Widely known for its pristine blue springs, natural beauty, and easy access to and from the Suwannee River, Lafayette Blue Springs State Park officially opened five new cabins to the public on Saturday, March 1.

During a special ceremony at 10 a.m. beneath clear blue skies and in the cool shade of majestic oak, pine, and other trees, approximately 35 Lafayette County residents as well as visitors from neighboring communities participated in the grand opening of the new lodging facilities.

Among those present were county commissioners Donnie Hamlin, Charles Driver, and Ernest Jones; David Still, Suwannee River Water Management District Executive Director; Craig Liney Park Manager, Lafayette Blue Springs State Park; Chip Parker, Senior Pastor, Airline Baptist church; Bob Ballard, Deputy Secretary, Florida Department of Environmental Protection; Peter Goren, Program Manager, Florida Green Lodging Program; and representatives from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

The cabins were not the only historical achievement for Lafayette County that day. According to Jessica Kemper, Information Director for the Florida Park Service, these cabins became the first in the state to receive the “Florida Green Lodging Program” stamp of approval.

“The Florida Department of Environmental Protection today welcomed five new cabins at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park to the Florida state park system which also received the Florida Green Lodging Program designation,” said Kemper, who attended the event.

In addition, the special designation places Lafayette County on a pedestal. As each county in the state plans to build new or remodel its existing lodging facilities and apply for the Florida Green Lodging Program award, they will be looking to the cabins at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park as a model. “The new cabins are a leader in environmental protection and set an example for other hotels, motels, and cabins to protect Florida’s natural resources by adopting ‘green’ practices,” DEP Director of Sustainable Initiatives Deas Bohn said.

These initiatives are part of Florida Governor Charlie Crist’s effort to the state to take the necessary steps to implement energy saving resources that not only will reduce consumption, but also protect the environment and Florida’s natural resources.

Future plans for the park include a Recreational Vehicle campground as well as additional parking spaces.