FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 5, 2018

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

Maclay Gardens State Park Receives Land Donation from Friends Group

~Dedicated Volunteers Support State Park~

Gary Griffin, president of Friends of Maclay Gardens Inc.; Sasha Craft, Maclay park manager; and Eric Draper, director of Florida State Parks, with the land donation deed.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park received a donation of one acre of land from the Friends of Maclay Gardens Inc. The parcel of land was originally purchased by the Friends of Maclay Gardens in 2003 and will provide access to the park if the main park road is inaccessible.

“Because of our partnership with the Friends of Maclay Gardens, DEP and Florida State Parks have more opportunities to protect and preserve Florida’s natural resources,” said Eric Draper, director of Florida State Parks. “We appreciate and depend on the dedication and commitment of our partners who help us make public lands enjoyable now and for years to come.”

The donated property creates a buffer for the park, providing functional use to park staff, especially during and after major storms. The property also has been used to handle additional traffic during large events in the park.

“The Friends of Maclay Gardens are fortunate to have been supported by a hard-working and committed board, as well as a close working relationship with the dedicated staff at the park throughout the 25-plus years of our existence,” said Gary Griffin, president of Friends of Maclay Gardens. “This donation is but a small contribution of what we anticipate to come as a result of the passion for the park that has been exhibited by our members, board and staff.”

The park hosts many activities throughout the year, including gardening workshops, children's activities, ranger-led walks and outdoor concerts. The park also offers recreational areas at Lake Hall, where visitors frequently enjoy picnicking, swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and more. Lake Overstreet offers 11 miles of trails through unspoiled woodlands where visitors enjoy hiking, biking or horseback riding.

The Friends of Maclay Gardens is a nonprofit citizen support organization whose primary purpose is to provide support to the management and staff of Maclay Gardens State Park for the use and benefit of the visiting public. This group of dedicated volunteers has a passion for conservation and assisting the park with any task, including purchasing property. To learn more or to become a Friend of Maclay Gardens, visit www.friendsofmaclaygardens.org. 

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 175 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

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