Florida pushes back meetings on proposal that would add lodges, pickleball courts to 9 state parks

The state Department of Environmental Protection has pushed back a series of meetings about a controversial proposal to add lodges, pickleball and golf at state parks.

Eight meetings had been scheduled for Tuesday at sites throughout the state, but the department said Friday in a post on the social media site X that new meeting dates will be announced for the week of Sept. 2.

“We want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate,” the department said.

RELATED | St. Augustine’s Anastasia State Park among 9 parks that could see big changes

The post said the agency was looking for new venues to accommodate the public.

The proposal, dubbed the “Great Outdoors Initiative,” has drawn opposition from Republican and Democratic lawmakers and environmental groups.

The proposed changes, which would affect nine parks, include lodges of up to 350 rooms, pickleball courts, disc golf courses and golf courses.

These plans include Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine.

READ: Conceptual plans for Anastasia State Park

Several people News4JAX spoke to on Wednesday had a pretty blunt reaction toward the plans for Anastasia State Park. They said to keep the park the way it is.

“It is perfect the way it is,” Robert Hendrick 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.”

We want to know: How do you feel about the proposed development plans for Anastasia State Park and eight other state parks across Florida?