By Tamas Mondovics
As the summer season approaches, Edward Medard and Lithia Springs Parks have taken the spotlight as Hillsborough County officials announced the necessity of conducting a number of electrical and plumbing upgrades at dozens of campsites at both parks from now through August.
According to county officials, during this time one of the two loops, involving 22 campsites at each park, will be closed at a time during the project.
“This project, which is scheduled to last for 120 days, will bring the campsite areas up to current codes and standards,” said County Parks, Recreation and Conservation spokesperson, Kemly Jiménez Green, as she explained that county staff will place signs in each park to keep park patrons up-to-date regarding construction closures.
Each park has two loops with 44 campsites total. During this renovation project, only one loop will be closed, and the other loop (22 campsites) will remain open.
Following a major renovation under the direction of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, which required the 700-acre reservoir to be drained down, the 1,284-acre Edward Medard Park located at 6140 Turkey Creek Rd. in Plant City, openly welcomed the close to 500,000 visitors that annually enjoy fishing, camping, swimming, picnicking and boating.
Lithia Springs Park is located on the Alafia River in eastern Hillsborough County at 3932 Lithia Springs Rd.
The 160-acre park on the Alafia River offers a variety of plant life not often seen in this part of the state while it boasts of welcoming close to 300,000 visitors each year.
The park’s major attraction is a natural spring that provides an excellent swimming experience in clear, 72 degree water. But, with swimming being the parks’ major draw and safety a top priority, the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department (PRC) is currently accepting applications for qualified lifeguards at Lithia Springs Park.
Visit them online for additional details and to keep up-to-date on this projects’ latest news, or contact the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department at 635-3500.
