Residents of Jacksonville are raising concerns about the increasing strain on local parks, particularly South Beach Park, which is becoming overcrowded due to visitors from surrounding areas. During a recent government meeting, Deborah Usselin, a long-time resident, highlighted the issue, stating that the influx of people from as far as Nocatee and Georgia indicates a significant park problem rather than just a parking issue.

Usselin emphasized the need for more parks throughout the city to accommodate the growing population and provide adequate recreational spaces for children. She pointed out that school buses are transporting children from distant neighborhoods to South Beach Park, which is not sustainable. \"We shouldn't have to burden one little park servicing all the children in our city,\" she said, advocating for the development of additional green spaces.

Concerns were also raised about the safety and accessibility of the park for local residents, particularly the elderly. Usselin, who is 70 years old, expressed frustration over the difficulties faced by emergency services in accessing her neighborhood due to the congestion caused by park visitors. She urged city officials to conduct thorough studies on park usage and traffic patterns to better understand the impact on local residents.

The discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for improved park infrastructure in Jacksonville, as residents call for solutions that prioritize both recreational opportunities and community safety.