Pickleball Courts in State Parks: A new bill in Florida aims to prevent golf courses, pickleball courts, and hotels from being built in state parks. Filed by State Senator Gayle Harrell, R-Port St. Lucie, the legislation comes after Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration faced backlash over a proposal to introduce recreational sports facilities in public parks.
Protecting Natural Spaces from Development
The bill responds to the “Great Outdoors Initiative,” a proposal introduced in August by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that suggested adding sports facilities to state parks. The plan faced strong opposition from Republicans and Democrats, leading officials to withdraw it.
“The bill would also require more public notice and ability to comment on park projects after the Department of Environmental Protection tried to quietly go forward with plans for the ‘Great Outdoors Initiative’ in August.” – (Associated Press)
Harrell’s bill would ensure that state parks remain focused on nature-based activities like hiking, boating, swimming, and bird-watching.
“Harrell’s bill would ban golf courses, tennis courts, pickleball courts, ball fields and similar sporting facilities at state parks in favor of ‘conservation-based public outdoor recreational uses’ like hiking, boating, camping, swimming, kayaking and bird-watching.” – (Associated Press)
Calls for More Public Transparency
The bill also emphasizes increased public involvement in park-related decisions. It requires better public notification and opportunities for feedback after the DEP initially moved forward with its plan with minimal public input.
The previous proposal had only one hour of public testimony, which raised concerns among residents and conservationists.
Economic and Environmental Considerations
Florida has 175 state parks covering nearly 800,000 acres. Each year, around 30 million people visit these parks, supporting 50,000 jobs. Additionally, outdoor recreation, including boating and fishing, generates $52 billion in economic activity and sustains 460,000 jobs.
While the bill opposes new sports developments in state parks, it acknowledges the significance of golf and pickleball in Florida’s tourism and recreational landscape. However, it suggests that local parks, rather than state parks, should accommodate these activities.
Future of Florida’s State Parks
The proposed legislation aligns with efforts to maintain state parks as natural spaces rather than commercial developments. Advocates for the bill support more conservation initiatives and increased public engagement in decision-making.
Florida’s state parks play a vital role in preserving the environment and history. Many hope that future park projects will focus on conservation while making these spaces more accessible and inclusive for all residents.
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts in State Parks
A new Florida bill aims to prevent state parks from being used for golf courses, pickleball courts, and hotels. The proposal follows public opposition to an earlier plan by state officials to introduce sports facilities. Lawmakers emphasize the importance of preserving natural spaces while ensuring transparency in park-related decisions.
ALSO READ: Stotts Park Pickleball Courts Opening Soon: Exciting New Courts for Pickleball Players!