Hal Scott Preserve is in the back part of the Wedgefield community. This is more a conservation…read morearea and a preserve rather than a park. However, it was rather Pleasant walking along the open Trail. It never gave me the feeling that I was in the woods or anything like that, however, it was a nice respite from the day to day living in a city such as Orlando, Florida. Overall, I am going to give Hal Scott Preserve four stars. As I said, it was a nice respite from the modern world and I enjoyed my time here.

Do not recommend staying here! The workers will sexually harass you and then lie saying they didn't…read moreso that they won't get in trouble. As a female I highly recommend other females avoid coming here! It's sad and pathetic how they belittle you. Had to deal with Officers Dennis Navarino is the only one that can have a civil conversation with you. Officer Caleb Hallsten is wishy washy. However Lieutenant Riley was the absolute worst. He couldn't have a simple conversation and wanted to escalate the situation into a much bigger ordeal. Kept talking over my fiancé and I while we were trying to talk to the other officers. It's sad how they think it's okay for dudes to sexually harass other females and they of course get away with it. They disgust me. I'm still trying to figure out the worker that was onsite for today, November 17,2025. I would avoid at all costs.

A small area just off of 520 where you can launch your boat or stare out at the Saint John's River…read more It is a tranquil setting and one I find myself at often, just a place to chill for a moment when I am out this way heading to 95 and the drive south for business. If you aren't launching a boat there is little to do, but I enjoy just looking out at the river.

I love spending time in nature, so I was delighted to discover this short trail tucked away inside…read moreDr. P. Phillips Community Park. While there isn't any parking directly next to the trailhead, it's only a short walk from the main parking area. The trail was created through a corporate sponsorship between Orange County and Orlando-based LongHorn Steakhouse, helping to fund and preserve local green spaces for the community to enjoy. Fun fact: The very first LongHorn Steakhouse opened on August 10, 1981, on Peachtree Road in Atlanta in a building that previously housed an adult bookstore. The LongHorn trail meanders through 10 acres of Florida scrub habitat, also known as a xeric hammock community. This unique ecosystem is one of the state's most endangered habitats because it occurs on higher, well-drained elevations, he same areas that are often targeted for development. It's a challenging environment where plants and wildlife have evolved adaptations to survive the dry, sandy conditions. As you stroll along the sandy path, you may see native species such as sand pines, sabal palms, Adams needle yucca, grapevines, ferns, lichens, songbirds, cicadas, raccoons, and perhaps even a threatened species of gopher tortoise crossing the trail. This is an easy hike that just about anyone can do as long as you can walk on soft, sandy terrain. Benches are placed along the trail, offering spots to rest before reaching an observation area overlooking Big Sand Lake. Once there you can sit quietly, enjoy a picnic, or simply take in the scenery. Although Dr. Phillips orange groves that once covered this area have long since been turned into residential and commercial development, it's nice to know that you can still find pockets of Florida's natural landscape that have been preserved. Trails like this offer a peaceful escape and a place for Florida's native animals and plants to find a home.

In a town known as the "Soldier City," founded by Union Civil War veterans, you would expect a…read morespecial park and Veterans Park is one of my favorites. Below the surface his park tells a story about Florida's identity as much as it is about St. Cloud. In 1868 a formerly Confederate Florida reentered the Union after the Civil War but interestingly St. Cloud was established in 1909 as a retirement community for Union veterans. The land for Veterans Park was donated by the St. Cloud Woman's Club, whose members included the wives of Union Civil War veterans. Development of the park began in 1929 as part of a citywide beautification effort, with residents donating soil, bricks for the walkways, and labor to build an artificial pond. The park was formally dedicated by Mayor Clarence C. Smith on June 13, 1937. The signature bandshell was added in 1952. In an interesting juxtaposition, the park includes memorials to both sides of the Civil War. In 2006, the city erected an obelisk honoring local Confederate soldiers, making it one of the few Confederate monuments built in the United States since the 1970s. The grounds also display retired military equipment, including a helicopter and military truck, alongside a playground that makes the park a more family friendly destination. During my visit, the fence around the park was lined with a moving memorial created by the Rotary Club of St. Cloud. There were rows of American flags and white crosses, each bearing the name of a fallen service member. It's a moving tribute that adds to the sense of history and patriotism that I found while visiting this park. Veteran's Park reflects how St. Cloud has chosen to preserve and reinterpret its military heritage. A Union veterans' community took root in a former Confederate state. Veterans memorials like the ones found here help communities to express their respect, pride, and history. It's a story worth telling. .

Dan Tarrell Memorial Point is a scenic spot within Lakefront Park. It was named in honor of former…read moreSt. Cloud Deputy Mayor Dan Tarrell. In 1997, at the age of 35, Tarrell entered Orlando Regional Medical Center for an expected routine surgical procedure. Unfortunately, complications arose during the operation, and he passed away. In recognition of his service and dedication to the city, St. Cloud named Dan Tarrell Memorial Point in his honor. In 2004, hurricanes caused significant damage to the point. The city later rebuilt and expanded the area. The walk to the point offers beautiful views of East Lake Tohopekaliga and the many birds that inhabit the shoreline. At the end of the pier like point is a covered pavilion that can be rented for private events at a rate of $50 per hour for city residents and $75 per hour for non-residents. Several benches are also available for visitors to relax and take in the scenery. Today, Dan Tarrell Memorial Point is a popular location for weddings, fishing, and watching sunsets over the lake. Despite the intense heat during my visit, I thoroughly enjoyed the walk to the point and the peaceful views of the lake, where people were even taking a swim.

I read about this tour on the Walt Disney website and wanted to book it. I tried for over a month…read moreand finally persistence paid off! Allison was our Cast-member tour guide. We were all given head sets so we could hear her talk as we walked. This tour took us all over the Magic Kingdom and behind the scenes. It was amazing to see how much work goes on that you never see. ..such as the floats being tested and Cast-members being launched into place atop their float. We had quick access to the Jungle Cruise and the Haunted Mansion along with a delicious lunch. This was definitely a day to remember!

I drove by the Lake Conine Nature Park and it looked so amazing that I had to stop. A hike here…read moreended up being the perfect way to end my day trip in Winter Haven. The Lake Conine Nature Park officially opened on May 13, 2025. Winter Haven had previously purchased the 32-acre property in 2010 with the mission of restoring the wetlands to benefit Lake Conine and the surrounding communities. The park was created in partnership between the City of Winter Haven, Polk County, State of Florida, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The wetlands were formed to act as stormwater treatment cells. Through natural processes, water is collected and contaminants are removed preventing nutrients and oxygen depleting compounds from passing into Lake Conine. An added benefit of the ponds is that they attract wildlife like alligators, turtles, and native birds. Lake Conine Nature Park was designed to support recreation, environmental learning, and community connection. The park has a mile-long trail loop along the perimeter of the park along with smaller interior loops. There is also a kayak launch, shaded picnic pavilion, fishing pier, restrooms, and playground. During my walk I spotted a tricolor heron and adorable marsh rabbits. The Lake Conine Nature Park offers the community a wonderful place for wildlife watching. exercising, paddling, playing, fishing, and relaxing.

This park is somewhat new, and a wonderful addition to Winter Haven. There is a mile long loop…read moretrail around the wetlands, where I could admire the nature around. I spotted a spoon bill, herons, and other birds in the water. I came as the sun was setting, so I had the best views, though I don't recommend staying until dark. There is also a route here in Pokémon Go, it spans the entire length of the loop, which is one mile. There are 2 bridges that cut across the water and a dock that overlooks a lake near the main facilities. There is a small pavilion with seating, a playground, and a restroom. There are also benches around the loop, enclosed trash bins, and a doggy station (though no trash bin at the station). I felt very safe here, as the trail is within view of the main road and houses, as well as other people on the path.

While passing through St. Cloud, I stopped at Wheel Park to stretch my legs. Originally built in…read morethe mid1990s, the park was named Wheel Park because it was designed for nontraditional youth sports on wheels, including inline skating, BMX biking, and skateboarding. Today, this city maintained park has evolved into a more family friendly destination. It features a recently updated, shade-covered playground, picnic pavilions, and covered picnic pavilions with tables for relaxing or enjoying a meal outdoors. One of the interesting features in the park is the bilingual Born Learning Trail, sponsored by the Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County in partnership with the City of St. Cloud. The interactive trail includes 10 activity signs in both English and Spanish, encouraging children to learn through play as they explore the park. Whether you're bringing the kids to the playground, looking for convenient picnic spot, or taking a break during a road trip as I did, Wheel Park is a clean, well-maintained recreational space that's a welcoming outdoor stop in St. Cloud.