Topsail park listed as a top 10 underated wonder

[soappedaler]

Can't remember the year but it was during Malcolm Petterson’s tenure, Jim Rester was at Sandestin and pushing the idea also. I wouldn’t give the current TDC the benefit of the doubt. Heads in Beds at all cost has always seemed to be TDC's motto.

 

[beachmouse]

It would be mid-90s or earlier because I remember going to a public comment session about the future of Topsail Hill in the late 90s, and the state was all 'preserve means that X% of the park must be set aside in a natural state and since the state bought out the campground, we're at that percentage now'.

As far as paved parking lots go, I don't mind them if they're small enough to be unobtrusive because paved surfaces make it easier for the elderly and disabled to enjoy the park.

 

[gardening1970]

Oh I would be horrified and would strongly protest any pavement being placed in such an area. I'd be a sand hugger for sure! ;-)

"sand hugger" - like it!

 

[Matt J]

Why does it always have to be paved? What's wrong with crushed oyster or gravel and clearing out underbrush. It is after all a NATURE park why does it have to be acres of cleared to nothing paved spots evenly spaced? Many state parks simply clear a path through a wooded area and create spots to minimize the impact to the trees.

 

[GoodWitch58]

Why does it always have to be paved? What's wrong with crushed oyster or gravel and clearing out underbrush. It is after all a NATURE park why does it have to be acres of cleared to nothing paved spots evenly spaced? Many state parks simply clear a path through a wooded area and create spots to minimize the impact to the trees.

My point exactly. There are thousands of places that are dedicated to natural...for years and years the wonderful nature park in Tallahassee that was known as the Junior Museum had a parking lot such as SWGG describes...the paths were covered in cypress chips or leaves...none of the elderly I saw there complained. It was easy to navigate.

I just think that since the Kellogg property was donated expressly for a nature preserve, a bit more thought could have gone into how the parking area could blend in with the natural environment. Not everything has to be paved over and "squared off" to be accessible and safe.

 

[mikecat adjuster]

I wish I could put my kayak in those lakes but they worry about grass contamination. But my kayak has no grass on the bottom. I'll bet I could talk to the right person and they'd agree and let me. Maybe I should try that.

But yes, the park is nice with nice trails, spacious lakes, nice dunes and clean shoreline. Wow, we live in an amazing place don't we

 

[Matt J]

I wish I could put my kayak in those lakes but they worry about grass contamination. But my kayak has no grass on the bottom. I'll bet I could talk to the right person and they'd agree and let me. Maybe I should try that.

But yes, the park is nice with nice trails, spacious lakes, nice dunes and clean shoreline. Wow, we live in an amazing place don't we

You might want to talk to the ranger. I'm sure 20 or so bleach wipes would do the trick.

 

[Smiling JOe]

no bleach in the lakes, please. Now, white vinegar might work for a more environmentally friendly sani-wipe, but I doubt any of the Rangers will allow you to break the rules and put a boat into those lakes. They would likely lose their job.

 

[Matt J]

no bleach in the lakes, please. Now, white vinegar might work for a more environmentally friendly sani-wipe, but I doubt any of the Rangers will allow you to break the rules and put a boat into those lakes. They would likely lose their job.

If one allows it to dry and be exposed for a few moments in the sun the bleach is inert. ;-)