Silver Spring State Park

Silver Springs State Park

Since we expect to leave the area on Monday, February 17, to spend a week in Cedar Key with friends, we decided it was time to make good on my earlier promise to see how the state spent the money allocated for renovating the Silver Springs Park.
 

The first thing you notice when driving into the park entrance is a large and attractive sign to the entrance off of the Black Bear Scenic Byway, US 40. The sign sits between the entrance and exit drives, and is massive. This is one sign that you literally can't miss. Brick pavers make up the driveways and are very attractive.

The springs entrance inside the park is also new, and is a nice wide inviting structure. A long wide boardwalk ushers you into the Silver Springs area. Trees adorn the boardwalk and appear to be growing out of the boardwalk. The good craftsmanship makes a nice touch.

A number of small shops, a pizza parlor, canoe rentals, and a museum line the walkway to the glass bottom boats and the walkway has a covered roof. One of the older shops is being converted into a new visitors center and is currently where you buy tickets to the glass bottom boats ($ 9.99 each).

The boats have had a facelift and some have been fitted with new glass. The walking trails and the picnic areas have been updated and are attractive.


One of the complaints I had heard before coming to the Silver Springs area, was that the springs were milky and polluted. That was not the case today at least. The water was very clear as are all of the springs in the area, and other than normal algae and aquatic life clinging to the vegetation all seemed just fine. We did not see as many fish, turtles, and other water life as we thought we would, but that could have been due to the very bright skys overhead making for more than usual light underwater. We did get to see several species of fish, waterfowl, turtles, and an alligator.

All in all we felt the Silver Springs State Park is clean and attractive. Renovations continue in several areas of the park. It appears to us that the State of Florida is serious about restoring this fine landmark. We sincerely hope so. The park should continue to be a Florida attraction.

The waterpark adjoining the grounds is now part of the State Park, but was not available for visiting today.



 

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