{"id":35811,"date":"2025-08-06T12:32:27","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T12:32:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scenic.org\/?p=35811"},"modified":"2025-08-07T00:25:54","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T00:25:54","slug":"scenic-walton-looks-ahead-while-celebrating-past-award-winning-designs-spotlight-on-dune-lakes-elementary-highlights-vision-for-future-design-excellence-awards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scenic.org\/2025\/08\/06\/scenic-walton-looks-ahead-while-celebrating-past-award-winning-designs-spotlight-on-dune-lakes-elementary-highlights-vision-for-future-design-excellence-awards\/","title":{"rendered":"Scenic Walton Looks Ahead While Celebrating Past Award-Winning Designs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Spotlight on Dune Lakes Elementary; Highlights Vision for Future Design Excellence Awards<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As Scenic Walton continues its mission to promote thoughtful, beautiful, and sustainable development throughout Walton County, the organization is shining a spotlight on one of last year\u2019s Design Excellence Award recipients: Dune Lakes Elementary School, designed by the Walton County School District.<\/p>\n

The award, presented in April 2024, recognized a public project that exemplifies Scenic Walton\u2019s design ideals\u2014architecture and landscaping that reflect community character while preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area.<\/p>\n

\u201cDune Lakes Elementary set the tone for what\u2019s possible when design is intentional and aligned with our environment,\u201d said Leigh Moore, Executive Director of Scenic Walton. \u201cWe\u2019re using past recipients like this one to inspire future nominations as we continue recognizing design excellence in both the public and private sectors.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Design Excellence Award, launched in 2017 and revitalized in 2024 following a pandemic-related pause, honors businesses, developers, and public institutions that create projects with exceptional design, scenic value, and environmental sensitivity. Scenic Walton\u2019s board is currently reviewing upcoming award cycles and encourages the community to get involved by nominating projects that reflect these values.<\/p>\n

As part of its commitment to education and community engagement, Scenic Walton has launched a new YouTube channel, where viewers can watch exclusive interviews with award recipients. The first episode features Walton County Schools Superintendent Russell Hughes, Facilities Director Jill Smith, and Scenic Walton Executive Director Leigh Moore, interviewed by Melissa Ward, President of the Emerald Coast Section of the American Planning Association Florida. The conversation offers insights into the design process behind Dune Lakes Elementary and the significance of the award to both the school district and the broader community.<\/p>\n

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Notably, the school district is not required to follow the Land Development Code when constructing schools\u2014but chose to do so anyway, setting a precedent for excellence and community consideration.<\/p>\n

Watch the full interview and subscribe at YouTube.com\/@ScenicWalton<\/a> for future episodes featuring stories of design, community impact, and scenic preservation across Walton County.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis award isn\u2019t just about aesthetics,\u201d added Moore. \u201cIt\u2019s about quality of life, sustainability, and how thoughtful development improves our communities for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

Call for Nominations: Help Us Recognize Excellence in Design<\/strong><\/p>\n

Do you know a building or development in Walton County that truly stands out\u2014one that respects the environment, enhances scenic beauty, and reflects the character of our community?<\/p>\n

Scenic Walton is now accepting nominations for upcoming Design Excellence Award cycles, recognizing outstanding architectural and landscape design throughout Walton County.<\/p>\n

Recent Award Recipients:<\/strong><\/p>\n