trees to our outdoor spaces.

✔ Include a fully inclusive, boundless playground, giving children of all abilities a safe and welcoming place to play side by side.

✔ Partner with schools, nonprofits, churches, youth sports organizations, and community groups to expand affordable recreation opportunities throughout Pensacola.

Pensacola already has incredible parks and recreation facilities. By taking better care of what we own, reopening underused parks, rebuilding Malcolm Yonge, and expanding programs for children, families, and seniors, we can create healthier neighborhoods, stronger communities, and more opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors and each other.