FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 25, 2017
Florida Park Service Hosts Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New Facilities and Improvements at
Wekiwa Springs State Park
~Improvements include the repair of the spring bulkhead and new construction of an accessible children's swim area~
 Florida State Park staff join local officials for ribbon-cutting ceremony at
Wekiwa Springs State Park.
APOPKA,
Fla. – Florida Park Service staff and local
dignitaries gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the construction
of an accessible children’s swim area, as well as the repair of the spring bulkhead, at Wekiwa Springs State Park.
Visitors to
Wekiwa Springs State Park will now have access to a new and improved swim area
designed to provide a more visible and safe entry point into the spring,
especially for guests with young children. Visitors with disabilities can now
access the spring using an ADA-approved ramp. Also,
swimmers farther down in the spring will benefit from a reinforced sheet pile
bulkhead that provides both structural stability and an improved recreation
area.
"Wekiwa Springs is one of the many jewels of the Florida State Park system and I'm proud that this park will be able to provide inclusive experiences for all of our visitors," said Gary Clark, DEP deputy secretary for land and recreation. "This project improves both recreational opportunities and access at one of our most popular parks."
Florida Rep. Scott Plakon said: “My family (Susie and our 6 children) have had many family
memories at Wekiwa Springs State Park. The infrastructure improvements along with the section that will make it easier for children and the disabled to access the water will help make Wekiwa Springs even better for future generations."
APD Central Region Community Supports Manager Reed Stephan
said, “The refurbished swimming area at the springs, along with the specialized
lift chair and new accessible swimming zone for children are a tremendous asset
to our state. These enhanced features provide a fabulous opportunity for the
individuals the Agency for Persons with Disabilities serves to access this true
Florida treasure at Wekiwa Springs State Park, as well as participate and enjoy
with all the members of the community. Our agency is excited to see these
wonderful improvements at the park.”
Brian Nelson, Orange County commissioner said: "I'm happy to be here to
support important enhancements in our parks, so that people with disabilities
have equal access to the natural treasures here in Central Florida."
Wekiwa Springs State Park welcomed more than 400,00 visitors in fiscal year 2016-17. The park is home to a second-magnitude
spring that stays a refreshing 72 degrees year-round. The
main spring swimming area is a popular swimming destination
for individuals and families from around the world.
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