Newberry’s Abandoned Quarry to be Transformed into Florida’s Longest Zip Line

Spain Development LLC has announced plans to build an adventure park in Newberry, which is estimated to create over $800,000 worth of jobs in the city annually. The adventure park is set to be constructed on an abandoned limestone quarry and is estimated to have around 14 shifts a day. The employees will make an hourly wage in addition to tips received from guests.

Karl Spain, the owner of Spain Development, said that this adventure park will have the longest zip line in the state of Florida. He also mentioned that he plans to staff his operation with members of the Newberry community.

The tourism industry is the top producing industry in Florida, with Alachua County alone attracting around 1,217,100 overnight visitors annually. In 2022, Florida’s tourism industry welcomed a record-breaking 137.6 million visitors.

Spain said he plans to put billboards along I-75 and direction signs on the roads leading up to the park. The University of Florida conducted a study, which concluded that most people would travel to the quarry from I-75, including families on vacation and students from the university.

The adventure park is expected to be a valuable asset to the Newberry community, with a strong focus on recreation, leisure, and outdoor activities. This will not only create job opportunities for the city but will also help in attracting more tourists to the area.

Bev’s Better Burgers, a small restaurant located in High Springs, Florida, between I-75 and Ichetucknee Springs State Park, is an example of how the tourism industry helps balance customer flow during slower months. The success of the adventure park will also help in improving the economy in Newberry, thereby contributing to the economic growth of the state of Florida.