Pickleball Controversy at Oleta River State Park: A sudden downpour at Oleta River State Park on Tuesday temporarily halted a protest rally against plans to introduce pickleball, frisbee golf, and hotels to Florida state parks. Despite the weather interruption, park enthusiasts remained resolute, gathering to voice their opposition to the proposed developments. “I don’t want nobody to kill our nature because nature makes everything good,” declared Nathan Haber, a second-grader who cherishes the park’s beaches. The rally, among others held statewide, was organized to coincide with public meetings by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), which were postponed amid growing backlash.
Organizers Push Back Against Delays
With state officials offering few answers and the public meetings rescheduled, rally organizers decided to press on with their demonstrations. Catalina Lemaitre, who spearheaded the Oleta River rally, expressed frustration over the scheduling changes.
“We’re going to try to keep the pressure on as much as we can until we know more. If they delayed the meetings to give us more time, but then they announce them and give us less than a week to prepare, I don’t think that’s fair.” – (Lemaitre)
Controversial Plans Draw Heavy Criticism
The initial proposal included plans for nine parks, featuring lodges, expanded cabins, and pickleball and frisbee golf facilities. The most controversial plan, a golf course at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, was scrapped after opposition from a veterans group.
Critics argue that paving over parks for pickleball courts or frisbee courses contradicts the parks’ conservation missions. Additionally, FDEP has proposed adding pickleball courts to Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, a site with a history of civil rights protests.
Local Environmentalists Rally for Preservation
At Oleta River, a frisbee golf course is slated for an area previously restored by Urban Paradise Guild. Sam Van Leer, the guild’s founder, criticized the proposal, noting the extensive volunteer work invested in the park. “To see it today is just, wow. And there’s just no way you can play frisbee golf in there,” he said. Van Leer highlighted the ecological value of the area, noting it is part of the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Community Outcry from Kids and Parents
The rally featured young attendees expressing their discontent with the development plans. Benji Lieberman, a sixth-grader, voiced his anger: “When my mom told me they want to build stuff on the parks, I actually got very mad and I cried.” Seven-year-old Antonia Pratz expressed concern for local wildlife, saying, “If they destroy their home, the turtles are going to be sad.” The community fears that the proposed developments could worsen existing issues, such as park overcrowding and litter.
Demonstrations and Future Actions
In response to the plans, Lemaitre organized a visual demonstration with colorful yarn to mark the proposed pickleball court locations. This protest art highlighted the potential impact of the developments on the park’s landscape.
Sophie Ringel, founder of Clean Miami Beach, noted the park’s existing issues with trash and overcrowding. As of now, FDEP has yet to reschedule the postponed meetings, but the public can still provide feedback through an online survey.
News in Brief: Pickleball Controversy at Oleta River State Park
At Oleta River State Park, a protest rally against proposed pickleball courts, frisbee golf, and hotels was interrupted by rain but continued with strong turnout. The rally aimed to coincide with delayed public meetings by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).
Critics argue the developments, which include plans for nine parks, contradict conservation goals. Local environmentalists and park lovers, including young attendees, are concerned about the impact on natural habitats and park overcrowding. The FDEP has yet to reschedule meetings, while public comments can be submitted online.
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