Locals and visitors make a splash as Blue Springs Park reopens

Blue Springs Park in Marianna opened back up Saturday after a brief delay from the coronavirus.

Jackson County officials say the opening weekend crowds were manageable and swimmers could easily social distance.

Rett Daniels, the Public Works Director for Jackson County said, “It worked out pretty good. We only had 250 [people] on Saturday and 350 yesterday [Sunday] so pretty minimal crowd. Easy to take a look at with plenty of room for everyone so it worked out pretty well.”

The park typically opens up Memorial Day weekend so it was only delayed a week and officials say all areas of the park are back open.

“We’ve got the beach area open, all around the water is open for people to lounge, and we opened up the pavilions so they could sit under for shade,” said Daniels

Locals and visitors say they’re just glad to be out of the house and back in the water after being cooped up at home.

Patrick Burns, who was visiting From Dothan said, “Unfortunately now we have to come out here and take off our shirts and show everyone what we’ve been doing during quarantine all this time but it’s a beautiful day, the water is awesome and it’s nice to get out.”

Gabby Bellamy of Jackson County added, “It’s exciting. It’s fun to not be in the house all day and actually have something to do. You get to enjoy nature and see your friends, it’s fun.

After delays from Hurricane Michael and now the pandemic, officials say they’re hoping for a busy summer.

Daniels said, “We’re glad to be open. We hope everyone can come out. We’re trying to get the word out and get as many people out here to enjoy it as possible, safely.”

Park officials say they're hanging social distancing signs throughout the park.