FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 13, 2016

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

FLORIDA PARK SERVICE TO HOST
GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY AT
WERNER-BOYCE SALT SPRING STATE PARK

~Construction continues for $1.7-million park facility improvements~

(Left to right) Donald Forgione, Florida Park Service director; Ken Anderson, President of Salt Springs Alliance; Gary Clark, DEP deputy secretary for Land and Recreation; Christine Dorrier, Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park manager; Rep. Amanda Murphy; and Richard Gehring, strategic policy administrator, the Office of Tourism Development and the Office of Economic Growth for Pasco County.

PORT RICHEY, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to announce continued construction of facilities at Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park. The $1.7-million project includes development of park roads, parking, boardwalks and restrooms. The project is scheduled to be completed this fall.

“The Florida Park Service has been committed to providing quality resource-based outdoor recreation for the citizens and visitors for more than 80 years,” said Gary Clark, DEP’s deputy secretary for Land and Recreation. “We are excited to expand amenities at this park.”

“Providing outdoor recreation is important for the health of our citizens,” said Representative Amanda Murphy. “People need places to recreate, visit with family and friends and enjoy nature.”

Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park comprises 3,999 acres in Pasco County. Last year, nearly 47,000 people visited the park. Visitors can enjoy fishing and paddling the inlets and bayous that wander through the salt marsh. The Salt Spring is an amazing 320 feet deep. Gray fox, gopher tortoises and dolphins call this park and its waters home. Birdwatchers can enjoy sighting raptors, wading birds, shore birds and migratory songbirds.

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails 

The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of three National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first three-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005 and 2013 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association.

Florida’s 174 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. Download the Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app, available on iTunes and Android Market, to plan your trip and enhance your experience. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/1491aef