News Summary
St. Augustine’s beloved Adventure Landing amusement park faces imminent demolition as plans for redevelopment unfold. The park, cherished for its fun attractions since 1995, may be replaced by a new commercial project, raising concerns for the community. Discussions around future plans indicate options for residential buildings and commercial spaces, as locals hope to honor the park’s legacy while embracing potential new developments.
Adventure Awaits in St. Augustine: But is it about to be Demolished?
St. Augustine, a city known for its rich history and beautiful beaches, is staring down a bittersweet chapter as Adventure Landing amusement park faces potential demolition and redevelopment. Nestled at 2780 Florida Road 16, right next to the bustling St. Augustine Premium Outlets, this beloved park might be trading in its thrilling attractions for a new commercial venture.
The Big Proposal
On October 2, a permit application was submitted to the St. Johns River Water Management District, marking the start of a process that could lead to the dismantling of every single attraction at Adventure Landing. Instead of the laughter and excitement that echoes through the park, we might soon hear the sounds of construction as plans unfold to turn the site into commercial space.
The Jacksonville-based Foresite Group is driving this venture, listed as the civil engineer for the redevelopment project. Part of the plan seems to involve relocating the existing stormwater pond to open up the area for new commercial use. You know what that means—it could be shops, offices, or maybe even a snazzy new restaurant!
The Park’s Heart and History
Adventure Landing opened its doors back in 1995, thanks to its founder Hank Woodburn, who transitioned from the world of Putt-Putt Golf Courses of America. With a cost of around $5 million and sprawling over 18 acres, the park offered everything from miniature golf and a water park to arcades, laser tag, go-karts, and batting cages—a real family fun destination!
But it’s not just St. Augustine that holds the Adventure Landing brand. Other locations exist in New York, North Carolina, and Texas, with the Jacksonville Beach site remaining operational despite whispers of closure. In fact, that location is shining bright, proudly kicking off its 30th season, welcoming back families for more splashes of summer fun.
Future Plans for the Land
While Adventure Landing’s future hangs in the balance, so does the fate of the land it occupies. The property is owned by NNN REIT Inc., a real estate investment trust based in Orlando, which leases the land to NRP Lease Holdings LLC, the entity that operates the park. Since 2021, the park has miraculously received eight lease extensions, allowing it to keep its lights on and doors open amid such uncertainty.
However, NNN REIT Inc. has plans of their own, eyeing the possibility of transforming the site into a new residential community. They intend to build a shiny new apartment complex featuring 415 units of which 30 are set aside as affordable housing. To add to that, they aim to include 5,000 square feet for retail and office space. Sounds like a whole new vibe—maybe not the roller coasters, but definitely a new era for the community.
Riding Into the Future
Despite these changes looming on the horizon, Adventure Landing is determined to keep its spirit alive. They are gearing up for a big celebration, their 30th anniversary, with a theme that simply states, Adventure Lives On – 30 Years Strong. The park’s events aim to honor all the families who’ve made memories there over the years. It’s a heartwarming reminder of what the park has always represented to so many.
For Hank Woodburn, the dream doesn’t end here. While he keeps his focus on retaining Adventure Landing where it is, he is also considering future options for relocation if it ever comes to that. It’s a challenging time, but the determination to keep the adventure alive is as strong as ever, echoing the sentiments of everyone who has ever set foot in the amusement park.
As the plans for redevelopment unfold, the community will be watching closely, hoping for the best outcome that honors the legacy of Adventure Landing while also welcoming new beginnings for St. Augustine.
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Additional Resources
- Jax Daily Record: Adventure Landing Could Soon Be Gone
- Google Search: Adventure Landing St. Augustine demolition
- News4Jax: Adventure Landing Celebrates 30th Anniversary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Amusement Park
- Action News Jax: Federal Investigators on Adventure Landing
- Google News: Adventure Landing Jacksonville
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
