New proposal could bring pickeball, disc golf, and more to some of Florida's state parks

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla — The Florida Department of Environmental Protection proposal could add more amenities and lodging to Florida State Parks. The DEP announced the "Great Outdoors Initiative" Monday, which would increase campsites, cabins, and lodges in state park properties. It also proposes more amenities for parks, including pickleball, disc golf, golf, and paddling.

Eight parks across the state have proposed upgrades, including Honeymoon Island and Hillsborough River State Park.

According to a draft of the DEP proposal, Honeymoon Island could have up to four pickleball courts installed in the upper portion of the park's south beach access area.

DEP

Hillsborough River State Park could be adding four pickleball courts and a disc golf course, according to the DEP draft proposal.

DEP

"Disgruntlement, fury, sadness, yeah…it doesn't make me happy," said Tracy Penokie, a resident.

Many people in the Tampa Bay Area said this is how the feel about the potential development plan in Florida state parks.

"Our state parks are supposed to be protected lands and I feel like there's enough development happening in St. Petersburg and across Florida and we really need to keep our preserves, preserved," said Penokie.

On the other hand, Dan Keim, said pickle ball courts and recreational activities could be beneficial if they are built with the environment in mind.

"It actually helps to bring awareness. Say you have these pickle balls in some of these parks, it draws them out and lets them learn about some of the ways you can protect the environment as well as play some pickle ball," said Keim.

The DEP had public meetings for the proposals scheduled for next week, but according to a social media post, they have been postponed due to "overwhelming interest with the 2024-2025 Great Outdoors Initiative."

The DEP said they plan to announce rescheduled meetings for the week of Sept. 2.