OCALA-

n Monday, Florida State Park officials held a meeting at Vanguard High School to present a transition plan that will be put in place if the Silver Springs attraction becomes a state park.

"We are making progress if they are actually talking to the local people," said Dan Isbell.

Citizens like Isbell are excited about the pace of the possible future of Silver Springs.

Last month Florida State Park officials heard comments from citizens, about the state park service taking over the Silver Springs attraction.

(dan isbell, marion county resident)

"I believe the resource has to be better managed than it has been recently and if we can just have the state run that it just make sort of sense because they have done such a good job with the Silver River State Park.," said Isbell.

Palace Entertainment currently operates Silver Springs park under a lease agreement with the state.

The Department of Environmental Protection is still negotiating with Palace Entertainment, but theres no timeframe on when a decision will be finalized.

Jennifer Diaz is the External Communication Manager for the Florida Park Service. Diaz said people will get to hear about some of the possible improvements.

"We are going to do some facility improvements, some build repairs, some septic tank repairs, some storm water treatment repairs and things of that nature to bring the attraction to more of a park like status," said Diaz.

The state and Palace Entertainment will determine who will pay for the repairs and improvements.

Diaz said some activities that will continue if there is a transition period are the glass bottom boat tours, concerts and special events.

Other recreational activities that people can enjoy will be swimming, hiking and kayaking.

"I'm in favor of everything your doing and I thank you for giving the public the opportunity to say what they feel."

One idea many people who showed up Monday night didn't favor is keeping the Wild Waters Park.

"I disagree with one aspect of the plan and that is the Wild Waters attraction. Unfortunately Wild Waters sort of represents what's the problem," said Bob Knight.

The one goal the majority of the people here have in mind is saving the 242 acres of treasure.

"I think that a lot of people have that kind of memory of how beautiful it was and how beautiful perhaps can be again," said Isbell.

If and when a plan like this goes through.