Families gather at Oleta River State Park to protest park development plans – NBC 6 South Florida

After the Florida Department of Environmental Protection postponed Tuesday’s public information event for its Great Outdoors Initiative, a large rally was held at Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach.

About 100 people attended the rally, including parents with their children, who created artwork to express their clear opposition to the DEP’s plans to build a pickleball court, a disc golf course and ten cabins in Oleta River State Park.

11-year-old Benji Heiber believes the funds could be used better.

“This is the first state park I’ve ever visited. I come here every week to meditate and heal,” Heiber said. “It would be better if they improved the restrooms and shops…”

The crowd chanted at times while holding up the signs and artwork created in the park.

Earlier this month, the DEP announced that nine of the 175 state parks will receive new outdoor recreation facilities, including a golf course at Jonathan Dickinson State Park.

In a press release, the DEP stated: “…the initiative will aim to expand public access, increase outdoor recreation opportunities, and provide new overnight accommodations in Florida’s state parks, reinforcing the state’s commitment to conservation, the outdoor recreation economy, and a high quality of life for Floridians.”

The reaction was swift and fierce from both parties, as Florida residents questioned the removal of wildlife and the destruction of the natural environment.

“We don’t need any more. There are plenty of golf courses,” said resident Javier Alvarez. “It’s one of the last open areas of this size on the water that residents can enjoy.”

Catalina Lemaitre formed the group Moms in Nature’s Defense to rally families for Tuesday’s event. They had planned to attend the gathering Tuesday night before the DEP postponed it and held this event instead.

“These plans need to be completely abandoned,” Lemaitre said. “I think someone at the Florida DEP was misguided and made some mistakes.”

In the press release, the DEP emphasized that all 175 state parks have an economic benefit of $3.6 billion and provide more than 50,000 jobs.

So far, the DEP has not confirmed a date for the postponed public information events.