TALLAHASSEE — Future visits to some of Florida’s state parks could include getting in 18 holes of golf or playing pickleball.
The state Department of Environmental Protection this week announced what it has dubbed a “Great Outdoors Initiative” aimed at expanding public access to state parks.
The announcement included such things as adding campsites and cabins and increasing “the number of outdoor recreation opportunities available at Florida’s state parks, including pickleball, disc golf, golf and paddling.”
“The initiative will work to expand public access, increase outdoor activities and provide new lodging options across Florida’s state parks — reinforcing the state’s dedication to conservation, the outdoor recreation economy and a high quality of life for Floridians,” the department said in a news release.
The department didn’t immediately respond to questions about the plan. But a series of meetings are scheduled for Aug. 27 to review management plans for Honeymoon Island State Park in Pinellas County, Hillsborough River State Park in Hillsborough County, Oleta River State Park in Miami-Dade County, Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Broward County, Anastasia State Park in St. Johns County, Camp Helen State Park in Bay County and Topsail Hill Preserve and Grayton Beach State Park in Walton County. read more