FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 8, 2004
CONTACT: Leigh Ann Asklar, (850) 245-2112

Washington Oaks State Park Welcomes New Visitor Center

--Park guests enjoy renovated sitting areas, historical exhibit--

PALM COAST – Park officials and volunteers celebrated the 130th birthday of Owen D. Young by officially dedicating the new Owen D. Young Visitor Center at Washington Oaks State Park. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Division of Recreation and Parks, in partnership with the Friends of Washington Oaks State Parks, raised funds to renovate office space, redecorate the sitting area and expand historical and cultural exhibits.

“Washington Oaks State Park safeguards a piece of natural Florida and preserves Florida’s history,” said Florida State Parks Director Mike Bullock. “Through the commitment of park staff, volunteers and the Friends of Washington Oaks State Park, we can now offer guests a visitor center that combines beauty and comfort with education and environmental protection.”

Washington Oaks State Park was donated to the State of Florida by Louise and Owen D. Young in 1964. Their home, now used for park offices and a visitor center, has been recreated with 1950’s style furnishings similar to those used by the Young’s. Park visitors can also enjoy a historical exhibit tracing the history of the land from the time of Native Americans until its donation to Florida in the mid-twentieth century.

The Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River provide natural boundaries for the coastal scenery of Washington Oaks. Once owned by General Joseph Hernandez in the Second Seminole War, Native Americans, British colonists and American planters have all left their marks here. Visitors can hike nature trails, picnic or swim along the river and learn about the site’s natural communities.

Florida's state park system is one of the largest in the country with 158 parks covering more than 700,000 acres. Under the leadership of Governor Jeb Bush, Florida added eight new parks and more than 203,000 acres to its nationally-renowned park system. Last year, Washington Oaks State Park welcomed more than 71,000 visitors, injecting $2.9 million into the local economy. Statewide, Florida’s state parks attracted a record-breaking 19.1 million visitors.