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'More than just a park' -- Lazy Springs Recreational Park operators confirm closure; follows $5M property sale
By Michael Braun, Melvin Vigo Lugo
October 11, 2025 at 11:51 AM EDT
After years as a beloved destination for off-road enthusiasts, campers and families, Lazy Springs Recreational Park will permanently close its gates at the end of November.
Park officials announced that the property has been sold and that the final open weekend will be Nov. 29–30.
Until that weekend, the park will remain open every weekend during regular hours.
"We want to share openly how we got here: we don’t own the land — it was under lease. The property owner recently decided to sell, and we were informed that the lease would not continue under conditions we could manage. We explored every option — renewing, buying, relocating — but were unable to come to terms that would allow the park to continue. In the end, we had no real choice but to accept that we must close by November 29–30.
According to the Hendry County Property Appraiser web site, the sale was made on Sept. 22 from Lazy Ventures LLC of Prosper, Texas, to S&O Ranch LLC of Fort Myers for $5 million.
Previously, the property was sold in 2019 for $600,400 from Riverpoint Bridge LLC to Lazy Ventures LLC, Big Island Excavating Inc, Shaggy Cypress Mine LLC, Lazy Springs LLC, Neese Pierce T Estate Of, Ivey James E Jr, McDaniel William L Jr, PDJW LLC.
The property sold is listed as vacant commercial and "pits." Included are several sections from the Hendry County line south along Route 82 to just north of Calumet Road.
“For years, we’ve watched kids grow up here — from first dirt bike rides to family campouts and fires by the lake,” the park’s management said in a statement. “This park has always been more than trails and mud. It’s been about community, family, and memories that will last forever.”
Located in rural Hendry County, Lazy Springs has long served as a popular recreation spot for Southwest Florida residents, offering off-roading, swimming, camping, fishing and outdoor events.
It became known as a place where families and friends gathered to enjoy the outdoors and connect through shared adventure.
The park’s announcement thanked the community for its years of support and encouraged visitors to make one last trip before its closure.
“From our family to yours — thank you,” the statement read. “Don’t miss your chance to make one more memory at Lazy Springs.”
Statements flooded social media from many of those who said they have used the park over the years:
(572x512, AR: 1.1171875)
The popular Lazy Springs Recreational Park in Hendry County has announced it will close at the end of November. (2048x1536, AR: 1.3333333333333333)
"We’ve read your comments on our last post, and we completely understand the hurt, anger, and disappointment many of you are feeling right now. This place has been more than just a park, it has been a gathering spot, a place for family, friendship, and memories.
"We want to share openly how we got here: we don’t own the land — it was under lease. The property owner recently decided to sell, and we were informed that the lease would not continue under conditions we could manage. We explored every option — renewing, buying, relocating — but were unable to come to terms that would allow the park to continue. In the end, we had no real choice but to accept that we must close by November 29–30, 2025.
"We understand the frustration some feel and the accusations of 'selling out.' Please believe us when we say that we never initiated this sale, nor will we benefit from it, we are as affected as the community. Our goal has always been to keep the park open as long as possible, and we fought for every possibility we could.
"From now until Nov 30th, the park will remain open under its usual schedule. We encourage you to come by, see friends, make new memories, and say goodbye on your terms.
"Thank you for the years of trust, support, and passion you’ve given this place. We’re not just closing a park — we’re closing a chapter with many of you by our side.
From our hearts,
The Lazy Springs Team"
WGCU is your trusted source for news and information in Southwest Florida. We are a nonprofit public service, and your support is more critical than ever. Keep public media strong and donate now. Thank you.
Park officials announced that the property has been sold and that the final open weekend will be Nov. 29–30.
Until that weekend, the park will remain open every weekend during regular hours.
"We want to share openly how we got here: we don’t own the land — it was under lease. The property owner recently decided to sell, and we were informed that the lease would not continue under conditions we could manage. We explored every option — renewing, buying, relocating — but were unable to come to terms that would allow the park to continue. In the end, we had no real choice but to accept that we must close by November 29–30.
According to the Hendry County Property Appraiser web site, the sale was made on Sept. 22 from Lazy Ventures LLC of Prosper, Texas, to S&O Ranch LLC of Fort Myers for $5 million.
Previously, the property was sold in 2019 for $600,400 from Riverpoint Bridge LLC to Lazy Ventures LLC, Big Island Excavating Inc, Shaggy Cypress Mine LLC, Lazy Springs LLC, Neese Pierce T Estate Of, Ivey James E Jr, McDaniel William L Jr, PDJW LLC.
The property sold is listed as vacant commercial and "pits." Included are several sections from the Hendry County line south along Route 82 to just north of Calumet Road.
“For years, we’ve watched kids grow up here — from first dirt bike rides to family campouts and fires by the lake,” the park’s management said in a statement. “This park has always been more than trails and mud. It’s been about community, family, and memories that will last forever.”
Located in rural Hendry County, Lazy Springs has long served as a popular recreation spot for Southwest Florida residents, offering off-roading, swimming, camping, fishing and outdoor events.
It became known as a place where families and friends gathered to enjoy the outdoors and connect through shared adventure.
The park’s announcement thanked the community for its years of support and encouraged visitors to make one last trip before its closure.
“From our family to yours — thank you,” the statement read. “Don’t miss your chance to make one more memory at Lazy Springs.”
Statements flooded social media from many of those who said they have used the park over the years:
- "i loved growing up there, it just super sad to see it go"
- "Lazy Springs has been an amazing place to work... the people were amazing... the park has been amazing... I've work here more years then I can remember... I will miss everyone and everything about this place... thank you for everything."
- I created lifelong friendships with yall when God put me in yalls path. Absolute amazing people that i know i could call at anytime if i needed anything
- So where to go ride now is the big question and why dont yall open up some where else gotta be other spots yall can get so everyone can still ride
- I’m so sorry this is happening to you. You have provided a fun area where I will always cherish the memories made. Thank you for that. I wish y’all the best. We appreciate what you’ve given to us.
- Thank you for providing a fun place for us for so many years. Lots of memories made.
- Sad news . But totally understandable!! All right boys it’s time to find some land and open up another location i would be up to investing with someone any ideas ??
(572x512, AR: 1.1171875)
The popular Lazy Springs Recreational Park in Hendry County has announced it will close at the end of November. (2048x1536, AR: 1.3333333333333333)
"We’ve read your comments on our last post, and we completely understand the hurt, anger, and disappointment many of you are feeling right now. This place has been more than just a park, it has been a gathering spot, a place for family, friendship, and memories.
"We want to share openly how we got here: we don’t own the land — it was under lease. The property owner recently decided to sell, and we were informed that the lease would not continue under conditions we could manage. We explored every option — renewing, buying, relocating — but were unable to come to terms that would allow the park to continue. In the end, we had no real choice but to accept that we must close by November 29–30, 2025.
"We understand the frustration some feel and the accusations of 'selling out.' Please believe us when we say that we never initiated this sale, nor will we benefit from it, we are as affected as the community. Our goal has always been to keep the park open as long as possible, and we fought for every possibility we could.
"From now until Nov 30th, the park will remain open under its usual schedule. We encourage you to come by, see friends, make new memories, and say goodbye on your terms.
"Thank you for the years of trust, support, and passion you’ve given this place. We’re not just closing a park — we’re closing a chapter with many of you by our side.
From our hearts,
The Lazy Springs Team"
WGCU is your trusted source for news and information in Southwest Florida. We are a nonprofit public service, and your support is more critical than ever. Keep public media strong and donate now. Thank you.