Deer Lake State Park [update - not closing]

[mikecat adjuster]

I'm in Deer Lake State Park regularly and the most activity I've ever witnessed were two lovers in Speedo's holding hands. Generally, there's not a person to be seen in the park. I don't get the need to keep the place open - it'll look exactly the way it always looks ... vacant.

Seriously, a regular, and that's the most you have seen there. Wow! When I was doing the shoot, the day after going and seeing people there, there were at least 6 different couples that came in that hours time. I also saw a local who is well known who rode his bike there. That totals 13 people. Oh, and me, my female friend and the photographer. That makes 15 in an hours time.

Granted the people who came did not linger on the beach. They simply walked down the walkway passed us to the beach, enjoyed the view, then went back and left after they enjoyed there visit. I haven't read the entire thread as to reasons why, but to me, if money is that tight, just leave the damn thing in state hands and allow public access with the stipulation that you enter at your own risk. Perhaps this is not possible in today's 'legal' times. But development is out of the question and a rediculous thought.

I changed my mind. I'll bet a Wal-Mart right there would bring up its usage. Just think of the revenues to our area.

 

[Matt J]

The thing about leaving it primitive is that people will argue liability issues for the state. What about the trail directly across from the entrance? I have never seen anykind of maintenance performed on it.

 

[scooterbug44]

I spend months every year using national parks, forests, and wilderness areas. No toilets, no rangers, no lights, no trash pick-up, minimal (if any) maintenance, no signs warning me of every possible danger or trip hazard, and yet they are still there and so am I.

This is not a unique situation, we are just acting like it is. If there truly isn't money in the budget to staff the park and provide amenities, there are still tried and true ways to still keep it open to the public.

 

[waltonco lover]

If someone is trying to make their point that the park should be closed because of a slow economy, well......think of it this way, for all the residents and visitors, it is an activity that they can enjoy at no cost, therefore being able to spend their money somewhere else, like local restaurants and shops

 

[wrobert]

If someone is trying to make their point that the park should be closed because of a slow economy, well......think of it this way, for all the residents and visitors, it is an activity that they can enjoy at no cost, therefore being able to spend their money somewhere else, like local restaurants and shops

Then keep it open and charge enough admission so that those that actually use it, fund it. Personally, I would rather have other things, like food and clothing, instead of funding a park I have never used.

 

[waltonco lover]

Then keep it open and charge enough admission so that those that actually use it, fund it. Personally, I would rather have other things, like food and clothing, instead of funding a park I have never used.

Ummm....I was in no way implying that admission should be charged. I think this is heading to the political forum type, but how would the government funding $6000 to a park affect you getting food and clothing?

I was just trying to say that it is a nice, free place for visitors and locals to go and enjoy. And since it is free, they can possibly spend more money at local businesses since they are not having to spend it for entertainment.

 

[AAbsolute]

Seriously, a regular, and that's the most you have seen there. Wow! When I was doing the shoot, the day after going and seeing people there, there were at least 6 different couples that came in that hours time. I also saw a local who is well known who rode his bike there. That totals 13 people. Oh, and me, my female friend and the photographer. That makes 15 in an hours time.

Granted the people who came did not linger on the beach. They simply walked down the walkway passed us to the beach, enjoyed the view, then went back and left after they enjoyed there visit. I haven't read the entire thread as to reasons why, but to me, if money is that tight, just leave the damn thing in state hands and allow public access with the stipulation that you enter at your own risk. Perhaps this is not possible in today's 'legal' times. But development is out of the question and a rediculous thought.

I changed my mind. I'll bet a Wal-Mart right there would bring up its usage. Just think of the revenues to our area.

I think there is a development order already approved for upto 4 WalMarts within a few blocks of the Park. That little stretch of road will already be the densest commercial and residential stretch of 30A at buildout. Let's not really try and put any more commercial right there.

 

[John R]

Then keep it open and charge enough admission so that those that actually use it, fund it. Personally, I would rather have other things, like food and clothing, instead of funding a park I have never used.

what are you waiting for? someone to put some lights out there?

 

[mikecat adjuster]

I think there is a development order already approved for upto 4 WalMarts within a few blocks of the Park. That little stretch of road will already be the densest commercial and residential stretch of 30A at buildout. Let's not really try and put any more commercial right there.

You do know I was joking, right? About the Wal-Mart thing. I hope I didn't lose anyone with my attempt at sarcasm. I would have thought everything else I'd written would have made that clear. Sorry about that.

 

[Natural Clean]

I'm in Deer Lake State Park regularly and the most activity I've ever witnessed were two lovers in Speedo's holding hands. Generally, there's not a person to be seen in the park. I don't get the need to keep the place open - it'll look exactly the way it always looks ... vacant.

..And that is why I love to so much! We have enough crowded beaches around here, nothing wrong with vacant and pristine.