ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The State of Florida wants to build golf courses, pickleball courts, and even hotels at nine different parks across the state.
It is a part of the recently announced “Great Outdoors” initiative meant to boost park access.
These plans include Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine.
Anastasia State Park offers everything from camping to kayaking. Soon, it could have much more. But several people News4JAX spoke to on Wednesday had a pretty blunt reaction. They say keep the park the way it is.
Robert Hendrick considers Anastasia State Park his favorite state park on the east coast.
“Just everything that it offers you,” Hendrick said, describing why he likes the park so much. “You have the beach, you have the water, you can ride your bike. It is perfect.”
But changes are in the works. According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Anastasia could get a lodge with up to 350 rooms, a disc golf course and pickleball courts.
READ: Conceptual plans for Anastasia State Park
The department released a map of where each new addition would go.
The lodge would be east of the campground and south of the beach.
The disc golf course and up to four pickleball courts would be east of the main park drive.
Hendrick said absolutely not to that idea.
“It is perfect the way it is,” he said. “It has the campground for however many sites. You have the beach. You have the parking. I don’t think you need all of that other stuff to make it more crowded.”
Sarah Gledhill, president of the Florida Wildlife Federation conservation group, called the proposals inappropriate.
“Our state parks, especially with Anastasia, is built on its historical and conservation value,” Gledhill said. “We come here to recreate in a passive way. These are our public lands. They are not here for private enterprises to come in and exploit and make profits off of.”
Three friends had differing opinions on the new recreational options but made one thing clear. They do not want a lodge.
“I just like the park the way it is right now,” said Csilla Draganescu. “It is quiet. I want to hear the birds, not the pickleball.”
“I am not a fan of any more hotels, but I do not see a problem with pickleball and disc golf if it is done right,” said Karen Austro. “The campground could possibly use something for new for people to do. Disc golf is really fun if they put it on the trails so you can also do hiking. I have seen it done right. It all depends on how they put it in.”
“We do not need anymore hotels,” said Bob Denman. “Disc golf sounds like fun here. [As far as for] pickleball, I actually started it in Palencia. I don’t think we need to build it over here.”
Anastasia State Park is not alone.
The state is also proposing similar changes at eight other state parks across Florida.