Completing a project of almost 4 years at Castaway Point Park gave Tim Ford from the Bayfront Community Redevelopment District something to smile about. “It provides access to one of the most scenic spots in Palm Bay, it’s relaxing, right by the water, prevents erosion and makes for controlled access..” he said, describing the $250,000 in improvements to the Palm Bay park located on the Indian River, in the historic part of Palm Bay. Historic? Palm Bay? The new interpretive signs installed today describe the park as the oldest inhabited land in the area, it’s history starting with the Ais Native Americans (pronounced eyes) 1000 years ago or more, and recorded settlers in 1853. Standing under the new pavilion, built to hurricane specification, it’s hard to imagine that when the first settlers, who were white and African- American, looked out across the river to the east that the Civil War was still 8 years away. The original palm that Palm Bay was named for is in the park, and efforts are being made to save the tree which juts out over the bay. A new landscaped walk with beautiful lighting and crossovers to the beach have replaced a dirt road that was partially destroyed and closed after the hurricanes in 2004. That damage prompted efforts by the City and grant- writer Eve Owens to obtain grants from NOAA (the weather agency) and the Department of Environmental Protection Coastal Management Program to make the needed improvements. The park’s upgrades were engineered and specified by a local arm of national design company WadeTrim, and the work was completed by Santa Fe Construction of Merritt Island. “Green” practices were used, such as an all- Florida- native plant palate including railroad vine, Simpson’s stopper, live oaks and cabbage palms (the Florida State Tree) as well as xeriscaping, which requires little or no additional irrigation. The project was a partnership of Palm Bay Parks and Recreation, the City of Palm Bay, the Bayfront Community Redevelopment Agency, and the Marine Resources Council. Brevard County also jumped in and helped remove sunken boats. The park is open for fishing, picnics and is a popular place to go kayaking or canoeing.