APOPKA, Fla. — Beginning March 12, Wekiwa Springs State Park guests must have a pre-paid reservation for entry.

Florida State Parks officials hope to limit capacity more efficiently and reduce long lines, which "stretched far back, blocking Wekiwa Springs Road and delaying traffic daily."

What You Need To Know

  • A new reservation pilot program is coming to Wekiwa Springs State Park, in hopes of reducing wait lines to get inside

  • Beginning March 12, park guests must have a pre-paid reservation for entry

  • Florida Park Service says lines getting inside can cause significant disruptions and long wait times for visitors

The new reservation pilot program comes as no surprise to frequent guest Mark McKinstry, who enjoys paddling down the Wekiva River.

“Oh, I love it. It’s a great place you can come here and see birds, and alligators and all kinds of wildlife,” he said. “Myself, I’ve come here and not been able to get in, just because it’s so crowded, especially in March and April when spring break is coming on.”

Areas in the park, like the Wekiva River, are also usually packed on weekends. 

“Nobody likes to have a reservation, but there’s not much you can do when you have the kind of demand that they have for these places,” he said.

Cathy Rapp, a Melbourne resident who was a first-time visitor on Tuesday, also believes the reservation system is a positive change.

“They know what the capacity of the park is going to be, how to staff it and you know for sure you’re going to get in,” she said.

Florida State Park officials say by managing entry flow, they can reduce congestion and provide a more serene environment. 

The change will allow employees to better focus on maintaining the park’s trails, facilities and wildlife. 

The window for advanced reservations opens March 10.

The program will last through Sept. 1, then Florida State Parks will determine whether it will be continued or expanded.