The state Department of Environmental Protection has postponed a series of meetings on a controversial proposal to offer cabins, pickleball and golf in state parks.

Eight meetings were scheduled for Tuesday at various locations across the state, but the department said in a post on social media site X on Friday that new dates would be announced for the week of Sept. 2.

“We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to participate,” the department said.

RELATED | St. Augustine’s Anastasia State Park is one of 9 parks that could see big changes

The post said the agency was looking for new venues to accommodate the public.

The proposal, called the Great Outdoors Initiative, faced opposition from Republican and Democratic lawmakers as well as environmental groups.

The proposed changes, which would affect nine parks, include lodges with up to 350 rooms, pickleball courts, disc golf facilities and golf courses.

These plans include Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine.

READ: Conceptual plans for Anastasia State Park

Several people News4JAX spoke to on Wednesday were quite blunt in their response to the plans for Anastasia State Park, saying the park should stay as is.

“It’s perfect the way it is,” said Robert Hendrick. “There’s a campground for as many sites as you want. You’ve got the beach. You’ve got the parking lot. I don’t think you need all that other stuff to make it even more crowded.”

Sarah Gledhill, president of the Florida Wildlife Federation, called the proposals inappropriate.

“Our state parks, particularly Anastasia, are based on their historical and conservation value,” Gledhill said. “We come here for passive recreation. These are our public lands. They are not there for private companies to exploit and profit from.”

We would like to know: What do you think about the proposed development plans for Anastasia State Park and eight other state parks in Florida?