Canoe Outpost Reopens with Hopes of Lasting Presence

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ Like a long-lost relative making a welcome return, the beloved Canoe Outpost in High Springs is once again open to the public. This time, the community hopes the iconic spot is here to stay. The City of High Springs purchased the property in August 2021 from Jim and Sally Wood, who had run the business for over 30 years, transforming it into a favorite launch site for river trips among locals and tourists.

Following the purchase, the city contracted Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures (AOA) to manage day-to-day operations. However, the arrangement ended when it was discovered that AOA was primarily launching their vessels from other locations. In May 2023, then City Manager Ashley Stathatos announced the Canoe Outpost would transition to a city park open to the public.

At a June 2023 Commission meeting, issues surrounding the recreation area, which provides access to the Santa Fe River, were discussed. Commissioner Tristan Grunder suggested the City consider selling the facility, a sentiment echoed by then Commissioner and current Mayor Katherine Weitz. Stathatos highlighted the escalating costs of replacing the dock and the wooden walking path to the river, including a significant rise in insurance costs. City staff recommended pausing the project while seeking additional funding and exploring other options.

Fast forward to Monday, July 29, 2024, and the Canoe Outpost is once again up and running and welcoming to the public. And, the City’s Parks and Recreation Department has already made several improvements to the facility and will be housed in the Canoe Outpost building.

Parks and Recreation Department Director Jennifer Applebee shared her enthusiasm for what is now an area with limited access to the river as well as future plans for a picturesque launching pad to the Santa Fe River.

Currently river access is available for fishing or paddling and kayak launches. The old boardwalk has been removed, but river access can be made along a path on land. The public is cautioned to watch for Cypress Knees and use extreme caution when accessing the water and wear a lifejacket.

Applebee says they can already accommodate kayak launches for individuals who bring their own kayaks, and they will be making ongoing upgrades to the facility to include a boardwalk, handicap accessible bathrooms, a dock with a boat launch, and picnic tables.

And while not all planned amenities are currently in place, it will be a work in progress to make all the required repairs and upgrades. “Wild Spaces and Public Places funds are being used to make repairs to the Canoe Outpost facility,” said Applebee.

Applebee encourages the public to visit the Canoe Outpost, which is free, and check out the City of High Springs’ Facebook page for updates on facilities and programs.

The City’s Canoe Outpost is located at 21410 U.S. Highway 441, High Springs, FL 32643 and is open to the public seven days a week from 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. for fishing, swimming and paddling. The Recreation Department administrative office will be open on-site Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“The Canoe Outpost is the gateway to not just the river, but also to all the beautiful springs in our area,” said Applebee.”

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