State (FL) Buys Gilchrist?s Blue Springs Park For $5.25 M

[MarkR]

... State is by my experience very slow in opening public parks. It probably will be years before spring re-opens.

I did not see any dates declaring when the transfer of ownership will take place.. Or if/when the current management will actually close off admissions to the park. I would assume that once the deal is finalized, the park would be closed until (if or when) the park re-opens under park management.


Having said all that.. The headspring is accessible from the river by kayak. I see no reason why you could not get a closer look at the basin and the boil as long as you don't climb up on the land.. Although I would hate to pi$$ off anyone in the parks department that might hurt future access for divers.


Another thought.. I wonder what the likelihood is of them removing that jumping platform. I have heard at least one account of a kid getting hurt when another jumper landed on him. Just wonder if the risk/reward for new management might remove this at some point..

[ARY]

I've been there on kayak. Depends on a water level but both times it was very shallow at the spring run mouth I had to drag it over. They probably will remove the jumping or rail it. I was surprised they kept the jump board long enough at Madison before removing it. Always was wondering if some dive bomb would get stuck in a manifold while you are enjoying your O2.