Salt Springs in Ocala National Forest Continues to Undergo Reconstruction and Restoration
24. Aug, 2009 
2 Comments
The Salt Springs day-use recreation area in the Ocala National Forest remains closed to the public as the U.S. Forest Service continues to undergo construction at this location.
The large scale construction project on the spring basin had an estimated completion date of fall 2009, but further repairs and landscaping will delay the opening of the day-use area to approximately spring of next year.
“The U.S. Forest Service realizes this swimming area is a popular location and will cause a temporary inconvenience for our visitors,” said Rick Lint, district ranger for the Ocala National Forest. “The infrastructure surrounding Salt Springs posed a safety hazard to the public that required immediate attention and we are confident that the final reconstruction and restoration phases will lead to a safer environment while adding to the spring’s aesthetic beauty.”
With public safety a priority, the U.S. Forest Service closed Salt Springs in April 2008 to initiate repairs and renovations of deteriorating safety railings and hollow areas under existing sidewalks and steps that had no structural support.
Although the day-use area is closed, visitors can still use the Salt Springs campgrounds. Silver Glen Springs is offering a day-use fee waiver only for visitors who have paid camping fees at the Salt Springs campgrounds. Those visitors seeking a day-use fee waiver at Silver Glen Springs must provide proof of their Salt Springs camping receipt.
Visitors are encouraged to visit Silver Glen Springs and Alexander Springs, located about 10 miles south and 27 miles south from Salt Springs respectively, as other alternatives to their plans.
I understand that all the work has been completed, including the landscaping and park management doesn’t really know what the hold up is in getting the go ahead to open up the springs. Does anyone know?
We stopped in at the camp grounds today and saw the pictures of the work. It looks great, so when will the springs open back up?
Thank you for inquiring about Salt Springs. With public safety a priority, the U.S. Forest Service closed Salt Springs in April 2008 to initiate repairs and renovations due to deteriorating safety railings and hollow areas under sidewalks and steps that had no structural support. Although the majority of the construction work has been accomplished, the next focus area of the project includes landscaping. Because we want to ensure viable growth of the freshly planted seed, limited disturbance in the area is critical before we re-open the spring to the public. As we progress with this project, we will inform the public of the spring’s opening through various channels including local media, our website and social media venues. This is a large-scale project and we appreciate the public’s patience, understanding and support as we continue to make the much needed improvements for this popular spring.