ORANGE CITY, Fla. — Visitors heading to Blue Spring State Park will soon need to plan before spending a day at one of Florida’s most popular natural attractions.
Beginning July 15, all day-use visitors will be required to make an online reservation before entering the Orange City park.
Park officials say the change is designed to reduce congestion and the long entrance lines that have become common during the busy summer season.
Staff members have already started handing out information to visitors and posting signs throughout the park to spread the word about the new reservation system.
Some visitors say the change comes as no surprise because of the growing crowds.
“They seem to be getting longer and longer,” said Ernest Jones, who was visiting from Jacksonville.
Jones said he understands the frustration and the need for the new system.
“I think there’s pros and cons,” he said. “I think that, you know, for folks that just wake up on a beautiful Saturday and they want to go to the park, you know, they’re probably not going to be pleased. But it’s got to be managed. You know, it’s got to be an orderly, you know, scenario here for everyone to enjoy.”
For some visitors traveling from out of state, the reservation system could provide more certainty.
“That was one of my concerns coming here is we made reservations for the kayaks, but I couldn’t make a reservation to get in the park,” said Tim Shimitz, who was visiting from Georgia. “So, there was a chance that I couldn’t get in the park.”
Park officials said everyone entering the park for day use will need to reserve their visit online and have proof of their reservation before arriving.
Joshua Espinal, who frequently visits Blue Springs from New Jersey, believes the change makes sense, despite the fact that it will require some adjustment.
“It was very easy to come in, but I’ve also been here when it’s been super long lines,” Espinal said. “So, I kind of do agree with the reservation, but it does, you know, take a little getting used to.”
Blue Spring State Park welcomes about 600,000 visitors each year.
During the summer, people flock to the park to swim, kayak and cool off in the crystal-clear spring alongside manatees and Longnose gar.
In the winter, the spring becomes a refuge for hundreds of manatees seeking warmer water.
“It’s so beautiful. There’s so much nature, and there’s manatees right behind us. So, there’s so much to love here,” said Aiyana Figueroa, who was visiting from New Jersey.
Visitors can begin making reservations now for day-use visits starting July 15.
Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance, and the park entry fee is paid online when the reservation is made.
Annual passholders will also be required to reserve their day-use visit before arriving.