Blanchard Park is great. Sure, there's the occassional murder in it's nearby trails, but the park itself is fantastic. Right along the Econlockhatchee River, it offers a perfect venue for picnicking, barbequeing, sports, fishing, and frisbee. The little econ greenway trail runs alongside the river and leads to the tennis courts, the dam, and the YMCA. The trail can be serene and scenic at times and even isolated, especially at night. It's a great place to go walking, running, biking, or rollerblading. Along the trail, you can find secluded grassy plain areas overlooking the river, basketball courts, pavilions, and other surprises along the way. read more

Jay Blanchard is such a great local park. Lots of water to fish but there are tons of alligators to beware of. My favorite is that there is a lot of parking and you can take a long walk along the lake with your dog. There's also great bathrooms and children's playground. read more

Went to this park with the kidlet for the first time today. Playground area was very nice and was fully shaded. Also great was the spongy-rubbery ground cover. Loved that they had a more challenging play area for older kids that works on their gross motor skills. Only issue is that there is not a restroom closer to the main playground. Makes for an interesting run to the YMCA building. Make sure to note when the Y is open however, as if it's closed the closest restroom is a hike! read more

Really this is a great park for nearly all of the things you want to do. Tennis courts, soccer field, football field, kids slide and playground... and most of all I see a lot of people walking on the trail which is next to the river (maybe man made?). Yup there are benches.... trash cans... etc. If you'd like to do more there is a YMCA right here too. Most of all, this place is kept up by the park maintenance crew. read more

I find myself here several times a week. This is a great place for kids to roam but not so great if you have agoraphobia. Things you will find here: 1) Shade, lots of it which is good because you will need it for all the outdoor stuff you can do here. 2) YMCA (Outside the main gate), full gym, pool (heated), facilities, child care (temporary), and a Tropical Cafe Smoothie bar. 3) Tennis Courts, I cannot intelligently expound. 4) Covered Playground equipment...no more burning fannies for the kiddies big and small. One set on each end of the park. One side is 2-12 range better for smaller kids but seems sort of boring for the older kids that do come. The other side is for the older crowd and probably more fun for kids who like a little more adventure then the standard slide, swing, wall climbs. 5) Running paths: as part of the Little Econolohatchee Trail that extends about seven miles from end to end wide enough to allow runners, walkers, and cyclists to coexist without the use of blunt objects. The path also follows it's namesake for the better portion of the trail, give or take two miles or so. 6) Soccer fields, large expanses filled with smiling faces and chattering soccer moms/dads. 7) BBQs and picnic tables several and some covered pavilions for larger (most likely reserved) groups. 8) It seems safe. An abundance of traffic throughout the park's facilities just about any time I have been there seems to keep people relatively honest. There are multiple entrances to be aware of if you have small children. However, if you are wandering around the edge of the water pay close attention to your surroundings (there are gators and snakes around). Do stand on that cool statue of an alligator or the log with teeth. You may get more than you intend to. Here is my overall assessment. Though it is not a venue for everyone, you can certainly find something to do here if you are an outdoor sort of person. Even if it is just catching a short walk before dinner and enjoying the sunset swing by. It is free. read more

Rollerblade, run, or bike alongside the river for miles!!! This place is also very peaceful during the weekdays for a lil picnic lunch getaway. The only thing I don't like is that there is so much park and only one main place with restrooms. read more

My husband and I took our dog and our 9 month old little girl here this morning for some outside fun. It's clean, beautiful and peaceful. There is a small playgro9und with baby swings (perfect for our little one... ) and trails to ride your bikes as well as walk your dogs. There's water where you can do some fishing and watch the wildlife including gators if you're patient! I didn't see any when I was there though...:( I love it and we will be back again for sure! read more

This is a really nice park, great walking sidewalk and water with lots of wildlife to enjoy. I went here with my family to take a walk and just enjoy ourselves and we did. Very well kept park. read more

This is the greatest park ever! It starts just past the YMCA and goes on for just over 4 miles in one direction. There are a few hills, but it's a great trail for someone looking to start a fitness program - either walking, running, biking or rollerblading. There are park benches, a basketball court, several picnic areas and even a butterfly garden. The zero mile marker starts just past the YMCA. I have no complaints about Jay Blanchard park. There's even lots of wildlife to look at. I always see rabbits, squirrels and birds. Sometimes I see turtles and snakes. And then there's Walter - the alligator that hangs out on the embankments on either side of the river near the high school soccer field. I go here as often as I can. There's only one point in which I have to cross an actual road, but it's not a busy road and there's a button for the crosswalk. I love this park! read more

I like this park because I love to ride my mountain bike and there is plenty of trails that connect to Blanchard Park. You can start on Lokanotosa Trail , located on Alafaya and make your way down that path to Rouse Rd and lead you into Blanchard Park. It very enjoyable and lots of people who visit and kids play and adults enjoy recreation from football, tennis, fishing, biking, roller blading, and you can read. Its so peaceful. I did see my first alligator sighting and was scared, but they are apart of nature and I don't think they will harm you, but be mindful that they are there. The bike path is safe and then there are parts that seem a little secluded at times. It begins after you reach the first ramp and begin to go further away from the park. So keep yourself active during times where there is plenty of light and people. read more

Blanchard Park is a pretty big park that is convenient to the UCF section of Orlando. There are plenty of sports facilities, and it has a great jogging course. The Good: Sports Practice: If you need a field to practice on, chances are good that Blanchard Park has you covered. They have tennis courts, baseball fields, and a nice track field, so if you want to round up the kids and get going, Blanchard park is a nice place to do so! Cookout!: There are plenty of BBQ pits with pavilions and picnic tables. There's plenty of space between the pavilions as well, so it is definitely a nice place to bring the family on an afternoon picnic. The Bad: Crime?: Recently there have been some questionable occurrences near or in Blanchard Park. If you are aware of yourself at all times you should be okay, but it's just a word of warning. Blanchard Park is a really convenient park to go to if you are in the UCF area. There are some very nice facilities and plenty of things to do if you are in need of some physical activity. HOWEVER: I have heard recently that there have been some serious incidents at this place after dark, so I would limit your activities here to daylight hours. Overal 6.5/10 Blanchard Blues read more

Came here with my dog to walk the trails. Plenty of water stops with fountains for humans and dogs. Lots of bikers and roller bladers, so make sure you pay attention. Can't believe I've lived in the area for more than 3 years and am just now discovering this treasure! read more

Blanchard Park - Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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If you live in East Orlando and you haven't been to Blanchard Park you are really missing out. This is a great park with a massive trail that runs through it. Let's start with the playgrounds. There are two of them, one for younger kids that is pretty large and well-shaded. It is set back from the road a bit and has a large open area where the kids can play. There is also a swing-set, which is always fun. On a recent visit I had a grand time watching kids playing kickball while my daughter played. The second playground is on the other end of the soccer fields and is for older kids. It isn't as well shaded as the other, but it is still covered. Even though my kids are old enough for this one they still prefer the other, but they are both well worth checking out. And then there is the YMCA. Once upon a time I attended classes here, but I haven't kept a membership in years. One of my friends recently confessed that she uses her YMCA membership for quiet time away from her toddler during the day. She said she checks her into the daycare as if she were going to work out, and then she just sits and read instead while her little one plays. Ha! I love it. Wish I would have thought of that when my kids were small. The soccer teams have always been hugely popular among kids we know, but due to my general dislike of organized sports we've never done it. But the YMCA teams do have a good reputation for being well-run. I would say if you want your kid to do soccer, this is the place for it. And last of all, there is the trail that runs through the park. Sometimes I run, sometimes I walk, I've even grudgingly biked, but I never get tired of this trail. It is beautiful to run along the river. (There are even wild bunnies!!!!) Alas, there have been some bad things to happen here over the years, and while I'm not generally one to worry, I won't run here in the morning or evening without a buddy. Safety first! read more

Been here a few times with my significant other, Michelle and we both enjoy it. We often come here to go for a stroll around the park and people watch while enjoying the fresh air. This park is quiet big and is equiped with different courts, fields and even a YMCA. Definitely a place to check out if hanging out, planing a family day or just exercising. read more

Everything you can name is here. I love this place, even if it is just for a walk or driving through the park for a beautiful nature's view. How romantic. I want to have a picnic here because the nature feel is so real. Park is also animal friendly for those who are animal friendly. I love the wind blowing through my hair when going for a casual walk. read more

I used to jog here everyday for years until one day my car had been broken into. And on the same day, same hour another car had been broken into towards the back entrance of the park.. pretty good park but don't leave anything you care about in your car. Luckily I only had an empty purse in my backseat but I still lost money replacing the window. So beware! I learned my lesson. read more

I love this park. Its a great place to go if you need to relax and go walk around in nature.

Absolutely loved it here! My friend's apt was right around the corner from here and after a year I decided to pull in. I can definitely say I've been missing it there are I believe 3 different playground areas for kids to play and they are SHADED!! I love the exercise space you have to run or walk along the river you may even spot a turtle. Overall just a great place to relax, take the kids, or get a little workout in. The park also closes at 8pm fyi. read more

This park is pretty boring according to my kids. Everything is very spaced out. Not alot of parking you have to drive to the bathroom which is kept gross. read more

When I lived in River Park Apartments, my balcony view was Jay Blanchard Park. I would walk my room mates dog every night to check out the cuties playing basketball. The view of shirtless UCF guys running and playing ball was great. Ahhh the good old days.... read more

The park is always very clean. Great open space- lots of spots for picnics. Pavilions and grills are spacious and available for reservations. A nice walking trail with great views of the river, I made it my goal this year to finish it! There's only one bathroom and it's closer to one end of the park. If you're hanging out near the bigger playground then you have to use old Portable Bathrooms or walk all the way to the YMCA. Good luck if you have a toddler potty training. I also think they should have canoe or kayak rentals available being that they allow canoeing in the river. read more

I love visiting Blanchard park with my daughter. Lots of room for her to run and lots of kids to play with. Close by our home. Always provides outdoor adventures. read more

This is a great park! Ive seen wild bunnies and cranes! Very spacious good for long walks or riding bikes. Simply a beautiful place. Also if ypu play pokemon go its a great spot for stops and to catch different types of the starter pokemon. read more

Nice and quiet brisk walk through this park. Seems safe. Closes at 8 but its a nice walking trail. Dont go into rhe water or let your kids or pets in, alligators do live there. There are many warnings, so listen to it. read more

This is an amazing park u can run here or walk the trails or even go fishing not only that if your family is looking to make a party or picnic this is the best place to do it, also the YMCA is located down the road so if u want a good work out u can go to the gym first an then walk around the park. read more

It is a great park to visit. Clean & beautiful. Nice path alongside the river. Nice soccer fields and play yard for the children. There have been some incidents of crime. A lady jogger was nearly abducted during midday last week. Take a friend or family and you will be fine! read more

Beautiful park and it is great to go with the family and just unwind and relax.

Located off of Dean Road, this park boasts 87 acres of recreation. The wide, paved path runs along the Econ River which makes it perfect scenery for biking, roller blading, walking, and running. They also allow canoeing, kayaking, and fishing; they allow leashed dogs; they have tons of nature trails; they have sand volleyball, basketball courts, soccer fields, multipurpose fields, and a playground. I learned to hit a golf ball at Blanchard Park. And since you can drive in the park, it's great for parking and waiting if you have time to pass. read more

Pretty chill spot. Nice for exercising. The only problem I've encountered is that when the people who live around the house start using the grill a quarter of the park is basically covered in smoke. read more

Has everything you need to become the top physical specimen you were born to be. Sure it gets packed at times but there's plenty to do to get a great workout. The staff is amazing and are willing to help anyone who seek advice or tweak their routines for mazimum results. If you're in the area, do yourself a favor and head on over. read more

Great park for ROLLER SKATING also ( you know,the ones with 4 wheels like your car ?)

This is a nice park with a beautiful sunset view every time I come here. I have tried fishing here but didn't really have any luck. There is also a tenis court here and a bike trail. The park is well maintained and has huge fields to play foot ball or soccer. I think that the park would be a little better if it wasn't surrounded by houses. Over all I enjoy coming here from time to time to go on a walk or to see the sunset. read more

Is a really nice place to visit. It has various activities do do. For example in has a side walk for people and dogs. No worries for going to a separate side of the park for dog walk you could do it together. It was many other activities. You could also sign up for the YMCA. Is a place you could relax as enjoying the natural praspect. A place where you could take all your family and spent time. It includes a kids park,soccer fields,basketball field,inside forest excursion,lake view more inside the park,long walking sidewalk,volleyball field, and more activities for adults,kids and even dogs. read more

Great park! Plenty of parking, nice long trail for biking skating or walking! Beautiful river to fish and canoe or kayak on.

Love this park! I've been visiting Blanchard for years and it only keeps on getting better. It's large, clean, quiet and safe. There are areas for fishing, jogging, walking, hiking, playgrounds, picnic tables, pavilions, grills, and fields for soccer and softball. We've used the fields before and always enjoyed it. I take my dog for walks here (remember to clean up after your pets!) I've also just come out here to relax and read when the weather is nice. The fishing isn't half bad, be prepared for a lot of panfish with the occasional catfish. There are also gar and carp if you know where to look. More adventurous souls might take a hike around the woods, but be careful as they do flood extensively when it has been raining. The YMCA is worth checking out and there is a smoothie bar inside which is really nice for those hot Florida summers. Overall the facilities are convenient and pretty clean. Will continue visiting Blanchard on a regular basis so long as I'm in central Fla! read more

I absolutely love this park! It's a great place to take older and younger children. However, on our trip today the YMCA youth group was out and playing dodge ball ON the playground where little kids are supposed to be able to play and slide. For one I think this is seriously dangerous for the Y kids and two, the little ones, I'm talking uder 5 were warned by the Y group leader that they may be harmed if they played and they were not going to stop their game until some time later. Now I thought this was for the public and not just the YMCA. Several parents had to leave including myself because of the dangerous activity that was going on. So sad, that they just completely took over the main playground on the very first day of our summer vacation. read more