Golf and Pickleball Could Soon Be Expanding to Florida State Parks

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has recently unveiled a series of ambitious development proposals to transform several state parks across Florida.

These changes, part of a broader initiative under Governor Ron DeSantis, could significantly alter the landscape and purpose of these parks, sparking both excitement and concern among Floridians.

Among those changes are the construction of golf courses and pickleball courts.

The concern among Florida residents

One of the most controversial proposals involves building a golf course at Jonathan Dickinson State Park on the Atlantic coast. This development would necessitate removing the iconic Hobe Mountain observation tower and other park facilities, including staff residences.

The Hobe Mountain Observation Tower at Jonathan Dickinson State Park.

Environmentalists worry that such changes could destroy fragile habitats, further endangering local wildlife and ecosystems.

Additionally, the plan suggests building 350-room lodges at Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on Santa Rosa Beach. These lodges, intended to accommodate a growing number of visitors, have raised questions about their impact on the natural surroundings and the traditional use of these parks as sanctuaries for Florida’s unique biodiversity.

The proposal also includes constructing up to four pickleball courts at seven state parks, including Honeymoon Island State Park (pictured above) and Hillsborough River State Park in the Tampa Bay area. A department post said the area on Honeymoon Island "is already modified and can be easily converted to pickleball courts."

Protests and petitions

Public response to these proposals has been swift and intense. Environmental advocacy groups and concerned citizens have already begun organizing protests and petitions, particularly in opposition to the golf course at Jonathan Dickinson State Park.

The plans for Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine.

Former state parks director Eric Draper has criticized the lack of public involvement in planning, calling for greater transparency and adherence to legal protocols.

As the state prepares for a series of public meetings to discuss these changes, the future of Florida’s state parks hangs in the balance. The outcome of this initiative could redefine the role these parks play in preserving the "real Florida," a concept cherished by both residents and visitors alike.

We say if the problem is the golf course, skip it – and build more pickleball courts instead.