This year’s swimming season will bring changes in the operation of Alachua County’s Poe Springs Park.
Beginning on May 13, 2019, the park will be open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. The extended hours will help both those who like to exercise in the cooler morning hours and those who enjoy a late afternoon swim. For the last several years, the park has only been open Thursday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
An important note: the spring and boat ramp will close 30 minutes prior to the closure of the park. This will ensure that visitors have enough light to safely get from the spring to the parking lot and can be out of the park by closing time.
The additional days of operation are partly in recognition of the high demand by citizens wanting to visit area springs. There were numerous instances during the summer of 2018 when nearby Gilchrist Blue Springs reached capacity early in the day and shut its gates. Many of those turned away came to Poe Springs Park instead.
While the County is extending the hours of operation, it is also reinstituting an entrance fee of $5.00 per car. Two self-service pay stations, or “iron rangers” have been installed at the entrance to the park. Similar to the systems at some state parks, visitors will place their payment in an envelope and deposit it at the pay station. A tear-off tag will be placed on the rearview mirror to signify payment. At this time pedestrians and boaters will not be required to pay an entry fee.
For more information, contact the Alachua County Communications Office at 352-374-5204.