Ocala-News.com first reported news of the new Camp Margaritaville in Orange Lake last month. Since then, Marion County commissioners have approved public access to the site, and multiple residents have written in to share opinions on the matter. Here are a few of those letters:
“I feel like it would have been foolish to not open the new water park to the public, because so many people in Marion County have been looking forward to getting another water park after Wild Waters shut down. There are so many people living here now, that it would definitely rake in a lot of money in business for the new park. If they have to rely on just people with RVs to rent and purchase a ticket, I believe it will decrease in sales as the ‘fresh opening’ is over. I’m already planning my summer vacation there!” – Stephanie Hein, Ocala
“Please accept the request to open the water park to everyone. RV owners and those that are not RV users. The cottage users should also be permitted to use the water park.” – Marie Callahan, Ocala
“We live in Reddick, a quiet part of town. There are mixed emotions with the water park being built down the street. It has been being built for over a year so it is not a surprise. The fact that now they are asking for amendments is not a surprise either. It would be wonderful for the surrounding counties to get a break, especially in Marion County on the fees. Also, I would ask that they would not allow the slide to become higher than it already is, which is approximately 40 ft tall. Allowing the slide to go higher may set a precedent for buildings later to be taller in the area. County commissioners, please take all things into consideration when voting on this. It is going to shape our future in this area. If this goes public, in my opinion, this will become a totally different area in the next couple years. On to the future!” – Lynne Boutte, Reddick
“So sad about the water park in Citra. I live behind the water park and we were told that the acerage would be a golf course. Then an RV park, then water park for residents of the RV only. Now, a water park for all. Just one fib after another. The acreage was full of deer, eagles, horse, and cattle country. This will never amount to the Silver Springs slides, as the area is too small. We have been loyal residents of Marion County but now, thanks Marion County for the lies, noise, riff raff coming to this water park and degrading our property to zero.” – Mercy Bongiovanni, Citra
“I am against opening this park to the public. I stay away from Ocala as much as possible because of the traffic. I don’t want that traffic out here. There are horse farms in the area that I’m sure will protest this as well. It started as an RV park. Leave it as that.” – Ann Downey, Reddick