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St. Johns County parks director outlines beaches, conservation, golf and community programs
Summary
Parks director Ryan Kaine told the County Conversations podcast the department manages 106 park parcels, about 42 miles of beach with 94 access points, 13 boat ramps, nearly 4,000 acres of conservation land and a busy county golf course that hosted roughly 68,000 rounds last year.
Ryan Kaine, director of parks and recreation for St. Johns County, outlined the department's scope and priorities on the County Conversations podcast, describing a range of facilities and programs intended to serve residents across the county.
Kaine said the department manages what he calls "106 parcels," from small neighborhood playgrounds to large conservation tracts, and offers traditional recreation programs such as summer camps, youth basketball, adult softball and special events including Easter egg hunts and movies in the park. "It's a large scope for parks and recreation," he said.
The director distinguished between "active" parks ' places with athletic fields, playgrounds and organized sports ' and "passive" parks that provide open green space, walking trails and picnic areas. He said the county has about 42 miles of beach and "94 total beach access points along our 42 miles of beach" that the parks department manages, naming well-known access sites including Michael's, Vano and Crescent Beach. Kaine added the county operates 13 boat ramps and highlighted a robust kayak program, including offerings targeted to veterans. "None more popular than the Vano boat ramp," he said.
Kaine also discussed the county's conservation holdings, saying the department manages nearly 4,000 acres of conservation area and naming McCulla Creek and Nagati Preserve as major tracts. He described a recent land donation at Greenbryer and Longleaf that preserved two parcels that might otherwise have been developed.
On recreation revenue and use, Kaine said the county-owned golf course off County Road 207, west of Interstate 95, was refurbished about four years ago and hosts tournaments such as the St. Augustine Amateur. "Last year 68,000 rounds of golf," he said, noting steady public use by beginners and competitive players alike.
Throughout the interview Kaine praised the parks maintenance and programming staff, crediting them with cutting grass, trimming trees, maintaining playgrounds and preparing athletic fields so facilities remain safe and attractive for users.
Why it matters: Kaine's overview signals the department's operational scale and public-facing priorities ' beach and water access, athletic programming, conservation preservation and facility maintenance ' information important for residents, recreation users and stakeholders planning events or seeking services.
The episode closed with host Wayne Larson identifying himself as the county's director of public affairs and directing listeners to the county website for registration and program details. For more information about registrations, boat-ramp access and park maps, Kaine said residents should consult the county website and parks department pages.
