Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Silver Springs State Park




Once upon a time in Ocala, Florida, there was a Silver Springs Amusement Park (next to a large water park) which involved glass bottom boats, a petting zoo, jeep rides into the woods with various animal encounters, other boat trips down offshoots of the Silver River where you would see an old Indian encampment, a military fort, the set for a TV show, and much more. Several large bears were kept in another enclosure. There were a couple gift shops, and a large ride next to the Silver River that would spin you around until reaching the top some 30-40 feet above the ground. And during the winter, you could attend concerts by some of the best entertainers in the world.

This amusement park gradually fell apart, beginning with the construction of the Disney attractions to the southeast in Orlando.  It couldn't compete.

At this same time, just down the road, was the Silver River State Park. This park offered trails into the hinterlands, a trail down to the Silver River, canoes and kayaks, biking trails, cabins for rent, spaces for RVs, picnic areas and a museum along with several old buildings, either restored or recreated to resemble life in the area in the late 1800s.

Not long ago, the two parks came together when the State of Florida bought the old amusement park. Together, they are now known as the Silver Springs State Park. There are small tandem trucks to carry people from one area to the other. 

The old Silver River State Park has not changed much and we visited it the other day. We walked down to the river (a little over 1/2 mile each way) and needless to say, took a lot of photographs. When you drive into the park, you'll notice just north of the parking lot is a group of buildings which contains a museum, class rooms, storage areas, etc. That's what you see in the first photograph above. The second photograph is a shot of the middle of the area, and the third shot is an artsy photo (by Lois Anne) of a large live oak tree, which shows how big those branches are. In the distance you can make out some older buildings and we'll be showing more of that encampment in the days ahead.

11 comments:

RedPat said...

Those trees are incredible. I remember you going kayaking in the river in past posts.

William Kendall said...

That tree certainly is a big one.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

The State has done a remarkable thing in purchasing these old tourist attractions rather than let them rot (or be developed).... we cannot have too much parkland. Silver Springs looks like a great place -- beautiful photos.

Bill said...

the trees are very impressive and their branches even more so. Nice artsy photo by Lois Anne, I like the perspective. The first photo, I just love that front tree. I could hang things off its branches. It's one of those trees that appeals to artsy people, you know. :)

Tanya Breese said...

i really love that tree...i like that they combined them and turned it into a park...people here always talk about a lakeside amusement park that was so popular but it shut down long before we moved here...when i was growing up we had a fun litle amusement park called marshall scotties...loved that place...i guess these small town amusement parks just couldn't keep up :(

magiceye said...

Trees have so much character!

Kay said...

What gorgeous trees! Even the one that's coming out of the ground at such a weird angle. And it's making everything else all cattywampus!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

The trees are faaaaabulous Lowell, love the long spindly branches. Super arty shot by Lois Anne. We have a couple of parks that were popular in the 70/80's then fizzled out for one reason or another.

Sharon said...

Those trees are amazing. It looks very much like I remember it from over 50 years ago. Don't tell anybody I'm that old.

Karl said...

Very impressive trees, Lowell !
I like your compositions, well done !

Laura. M said...

Inmenso y bellísimo el árbol. Me emcanta !!
Un abrazo,

"Photographers deal in things which are continually vanishing and when they have vanished there is no contrivance on earth which can make them come back again." — Henri Cartier-Bresson