A controversial proposal backed by the DeSantis administration to add recreational facilities to Florida state parks has ignited protests across the state.
The plan, part of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s 2024-25 Great Outdoors Initiative , wants to introduce amenities such as pickleball courts, golf courses, disc golf, paddling areas, and lodging to nine state parks, including:
- Jonathan Dickinson State Park
- Anastasia State Park
- Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
- Grayton Beach State Park
- Camp Helen State Park
- Hillsborough River State Park
- Dr. Von Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
- Honeymoon Island State Park
- Oleta River State Park
Though none of Southwest Florida’s parks are in the proposal, concerns are growing about the potential future impact on protected lands. Critics argue that these proposed changes violate state laws mandating the conservation of state parks.
Doug McMain, a Naples resident and supporter of Governor Ron DeSantis, doesn't like the idea. "I hadn't actually realized DeSantis was behind it," McMain said. "I think it's a horrible idea. The state park system here is a treasure."
We met McMain at Delnor Wiggins Pass State Park, where he told us he enjoys it there because of the relaxed, old Florida feel.
"The reason we're here at this beach is that it's old Florida. You look behind you and you don't see high rises," he said. "You certainly don't see a golf course. I don't hear pickleball courts."
Rhonda Roff, conservation chair for the Sierra Club Calusa group, also criticized the proposal. "Sierra Club has a vision: explore, enjoy, protect. We want to get people outdoors as well. But putting those kinds of sports inside of a park, it's just inconsistent with the mission and it would irreparably destroy the park."
Conservationists have been protesting since the news broke last week, and they're already making an impact. The DEP announced that it is no longer reviewing the proposal to build a golf course at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County.
If you would like to submit a message to elected officials, you can do so on the Sierra Club's website .