Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the State Parks topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
DEP presents $759M in park repairs and $1.39B in planned construction needs
Summary
Deputy Secretary Brian Bradner told the committee the Florida Park Service identified nearly $759 million in repair and maintenance needs and roughly $1.39 billion in contemplated new construction across 175 parks over the next 10 years; he said parks had 28 million visitors in FY 24–25.
Brian Bradner, Deputy Secretary for Land and Recreation at the Department of Environmental Protection, presented the State Park amenities report to the committee.
Bradner said the Florida Park Service manages 175 state parks, trails and historic sites and reported more than 28 million visitors in fiscal year 2024–25. DEP's assessment identified nearly $759,000,000 in projects to repair, maintain, and upgrade existing park infrastructure over the next 10 years and an estimated $1,390,000,000 in new construction and development contemplated in unit management plans.
He listed sample amenities assessed including 547 pavilions, 575 restrooms and bathhouses, over 90,000 feet of boardwalks, 409 trailheads providing access to 3,000 miles of trails and more than 3,500 campsites and cabins. The department highlighted the importance of proactive repairs, modernization of water and stormwater systems, accessibility improvements, and replacement of aging utilities.
Bradner said unit management plans are updated every 10 years through public processes that include public meetings. He urged continued support for the park system's maintenance and planning.
There were no questions from committee members following the presentation.
