In reaction to public outcry over Orange County’s willingness to allow airboats and seaplanes at Lake Apopka, a new rendering of the Magnolia Park ecotourism master plan shows no reference to either transportation mode, among the noticeable changes.
The updated rendering also shows that labels referring to floating docks were removed, and that such labels were revised to be boat slips.
Michael R. Statham, program development supervisor with Orange County Parks and Recreation, emailed a black-and-white rendering of the updated Magnolia Park improvements to Orange County Commissioner Bryan Nelson for his and his office’s review before a color version may be completed, according to email communication between Statham and Nelson from Monday, November 1, to today, November 4.
According to a November 4 email from Nelson to The Apopka Chief, “based on the (October 19) community meeting at Magnolia Park the following changes have been made,” indicating that any references to seaplanes and airboats were removed from the new renderings because of the public outcry.
Approved by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners last July, the proposed $4.5 million Magnolia Park improvement project originally included a second boat ramp and a pier that will accommodate seaplanes and airboats.
Besides the boat ramp and the pier, originally proposed improvements include new ADA-compliant restrooms, sewer and water upgrades, and a bicycle rental facility.
Between 40 and 50 people attended a community meeting last month to learn more about the proposed improvements. While the public was satisfied with the plan’s several aspects, many balked at Orange County’s willingness to allow airboats and seaplanes at Lake Apopka because these vessels contribute to noise pollution and interrupt the area’s wildlife.
With such upgrades, anticipated to wrap in summer 2018 according to Nelson at the meeting, Orange County hopes it will boost ecotourism at Lake Apopka and draw visitors who are patronizing nearby attractions like Disney World to the Lake Apopka North Shore.
*This is a developing story*
The Apopka Chief and The Planter newspapers are independently-owned and family-operated publications committed to generating comprehensive coverage of news and events in the Apopka area.
