Former mayor Roy Gold will guide residents on a tour of Sandy Ridge Sanctuary on January 3 in Coral Springs
Coral Springs, Florida – Former Coral Springs Mayor Roy Gold will lead a guided tour of Sandy Ridge Sanctuary on Saturday, January 3, inviting residents and guests to explore one of the city’s most cherished natural spaces. Beginning at 9 a.m., participants will follow the winding trails of the 38-acre park, which features a man-made lake stocked with fish and a large bog, providing a glimpse into the habitats preserved within the city.
“Seeing how quickly the city was being developed gave me an idea,” Gold explained, reflecting on the sanctuary’s origins. In the 1990s, as Coral Springs underwent rapid expansion, Gold and concerned citizens pushed for the preservation of remaining forested areas. Their efforts culminated in a $7.5 million environmentally sensitive land bond, later supplemented by a $2.5 million state grant, totaling $10 million to purchase four critical parks, including Sandy Ridge Sanctuary, Red Lichen Sanctuary, Pine Flats Preserve, and Cypress Gateway.
The sanctuary has since become a haven for Florida’s native species. As a state-registered gopher tortoise preserve, Sandy Ridge Sanctuary is home to these protected animals, as well as various plant species such as Florida Slash Pines, Oaks, and Bald Cypress. Over the years, the city has relocated tortoises to the sanctuary from other areas affected by development, helping to ensure the species’ survival in Coral Springs.
The tours, offered on the first Saturday of every month at 9 a.m., are hosted by Gold in collaboration with the Coral Springs Parks and Recreation Department. They typically last between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours, depending on the group’s interests, age, and ability. Tourgoers are given the opportunity to learn not only about the sanctuary’s diverse flora and fauna but also about its history as a city-led preservation effort.
Before the sanctuary was purchased, the 38 acres were slated to become 195 zero-lot homes. The land had been owned by Charlie Bosco, an orchid producer credited with inventing the idea of wearing orchids as wrist corsages. The acquisition of the property prevented the loss of a vital green space and created a lasting educational and recreational resource for the community.
Residents interested in participating or volunteering can contact Louis Goldstein at 954-345-2112 for more information. The monthly tours have become a popular event for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone interested in Coral Springs’ environmental history.
Gold’s tours of Sandy Ridge Sanctuary highlight the city’s commitment to environmental preservation and provide a unique opportunity to experience Florida’s native landscapes within an urban setting. The sanctuary stands as a testament to the city’s forward-thinking approach to land conservation and the dedication of citizens and leaders who worked to protect it for future generations.
From the preserved wetlands to the man-made lake, visitors on January 3 can expect an immersive experience in nature, guided by a leader whose vision ensured the sanctuary’s survival. As Gold often says, the land “tells a story of what could have been lost,” offering a rare chance for residents to connect with Coral Springs’ ecological and cultural heritage firsthand.
Sandy Ridge Sanctuary remains one of the most important green spaces in Coral Springs, a reminder of the city’s efforts to balance development with environmental stewardship, and a place where the public can enjoy the natural beauty of Florida year-round.
