Gemini Springs
Dog Park
The 210-acre Gemini Springs was purchased in 1994 through
the combined efforts of Volusia County, the Trust for Public Lands, the St. Johns River
Water Management District and the Florida Communities Trust. Approximately 6.5 million
gallons of sparkling fresh water bubble up from the two springs each day.
Gemini Springs is between the town of Enterprise,
which was a busy center of commerce and government in the early days of the Florida
frontier, and the city of DeBary. The land passed through several hands before it was
purchased by its last private owners, Saundra and Charles Gray, in 1969.
Farming operations at Gemini Springs in the 1800's included
timber, citrus and tapping longleaf pine trees for turpentine. John H. Padgett, who bought
the land around the turn of the century, is believed to have built the two story farmhouse
and barn we see today. The Padgett family raised cattle and grew sugar cane, operating a
cane press and selling sugar juice to passengers on the trains as they passed by on the
railroad to Enterprise.
The Gray family gave Gemini Springs its name and raised
prize-winning Santa Gertrudis cattle on the property. Under their ownership, the earthen
dam and reservoir were built, along with the arched bridges, the stone barbeque building
and the Spring House.
Remember:
- No glass containers are permitted.
- Pets must be leashed at all times. Owners are responsible
for cleaning up after their animals. Violations are subject to a $52 fine per Volusia
Countys Animal Control ordinance.
- Please refrain from littering and deposit all refuse in
trash receptacles.
- Fires are not permitted except in designated fire rings or
grills.
- Vehicles are permitted only on the asphalt, shell roadways
and shell parking lots.
- Park and secure all bicycles in a designated bike rack.
Bicycle riding is not allowed beyond the bike racks and parking lots.
Help
us protect and preserve the pristine beauty of Gemini Springs. Stay on the
sidewalks and nature trails except to walk to a picnic table or park
bench.
Many types of wildlife and vegetation can
be observed at Gemini Springs. Please do not remove any plants from the
park or harm the animals and birds which live here.
The split rail fences surrounding the water protect the
natural vegetation, water quality and you! Please do not climb, jump or crawl on them.
Walking and Bike Riding
- Nature Trail -- 3/4 mile
- Bike Trail -- 1 mile (loop from entrance road to bicycle
rack to exit road).
- Sidewalks -- 651 feet from east parking lot to Springhouse
907 feet from west parking lot to Springhouse
- Bridge loop -- 1/4 mile
Swimming
Swimming is not permitted until further notice.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed only on the fishing dock. You must have a valid,
freshwater fishing permit.
Canoes
Canoes are available for rent at the canoe launch area near the fishing
pier during regular park hours. All children, regardless of age, must
wear a life jacket. A life jacket for each passenger also must be in the canoe.
Canoes will easily hold three adults or two adults and up
to three children. Except for the bow and stern seats, all passengers must sit on the
floor of the canoe. Avoid rocking the boat or leaning to the side and use caution in
paddling.
Picnic pavilion reservations
Picnic pavilions may be reserved by visiting or calling the Gemini Springs
Park Manager office at (386) 668-3810.