by Kathy Foster
and Ponce de Leon Springs State Park in Holmes County
Guest speaker Aaron Miller, Park Manager at Falling Waters State Park and Ponce de Leon Springs State Park, was the guest speaker at Tuesday’s meeting of the Chipley Kiwanis Club and updated his audience concerning the massive amount of destruction the parks suffered from Hurricane Michael.
While Miller grew up in Holmes County he said the state park system didn’t become an important part of his life as a young person, it was some place to go and have fun.
Noting that later in life he came to see the importance of having the parks close to home, and was delighted when he could return to Holmes County and become manager of both facilities.
Miller said both parks suffered a great deal of damage due to the hurricane and added that it will take a lot longer for their full recovery; however, he added that both parks are now open – with over 4,000 visitors stopping at Ponce de Leon State Park over the recent Memorial Day holiday.
According to Miller, the north side of Falling Waters State Park was hit really hard, with several shop buildings and the campgrounds badly damaged.
While Falling Waters State Park is now open, Miller said the park is still undergoing hurricane clean up.
Reporting about the Ponce de Leon Springs Park, Miller said there are now four miles of nature trails fully developed and open, with parking availability moving from 42 spots to 116 parking places.
Miller also acknowledged there are plans in place to keep improving both parks and he encouraged area residents to take the time to visit both facilities.