“No One Comes to a State Park to Play Pickleball!”
A growing number of Floridians are protesting plans to build pickleball courts in state parks, arguing that such developments would disrupt the natural beauty and intended purpose of these protected areas. The protests come in response to Governor Ron DeSantis’ proposal to construct pickleball courts at Honeymoon Island and Hillsborough River State Parks, along with a potential disc golf course at Hillsborough River.
Protester Michelle Birnbaum is among those leading the opposition, expressing concerns about the impact these recreational facilities would have on the state’s natural resources. “No one comes to a state park to play pickleball,” Birnbaum asserts, emphasizing that state parks should be preserved for their natural beauty and tranquility, not altered for recreational sports that can be played elsewhere.
The controversy highlights a broader debate in Florida over the use of public lands, with many residents advocating for the protection of state parks as sanctuaries for wildlife and places of respite from urban life. Birnbaum and other protesters argue that introducing pickleball courts and other recreational amenities could lead to increased foot traffic, noise pollution, and environmental degradation.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, a developer has reportedly withdrawn plans to build a golf course at a state park in Martin County, a move that has been welcomed by environmentalists who fear the encroachment of commercial activities on protected lands.
As the debate continues, the protesters are urging state officials to reconsider the proposed projects, emphasizing the importance of preserving Florida’s natural habitats and ensuring that state parks remain places for quiet reflection and outdoor enjoyment, rather than sites for sports complexes.
The discussion over the future of Florida’s state parks is likely to intensify as more residents voice their opinions, with many calling for a balance between recreational development and environmental conservation.
