Locals neigh in equestrian protest against redesign of Jonathan Dickinson State Park

We continue to hear your concerns about the Environmental Protection Agency’s plan to clear land and build a golf course in Jonathan Dickinson State Park.

WPTV reporter Michael Hoffman met with some of the horseback riders who had gathered to protest plans to destroy huge tracts of land to build a golf course. The protesters rode on the very land that could be taken away from them to show everyone that they don’t want it.

Like something out of a Western movie, concerned Floridians saddled up and formed a posse after hearing about the Jonathan Dickinson Park issue. Protesters rode on the very land that could be taken away from them to show everyone they didn’t want it.

“If you care about something, you have to stand up for it and fight for it, that’s common sense,” said Meg Weinberger, candidate for the House of Representatives from the 94th Congressional District. “That’s how we’ve enjoyed the parks for many years, in addition to canoeing and kayaking and hiking, but we ride horses.”

And others, like Deena McCombs of Palm Beach Hounds, an organization that conducts hunts on horseback, say she is concerned about what will happen to other parks if this project goes through.

“We primarily ride at Atlantic Ridge, which is the sister park to Johnathan Dickinson,” McCombs said. “Our concern is that if they come for Johnathan Dickinson, they’ll come for Atlantic Ridge.”

McCombs says having such incredible natural resources available to us in South Florida is a gift and should not be taken for granted.

“There’s a reason we have state parks and we set aside these natural resources,” McCombs said. “And when we start to degrade the environment by building golf courses and commercial facilities, we risk losing the land, the animals and the wildlife.”

WPTV wants to hear all of the community’s opinions on the park, and that’s why we’re hosting our first themed Let’s Hear It event on Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Flagler Park in Stuart. This is your opportunity to speak to us directly and tell us your thoughts on this project and how you think it will impact the South Florida community.

Below is our recent coverage of the Jonathan Dickinson State Park proposals:

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