OSCEOLA, Fla. – A proposal to add $19.5 million in “glamping” amenities like cabins, pools and more to South Park in Osceola County near Lake Toho is facing backlash from environmental advocates.
“This park was given to the state by the Kelly family 60 years ago with a mandate it be used for camping. The problem is over the last 15 years the park has fell into disrepair,” said Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures Owner Chris Park.
When you take a look around the campgrounds, you can tell there’s a lot to be addressed.
“The bathroom right here is a prime example of the it the roof is falling in,” said Park.
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Park, who purchased the company in June, wants to make a change.
“These are mirror cabins. It’s one way mirrors you can’t see in but you can see out,” said Park, showing his plans for new cabins.
A $19.5 million proposal to add more than 50 cabins, an amphitheater, fishing docks and more.
Park said Osceola County entered into an agreement with Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures in 2014 to update the area. He believes this is the best way to do it.
“To me cabins is not camping. It might be for some folks, but it’s not a rural setting,” said Marjorie Holt with Sierra Club Central Florida.
Holt said the proposal is a bit too much.
“There were some uses there that were outdated, if that was already approved by the state of Florida and Osceola County, I have no issue with that. It’s what this owner is approving above and beyond the uses or intended uses for that park,” said Holt.
Holt said the idea of the proposal take away from the rural camping and may affect wildlife.
Park said they’ll have to go through the approval process before anything is set in stone. He’s hoping he can get approval and start constructing and 36 months.
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