News Release:
Florida’s 175th State Park Reopens
Florida DEP Reports On The Ribbon Cutting During The Grand Re-opening Of Campground Facilities At Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Last Month.
HIGH SPRINGS, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the re-opening of campground facilities at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, Florida’s 175th state park. The park will offer free admission to visitors from 8 a.m. to sundown on Friday and Saturday in celebration of Florida's newest state park. Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet approved the purchase of the 407-acre Gilchrist Blue Springs property for $5.2 million in June 2017. The property was purchased with Florida Forever funding, and was ranked number 1 in the Florida Forever Partnerships and Regional Incentives project category. Governor Rick Scott said, “Florida is home to an award-winning state park system, which helps protect our many unique natural treasures and attract millions of visitors to our state. Our parks are incredibly important, which is why I am proposing a record $50 million to protect our state parks for future genera-tions as part of the historic investments for Florida’s environment. I am proud to cele-brate the state’s 175th state park and encourage families to enjoy Florida’s beautiful outdoors at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park.”
“I am excited to celebrate the addition of Florida’s 175th state park,” said DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein. “Because of our partnerships with members of the local, regional and state communities, we, as Floridians, are better situated to educate visitors and each other of Florida’s prized properties. Gilchrist Blue Springs has been a popular spot for visitors for 60 years, and this acquisition ensures that we can continue sharing public lands with visitors today and for years to come.” The property, which contains six natural springs and includes approximately one mile of frontage along the Santa Fe River, has been providing recreational opportunities as a private park since 1958. As a state park, Gilchrist Blue Springs will continue to offer numerous opportunities for resource-based recreation, including swimming, paddling and hiking. Florida is the only state to win three National Gold Medals for Excellence following the Florida Parks Service’s third award in 2013. "The Friends of Florida State Parks are thrilled to be a part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Gilchrist Blue today," said Paula Russo, president of the Friends of Florida State Parks. By supporting this acquisition, Governor Scott and the Cabinet have given us another opportunity to preserve Florida's natural resources and encourage community involvement. "Gilchrist Blue is a crown jewel for North Central Florida," said Tom Kay, executive director of the Alachua Conservation Trust. "This is a project that my organization has been involved in for a long time and we are proud to see this become a part of the state park system to be protected for Floridians and visitors."
For the full press release visit the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.