Remember to Visit our Tri-City Parks

I love the outdoors. People probably wouldn't say that about me because I stay home a lot and surf the web more than I go for long outdoor walks. It's because I live in Florida and in my opinion we only get 4 pleasurable months: November, December, January, February. That's about the only time of year where I can go outside without getting attacked by mosquitos or drowning in my own sweat or having an asthma attack or getting so burned by the sunrays that I look redder than a lobster. Last year I wasted my favorite four months and didn't get outside as much as I wanted to. Not this time. I'm very happy that October has arrived, and I can't wait to see what my walking legs can do this winter. First thing that comes to mind are the public parks. While I've been hiding out in my little backyard area when I want some nature time, I absolutely adore walking through big parks and preserves and seeing new plants and flowers and trees. I've gotten around to many of the parks in the Tampa Bay area so I'd like to share my memories with you and recommend the ones that I remember. The great thing about this list of park recommendations is that all of the parks mentioned below do not have an admission fee (although some of them have a parking fee) so if you have a tank of gas, you can go see these parks and enjoy all the beauty they have to offer.

There are four areas that I'd like to make recommendations about, like a compass: North, South, East, and West. The Westcoast parks are in Pinellas County, and the others are in Hillsborough County.

East Tampa

Way beyond Brandon, but before you get to Plant City, drive up Lithia Pinecrest Road and eventually you will find: LITHIA SPRINGS PARK. It is a very beautiful, well-groomed park specifically catering to the Suburbanites of Brandon and Plant City so that the early-birds of those communities don't have to drive too far for a day at the water relaxation event. The Springs are crystal clear cool water and make for refreshing dips. The foilage is lovely and there are clean bathrooms and picnic tables and recreational equipment for all to enjoy.

North Tampa

Drive up Highway 301 through Thonotosassa and you'll discover the wonderful HILLSBOROUGH RIVER STATE PARK. You can swim, camp, fish, and go canoeing at this lovely, quiet, and nicely shaded state park. There are alligators in the river and you may see them while you're fishing or canoeing, but I never had a problem with them because I don't tease them or feed them.

South Tampa

WHEEDON ISLAND PARK is a must see if you're into romantic picnics on the sand or if you just want to relax with the kids. It's mostly secluded and often forgotten because there are no restaurants or entertainment, but for the nature lovers it's a prize. Plenty of bird watching, lovely water scenes, and comfortable park accommodations make Wheedon Island Park a very nice place to visit.

Top 10 West Coast Parks in Pinellas County

If you want to have a nice party outdoors with covered picnic table areas and lake front views, I recommend: FREEDOM LAKE PARK, CREST LAKE PARK, and FLORIDA BOTANICAL GARDENS. Freedom Lake is great for athletic types as they have a full jogging trail and exercise equipment. Crest Lake is great for Dog Lovers as it has areas especially enclosed for dogs to meet, play, and enjoy. Florida Botanical Gardens is the perfect park for an outdoor wedding and was designed specifically for that occasion. It has dozens of picture perfect landscaping with the blushing bride and proud groom in mind.

PHILLIPPE PARK and MOCCASIN LAKE PARK are the most beautiful and well-kept hidden gems that I ever got to enjoy in Pinellas County. Locals know and go, but most tourists have no idea how peaceful, serene, and naturally beautiful these parks are. They have stunning water views, a variety of trees and foilage, and walking trails and sitting areas. They are great parks to unwind from a stressful day or to make a whole day out of on the weekend.

COACHMAN PARK and LARGO CENTRAL PARK are for JetSet types. They are architectural masterpieces designed by city officials to inspire the citizens and tourists about the loveliness of Pinellas County. They have it all. COACHMAN PARK in Downtown Clearwater has the Main Library, the Ampitheater, and newly designed slides for entertaining fun. There are plenty of nearby restaurants if sitting on the grass under a tree all day isn't your thing. Often they have planned and scheduled events such as concerts or themed festivals where many people come together to celebrate.

Low key, quieter and lesser travelled parks include EAGLE LAKE PARK, SAWGRASS PARK, and OLD COACHMAN PARK. If you're not into large crowds and festivals, but just want to hang out with your dog or play frisbee with your new boyfriend or girlfriend, then these parks are more your vibe. Eagle Lake Park has three different areas catering to Dog Meet and Play. Sawgrass Park has a long winding boardwalk for visitors to sightsee through the trees and waterways without worrying about twisting their ankles on twigs or loose rocks. Old Coachman Park is very small and difficult for newcomers to find, but has a lovely Frisbee area for the rogue wonderer who has no partner to play with.

Finally, if you haven't been to or haven't heard of FORT DESOTO STATE PARK, then of course I do recommend it; However, this one is probably the most expensive park on my list. There are fees for all of their accommodations. Want to go to the beach there? It's beautiful. Fee to get in and park, and rental fees for any interesting equipment like a bike or something more fun that sand in your bathing suit. Want to go camping? They have it all. Lovely spots for your RV, cabins for the family to talk through the night, clean bathrooms with nice hot showers, and lovely views of the water. BUT! You'll need a reservation and they are very difficult to achieve. So Good Luck with that.

I want to end my article about local parks with a thought I had as I was sitting in my backyard. Behind the fence in my backyard is a park that was designed only three years ago. They cut a bunch of trees down and landscaped it for human approval. I watched the changes and thought the park created would be some kind of big deal, at least to the locals. Yet in the four years I've lived here, as I've grown my garden, I've never seen one party or major gathering occur at the new park behind my fence. Isn't that weird?