complete agenda - Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Unit Name: Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Acres: 425.52
Description:
Managing
Agency:
DRP
290
Current Management Plan
Approved:
The historic gardens at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park were established by Louise and Owen
Young, who purchased the land in 1936 and built a winter retirement home. They named it
Washington Oaks and, in 1965, donated most of the property to the State. The gardens make
remarkable use of native and exotic species, from azaleas and camellias to the exquisite bird of
paradise, sheltered within a picturesque oak hammock. The park is also famous for the unique
shoreline of coquina rock formations that line its Atlantic beach. Visitors can picnic and fish from
either the beach or the seawall along the Matanzas River. A number of short trails provide
opportunities for hiking and bicycling.
Accomplishments:
Resource Management
• Completed restoration of 70 acres of coastal scrub including manual removal of hardwoods and
burning.
Visitor Services
• The park was listed the National Register of Historic Places.
Capital Improvements
• Major renovations and repairs to two National Register structures, the Caretakers House and
the Owen D. Young Office, were completed. The Office building was opened for public use and
interpretation for the first time.
2005