Rum Island Boat Ramp: Open For Business?

Rum Island Park, located at the southern end of the county in Florida, offers free access to the Santa Fe River and accommodates paddling (canoes or kayaks), swimming, picnicking and fishing. The park was closed for renovation in 2019 but it is not clear if it has reopened. The boat launch point for Rum Island is located at the High Springs Boat Ramp, 25227 Boat Ramp Rd, High Springs, FL 32643.

Rum Island Park closed for renovations

Rum Island Park, a recreational area in Columbia County, Florida, is currently closed for renovations. The park, which offers free access to the Santa Fe River, is expected to remain closed for approximately four months, starting from Monday, September 9, 2019.

Improvements and Renovations

During this period of closure, construction crews will be working on various projects to update and enhance the park's facilities. One of the main focuses of the renovation is the addition of a permanent restroom facility. This will include separate men's and women's restrooms, each with two stalls, and an elevated electrical system to protect against potential flood damage.

The funding for this project comes from two grants, each worth $150,000, from the Suwannee River Water Management District and the state's 2019 legislative appropriations. The Suwannee River Water Management District grant will also address environmental issues at the springs, including riverbank restoration and silt removal.

Other Upgrades

In addition to the restroom facilities and riverbank restoration, the renovations will include new signs, sidewalks, and an entry gate. These standard upgrades are designed to improve accessibility and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the park.

Paddling and Access Information

The Santa Fe River, which runs through Rum Island Park, offers a designated paddling trail from High Springs to Branford at the Suwannee River. The river is known for its slow-flowing waters, numerous springs, and a temperature that typically sits around 72 °F. The launch point for this paddle trail is located at the High Springs Boat Ramp, with rentals available nearby.

While Rum Island Park is closed, paddlers can still access the river and enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife that it offers. However, it is important to note that the park's facilities and entry will be unavailable until the renovations are complete.

The boat ramp is located on the Santa Fe River

The boat ramp is situated at the High Springs Boat Ramp, at 25227 Boat Ramp Rd, High Springs, FL 32643. Rentals are available at the Santa Fe Canoe Outpost High Springs, just up the road/river from the launch, and at Adventure Outpost in downtown High Springs. The river is accessible to paddlers in kayaks or canoes, and the launch point offers an easy, relaxing paddle with a nice current.

The Santa Fe River is an excellent spot for nature lovers, with an abundance of wildlife to discover. Along the river, you'll find trees and shrubs displaying signs of early spring, with new flushes of light green foliage and showy blossoms. Keep an eye out for alligators and turtles, which are known to frequent the area.

The boat ramp and the surrounding property were purchased in 1958 from the State of Florida to provide recreational access to the Santa Fe River. It offers a good concrete ramp, with a bit of a slope for hauling kayaks. Boats can be staged on either side of the ramp in the shallow, limerock and sand bottom water. The ramp is on the southern side of a large bend in the river, creating a swift current coming from upstream to downstream.

Rum Island Park offers free access to the river

Rum Island Park is a county recreational area in High Springs, Florida, at the southern end of the county. The park offers free access to the Santa Fe River and is a launch point for paddling, swimming, picnicking, and fishing. The river is 75 miles long and usually slow-flowing, with a water temperature of around 72°F.

The park was closed for renovations in September 2019, including the addition of a permanent restroom facility. The building was designed to withstand high water situations, with electrical components elevated off the ground to protect them from flooding. The renovations also addressed environmental issues, such as erosion along the spring area, and included new signs, sidewalks, and an entry gate.

The launch point for paddling is located at the High Springs Boat Ramp, with rentals available at nearby outposts. The paddle distance from the boat ramp to Rum Island Park is approximately 8.3 miles, and the difficulty level is rated as easy. The average paddle speed is 2.7 mph, and the river width varies from 40' to 170' along the route. Rest areas and facilities can be found along the paddle trail, including at Rum Island Park.

Rum Island Park offers a beautiful and accessible spot for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the Santa Fe River. With its free access, scenic views, and range of activities, it is a popular destination for paddlers, swimmers, and nature lovers alike.

The park is expected to be closed for four months

Rum Island Park, located at the southern end of the county, is expected to be closed for four months. The park offers free access to the Santa Fe River and accommodates paddling (canoes or kayaks), swimming, picnicking and fishing. The closure will see construction crews update and renovate parts of the park.

The project work is expected to last roughly four months, with Columbia County receiving two grants of $150,000 each to fund the renovation. The funding will cover the park's riverbank restoration, as well as a portion of the drain field and septic tank work associated with adding a permanent restroom facility to the park. The restroom facility will have separate men's and women's restrooms, with two stalls on each side, and an entry sidewalk for visitors.

The building has been designed so that water can pass through it during high water events. The electrical part that feeds the septic system will be mounted and elevated off the ground so that the pumps can pump the septic waste to an area outside the flood plain.

The bank renovation portion of the project addresses environmental issues at the springs caused by flooding and extended use of the park. The riverbank restoration will clean up the shores and remove silt that has washed into the river. The improvements will also include new signs, sidewalks and a new entry gate into the park.

The park offers wheelchair-accessible, year-round bathrooms

Rum Island Park, located at the southern end of the county, offers free access to the Santa Fe River and accommodates paddling (canoes or kayaks), swimming, picnicking, and fishing. The park was closed for renovations in September 2019, including the addition of a permanent restroom facility. The new wheelchair-accessible, year-round bathrooms have separate men's and women's facilities, with two stalls on each side, and an entry sidewalk for park visitors. The building has been designed so that water can pass through it during high water events, and the electrical components are elevated to protect them from flooding. These improvements ensure that the restrooms can be easily washed out and reopened for use after high water situations.

The addition of permanent restrooms brings a welcome change to Rum Island Park, replacing the Port-a-lets previously available. The new facilities offer increased accessibility and convenience for all visitors, especially those with disabilities, as they are designed to accommodate a range of needs. The separate men's and women's sides, each with multiple stalls, provide privacy and a more comfortable experience for users.

The thoughtful design of the restroom building also takes into account the potential for flooding, a common occurrence at the park. By allowing water to pass through the building during high water events and elevating the electrical components, the restrooms can be quickly cleaned and reopened after flooding, minimising disruption to park visitors. This design showcases the park's commitment to accessibility and resilience in the face of natural events.

The renovation project, funded by grants from the Suwannee River Water Management District and the state's 2019 legislative appropriations, also included riverbank restoration, improvements to the drain field and septic tank, and the addition of new signs, sidewalks, and an entry gate. These enhancements not only improve the functionality of the park but also make it more aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly for visitors.

The wheelchair-accessible, year-round bathrooms at Rum Island Park are a significant addition to the facilities, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the park's offerings comfortably and safely. The thoughtful design and accessibility features of the restrooms demonstrate the park's commitment to inclusivity and the overall positive experience of its guests.

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