EDWARD BALL WAKULLA SPRINGS STATE PARK AND CAPE LEISURE CORPORATION REDEDICATE WAKULLA SPRINGS LODGE

Florida DEP Banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 25, 2012

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us 

EDWARD BALL WAKULLA SPRINGS STATE PARK AND CAPE LEISURE CORPORATION REDEDICATE WAKULLA SPRINGS LODGE

~Event highlighted the 75-year history of the Wakulla Springs Lodge ~

Wakulla Springs Lodge

Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione speaks to the audience gathered for the rededication of the Wakulla Springs Lodge.


WAKULLA SPRINGS – Celebrating the 75-year history of the Wakulla Springs Lodge, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park and Cape Leisure Corporation today held a rededication ceremony for the Lodge. Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione was joined by Wakulla County Commissioner Lynn Artz and Cape Leisure Corporation President Dan LeBlanc to highlight the Lodge’s impact on the park and recent upgrades and historical renovations. The Wakulla County Commission declared Sept. 25 as Wakulla Springs Lodge Day.
“The Florida Park Service is pleased that the Wakulla Springs Lodge is part of our award-winning state park system,” said Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione. “The Lodge offers visitors yet another venue to access and enjoy the nature-based recreation offered at the park. We look forward to another 75 years of making memories and providing unique experiences to our visitors.”
The Wakulla Springs Lodge first opened to the public in September 1937. Built by well-known financier Edward Ball, the Mediterranean Rival-style Lodge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated as a National Natural Landmark. Wakulla Springs Lodge and the first magnitude Wakulla Springs, together with thousands of surrounding acres, became part of Florida’s world-class state park system in 1986.
“The Wakulla Springs Lodge provides a timeless glimpse into Florida’s elegant past,” said Wakulla County Commissioner Lynn Artz. “It is a county treasure and we look forward to sharing this treasure with many more visitors in the years to come.”
The Lodge has undergone recent renovations and improvements that include the removal of barriers or thresholds between rooms for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, the construction of a universally accessible restroom, rejuvenation of the marble floors and painting of guest rooms in historic hues.
"It is our privilege at Cape Leisure to be entrusted with the care of Wakulla Springs Lodge,” said Debbie Land, Vice President of Operations for Cape Leisure Corporation, which provides hospitality management services, food and retail concession services for the lodge. “We are working in concert with the Florida Park Service to mark this 75th Anniversary by continuing to preserve the unique character and traditions that make this such a special Florida place.”
Home of one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park welcomes more than 234,000 visitors a year.  The park hosts an abundance of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, deer and birds. Daily guided riverboat tours provide a closer view of wildlife. A nature trail offers a leisurely walk along the upland wooded areas of the park. Nestled in the park, the Wakulla Springs Lodge is open year-round with a full-service dining room overlooking the spring and offers excellent meeting facilities. Lodge reservations can be made by calling (850) 926-0700.