After completion of significant repairs to damages from Hurricane Irma, Poe Springs Park will reopen on Friday, May 18, 2018, at 9 a.m. Regular park hours for the season are Thursday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The park will also be open on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
The public is invited to an “ice cream social” on Saturday, May 26, to mark the park’s reopening. County staff will be on hand to provide information on County-owned parks and preserves available to the public. Information on springs protection, hurricane preparedness, and other relevant topics will also be available. Free ice cream sandwiches and other frozen treats will be available while supplies last, beginning at 11 a.m.
Poe Springs was hit hard by Hurricane Irma and the subsequent flooding on the Santa Fe River. A portion of the boardwalk to the spring was badly damaged by an uprooted ash tree. The floodwaters deposited a large volume of sand in the spring covering the steps that provide entry for bathers. The canoe launch, dock, and restrooms were also damaged.
The boardwalk, steps, canoe launch, and restrooms have been cleaned and repaired. Entry to the spring has been improved by the addition of more handrails and non-slip nosing on the steps. Further repairs and improvements are planned for the fall once the summer swimming season is over.
For more information, contact Alachua County Parks and Conservation Lands Director Charlie Houder at 352-264-6804 or chouder@alachuacounty.us.