© 2024 WFSU Public Media
WFSU News · Tallahassee · Panama City · Thomasville
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Local State Park Works With Community To Attract New Visitors

Letchworth-Love Mounds Archaeological State Park
Letchworth-Love Mounds Archaeological State Park Facebook Page
/
Letchworth-Love Mounds Archaeological State Park Facebook Page

Florida has 175 state parks, each with a rich history. But officials say many get overlooked. One Jefferson county park works to preserve its history while also attracting new visitors.  

The Letchworth-Love Mounds archaeological site is Florida's tallest Native American ceremonial mound built several centuries ago by members of different Native American communities.

Rob Lacy is the Park Manager. He says he’d like to see more visitors.

     

“Come on out and see it," Lacy says, "We would like for people to be exposed to the history of the Native Americans that lived there and it’s also a great place to have a picnic or spend an afternoon with the family.”

The park includes areas for picnicking, birding and hiking but is underused. The restoration plan will preserve the area while enhancing the site’s interpretations the stories of the Native Americans who lived there.

Lacy emphasizes the importance of the area, “This is what remains of the Native Americans who came before us."

The ten-year management plan for the park includes additions of more picnic areas and adaptations to new ways to connect with younger visitors.

Community members can make comments on the office of parks website. Comments will be accepted through August 8th.

 

AnnMarie Welser is a Multimedia Reporter for WFSU News. AnnMarie is a Chicago native and a recent graduate of The Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri. She formely worked for NowThis News, KCPT, EURACTIV and the National Newspaper Association. She is a Beyoncé and Oprah enthusiast. Follow AnnMarie Welser on Twitter: @annmarieW96