Florida Park Service to Host Public Meeting for Gamble Rogers and North Peninsula State Parks

Wed 13 Dec, 5:30-7:30 pm. Tomoka State Park Recreational Hall, 2099 North Beach Street, Ormond Beach, 32174. Florida State Parks - [content][events]

DEP's Florida Park Service is in the process of updating the unit management plans for Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach and North Peninsula State Park. Citizens are invited to attend a public meeting to learn more about the proposed plans for the state parks and to provide their comments.

The public notice, agenda and draft plans are available online. Copies may also be obtained by emailing Matthew.Bledsoe@dep.state.fl.us or calling 386-517-2086. There will be a brief presentation at 6 p.m. Following the presentation, staff will also be available for the duration of the meeting to answer questions and accept public comment. Additionally, the public is invited to review and submit comments to the Division of Recreation and Parks at FL_StateParkPlanning@dep.state.fl.us until Dec. 28, 2017.

The following improvements are proposed for the updated Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach management plan:

• Develop new interpretive, educational and recreational programs;
• Repair and enhance park facilities to improve accessibility;
• Expand day-use area parking northward to better accommodate visitors;
• Improvements to the beachside camping area such as replacing the dump station, refurbishing the campground and addressing erosion problems on campground road;
• Construct an observation platform on the riverside camping area to enhance wildlife and natural resources viewing;
• Create a fishing platform and small parking area on the north side of the picnic area, as well as a small bathroom and a playground to replace the one that was previously located at the park;
• Construct a boat basin to better accommodate boater access and improve boat ramp area; and
• Expand administrative offices and other support facilities to better accommodate staff needs.

The following improvements are proposed for the updated North Peninsula State Park management plan:

• Construct a raised volunteer site or employee residence at Smith Creek Landing to improve safety and assist in park operations;
• Create a kayak/canoe launch at the Smith Creek Landing use area to provide access to the Intracoastal Waterway and paddling trails;
• Develop a parking area in the northern access area;
• Repair dune crossover to mitigate erosion and other detrimental effects from the beach access point; and
• Construct a crosswalk and multi-use path from Smith Creek Landing to the beach access point to safely connect the two use areas.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 48 hours before the hearing by emailing Matthew.Bledsoe@dep.state.fl.us or calling 386-517-2086. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 800-955-8771 (TDD) or 800-955-8770 (Voice).