ORANGE CITY, Fla. – Blue Spring State Park on Monday urged visitors not to destroy the space after a recent case of vandalism.
The park posted on Facebook that it reopened after a major restoration effort with more than $5 million invested “to protect the spring run, restore native habitat, and improve public access for generations to come.”
But in the last two weeks, it has seen graffiti on new boardwalks, native plants dug up and unauthorized digging on banks.
“This is more than vandalism, it’s damage to the future of our park, our wildlife and the visitor experience we’ve all worked hard to build,“ park officials wrote.
Visitors are asked to report anyone causing harm to the area by contacting a ranger station at 386-775-3663.
“We can’t be everywhere, but together, we are everywhere. That’s how we protect Blue Spring, not just with fences and signs, but with a community that cares,” the post reads.
Shane Nash, a longtime visitor to the park, said he has waited for the renovations for the last two years, and seeing the vandalism was disappointing.
“We’ve been out of here for two years, not able to swim, and now that swimming’s back open, people are just tearing it up,” Nash said. “More than likely, it’s younger kids who weren’t raised right. People need to grow up, be mature, and respect the springs that we come and play and enjoy.”