MIAMI – More than 100 people gathered in a North Miami Beach park to demand that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection not push through its proposal for the “Great Outdoors Initiative,” which would have included golf courses, hotels, Pickleball Courts and other developments for nine state parks.

The protest at Oleta River State Park was one of several that will take place in parks across the state.

“It’s about protecting nature. I don’t think pickleball is necessary,” said Alexandra Palomino, who brought her two young children to the Oleta protest.

“We were completely surprised. We had no idea what was going to happen, I had never heard of it,” said Catalina Lemaitre, who helped organize the protest. “I get emotional when I think about it, because our national parks are our precious wilderness areas.”

Sam Van Leer is a member of the Urban Paradise Guild. They redesigned the area in the park where the state plan calls for disc golf, or golf with Frisbees.

“The problem is that they are encroaching on an area that is about 50% wetlands, while many of the dry areas are fully restored natural habitats. We were there on the 23rd and looked at everything. It’s been years and now it’s a baby forest,” VanLeer said.

The DEP announced the proposal last week as a way to expand public access to state parks.

“The initiative is designed to expand public access, increase the number of outdoor activities and create new overnight accommodations in Florida’s state parks – thereby reaffirming the state’s commitment to conservation, the outdoor recreation economy and a high quality of life for Floridians,” the agency said in a press release.

Changes are planned for Honeymoon Island State Park in Pinellas County, Hillsborough River State Park in Hillsborough County, Oleta River State Park in Miami-Dade County, Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Broward County, Anastasia State Park in St. Johns County, Camp Helen State Park in Bay County, and Topsail Hill Preserve and Grayton Beach State Park in Walton County.

State Senator Shervin Jones expressed concerns about this proposal.

“Our parks are wildlife sanctuaries, vital ecosystems and places for families to connect with nature – not places for commercial development. I stand with my fellow Floridians in opposing this plan. We must ensure that Florida remains a place where our natural resources are protected, not commercialized. I urge Governor DeSantis and his team to listen to the people and reconsider this misguided proposal,” he said in a statement.

Julie Wraithmell, executive director of Audubon Florida, said Florida’s state parks are award-winning for their natural beauty and protection of “real Florida.”

“Golf courses at gems like Jonathan Dickinson and pickleball courts on Honeymoon Island would be a travesty,” Wraithmell said in an online post.

The Florida Springs City Council described the proposal as “commercialization and development of our public lands.”

The state rejected the criticism, saying there was confusion and that public input was welcome.

The public reaction to the proposal was so overwhelming The DEP has canceled plans for nine public meetings this week to find larger venues for participants.

The DEP has set up a website for public feedback and said meetings would likely take place next week.