In 1989, they sought permits for a 214-unit subdivision surrounding the springs, again prompting a reaction from environmentalists who urged the county to purchase the property for use as a passive park.

[12] After purchasing the Gemini Springs property, Volusia County lacked funding to fully develop the park, but was able to acquire it in the following two years.

Beginning in March 1996, $1.1 million in capital improvements were made to the park including building a 1,600-square-foot (150 m2) floating dock for the swimming area, picnic pavilions, a wooden fishing pier and footbridges, a playground, restrooms and other amenities.

[13] Just prior to Labor Day in 2000 the swimming area was closed after health department officials detected dangerous levels of enterococci bacteria, a type of bacteria found in the fecal matter of warm-blooded animals.

[citation needed] A 4.5-acre (1.8 ha) fenced dog park was opened in June 2005, at a cost of $35,000.