In 1991, these 200 acres of wetlands between the Brevard Zoo and the St. Johns River floodplain…read morewere established by the Brevard County Government as a stormwater treatment system for the adjacent South Central Regional Water Reclamation Facility. The treatment wetlands are divided into four cells of approximately 35 acres each, surrounding a central lake. Each cell was designed to maintain a different water depth, creating a variety of wetland habitats. These stormwater treatment wetlands play an important role in protecting the environment by capturing and retaining stormwater runoff, reducing the risk of flooding in surrounding areas. They also filter and store stormwater, helping recharge the aquifer. Wetland plants naturally remove pollutants from the water, improving its quality before it returns to the environment. Without treatment, stormwater runoff can contribute to algal blooms, muck accumulation, fish kills, and other ecological problems. In addition to their environmental benefits, the wetlands provide valuable habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including many of Florida's wading birds, while offering visitors an opportunity for wildlife viewing and recreation. In December 2007, the wetlands were renamed the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands in honor of Ritch Grissom, a longtime Brevard County employee who worked at the adjacent South Central Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility. The memorial recognizes his 16 years of service and his love for wildlife and the nature. In 2008, the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands were added to the East Section of the Great Florida Birding Trail. It was extremely hot on the day I visited, so I recommend planning your visit during the cooler months of the year for the most enjoyment. Even in the heat, I enjoyed exploring the trails. I spotted numerous ospreys, red-winged blackbirds, an alligator, and even a raccoon on the move that I followed for a while. Unfortunately, I didn't notice until I looked down that my legs were covered in mosquitoes, so be sure to bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and water. If you enjoy nature and wildlife off the beaten path you can easily spend hours here. The wetlands are open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Follow the wetlands' Facebook page for the latest updates and photos of recently spotted wildlife.

This is a rather large Park easy to get to from i-95. Just exit viera and head West to your dead…read moreend at the park. This is a large Park with lots of walking trails around different wetland areas. It seems like it's a man-made Park with Wells constantly feeling lakes and pumps pumping water from one lake to the next lake. There are areas we can ride your bike for bike riding/mountain bike trails and lots of walking trails as well as there's docks you can walk out and look out on benches you can sit on and a few towers you can go up to get a bird's eye view. For wildlife I saw lots of different species of birds and a lot of alligators. These alligators did not seem friendly like the ones at gatorland. I also saw a lot of bunny rabbits and the rabbits were used to people unless you're pretty close to that.

Secret Lake Park is one of our favorite parks in Casselberry. My twins always have fun. The…read moreplaygrounds are spacious and fun. They have separate play areas for older and younger kids. The walking trail around the lake is perfect for walks and watching the sunset. Perfect place for a picnic with family.

Secret Lake Park gets its name from the fact that is between Secret Lake, Triplet Lake, and North…read moreLake Triplet. Also nearby are Middle Lake and Lost Lake. This beautiful and well maintained park offers an array of recreational amenities. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the basketball, softball, tennis, and racquetball courts along with a soccer on the multipurpose field. As a nature lover I enjoyed the many boardwalks with views of the lake and the sidewalk which meanders through the entire park. It is perfect for walking for exercise and I saw the cutest marsh rabbit as I made my way through the park. There are also two fishing piers. Kids will spend hours playing and on the two imaginative playgrounds. Secret Lake Park is also home to the recently renovated Casselberry Recreation Center which has a main room, ballroom, billiards room, computer room, outdoor deck area, activity room, and outdoor pavilions. The recreation center offers many programs from youth to senior. They include exercise, yoga, Tai Chi, Zumba, and dance classes. The park is also the host of several beloved Casselberry traditions like the HOWL-O-WEEN Dog Walk-a-Thon and Canine Costume Contest, Art & Music in the Park & Food Truck Bazaar, and the Casselberry Easter Egg Hunt. I really enjoyed my visit to Secret Lake Park. It is the perfect outdoor recreation destination for families, fitness seekers, and sports lovers. You can go for peaceful stroll, play basketball, or watch the kids play safely. The scenic lakeside views, comprehensive recreational programs, and variety of amenities add to the charm and versatility of this park.

I really loved visiting the Fau Lake Wilderness Park. So cool to see snappers, gopher turtles, and…read moreanhinga there. Sad not to get a chance to see alligators, but apparently the water is too cold after the cold snap. Hardly anyone was here in January. The park has playgrounds, pavilions, benched and paved paths. No swimming due to alligators .

This is a fairly large Park!…read more There's a large lake here which I'm not sure they allow swimming. I did get to observe a few wild alligators in this pond. There's a pathway they can walk around the lake which has a few docks that you can stand out to look off of or fish. This park has public bathrooms the same very clean Fair Park that seems kind of far out. The park also has a play area for young kids with monkey bars and slides and swings. Was also large areas of open grass where kids and adults can play. You could probably spend an entire day just explore in this park. I did observe animals there so there's a pet friendly Park however I would keep the animals away from the water just to be safe.

A very nice park right off Murrell Road. Suseda Park in…read moreMelbourne, Florida, is located of the east side of Murrell road just south of Viera blvd and north of Wickham. I have lived here many years and driven by this location and never knew it was there. Parking is convenient with a small parking lot right off the road and next to a fenced-in playground. The park is easily accessible due to it's location, making it a great spot for quick visits or extended stays.It offers a peaceful escape with well-maintained grounds and serene surroundings. It has a mix of amenities ideal for various activities such as leisurely walks, photography, meditation, or play. There is a scenic walking trail that winds through beautiful trees and near ponds and a small wooden bridge, creating an inviting environment for relaxation or capturing nature shots. Families can enjoy the playground, while others use the open spaces for quiet reflection. There are open areas as well as open wooded sections. The park's tranquil atmosphere and picturesque settings make it an excellent location for filming or nature photography, offering diverse visual appeal. The park's charm lies in its simplicity, providing a serene retreat for both individuals and families looking to enjoy the outdoors in a peaceful community setting. I am glad that I found this park and plan to use it in the future.

Nice, clean, quiet park to walk and play with the grandchildren. Conveniently located in a…read moreresidential area.

Great little park on blue cypress lake. camping is $5.00 a night with hot shower's and flush…read moreToilet. Bait and boat rentals too. Love all the birds and wildlife. I will be back soon.

Having fished Roy many times we finally went sightseeing. Living there all his life Roy knows just…read moreabout everything. Get in the boat and let him do what he does best. Not like other "airboat rides". No two routes the same, not a zoo with pet alligators. Can't believe this environment still exists. Would do again for sure.

Beautiful lake with a nice atmosphere and spacious view! Natural park with shaded sitting area for…read morefamilies or friends who are like family. A gem in the middle of this little city. One hundred percent recommended. Five Stars!

A nice park offering access to Lake Washington This park is…read morelocated at the western end of Lake Washington Road and just past the Melbourne Water Treatment plant. It provides access to the lake in at least 3 methods: a boat ramp, a floating dock, and a pier. There is a set of restrooms in a stand-alone building to the north of the entrance and on the east side of the park next to a parking lot. There is parking next to this building and just to the south of it that could fit about 40 spaces, There is also a lot to the south of the entrance and the boat ramp. The boat ramp has about 10 spots for trucks with trailers and another 7 in the southern lot. There is a playground to the north of the ramp and pier that looks like a couple of swings and a small jungle jim in a fenced enclosure. There is a walkway from the parking lot to the pier with about 3 small covered pavilions and 1 large one before you arrive at the pier. Overall, it is a nice park. It is not super fancy but it is functional. Enjoy

Nestled on the shores of Lake Maitland, Kraft Azalea Garden is one of the most peaceful and…read morebeautiful spots in Central Florida. From the moment you walk in, you're surrounded by towering cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, creating a calm, almost magical atmosphere. The lakefront views are absolutely stunning, especially around sunset when the light reflects off the water--it's the perfect place to relax, take photos, or just unwind. The historic Exedra monument adds a unique touch and makes for a great backdrop. What really stands out is how quiet and serene it feels, even though it's so close to everything in Winter Park. Whether you're going for a peaceful walk, a picnic, or just some time to clear your mind, this hidden gem delivers every time

Excellent park with easy parking. Take deep breaths of fresh air, and enjoy the breeze. Sit on a…read morebench. No restrooms that I found, but Park Avenue is nearby, drive over. Great place to find peace.

Searching for True Love & Forgiveness? Talk to GOD and get a…read moreDOG! #ReflectDogs Love & Forgiveness Well if you're into agility items, cute buildings, shaded seating areas and interesting structures this dog park was made for you!! They even have the mandatory fire hydrant. There is a nice big double-gated entry with a huge tree and nice bench in it. Put dog park has a couple poop bag dispensers as well as trash cans and a water feature. You can park right next to the dog park. The ground covering is mostly sand and grass. But beware there seem to be quite a few biological landmines?

Terrific lakeside park with play areas for children, large and small dogs. I think dogs on the…read morenature trail require a leash. It's currently undergoing construction via a large donation from a local humanitarian and through the work of volunteers and help from a construction team. Unleash Day, the opening ceremony is December 12, 2021. Bathrooms are on a time lock and currently closed until the bathroom floor resurfacing dries. The nature trail is suitable for seniors with walkers, people requiring a wheelchair, and Mom's with strollers. The large loop is about 3 miles, smaller loop about 1/2 mile and goes around a lake. The roadside trail has older oak trees. Both loops go around a trail. The trail is posted no trespassing in neighborhood or nature preserve so stay on the trail. Beware of golf carts on the trail. It's good for bikes and skates, too. The play areas feature bridges, mini hills and culverts. A swing set is near the lake. Their are covered benches. We spotted a kingfisher, Mallard ducks, a Snowy Egret, an Osprey with a fish, and palm warblers.

This 92-acre Brevard County park, located behind the Eastern Florida State College gymnasium, is an…read moreexample of how environmental restoration and public recreation can coexist together. It was created through a unique partnership among Brevard County Natural Resources Watershed Management, Eastern Florida State College, the City of Titusville, the St. Johns River Water Management District, and Parrish Medical Center. Within the park is a series of interconnected lakes designed as a stormwater treatment system that cleans runoff from both Titusville and unincorporated Brevard County before it enters the Indian River Lagoon. Wetland vegetation naturally filters pollutants from the water, improving its quality before it returns to the environment. Without this treatment, stormwater runoff can contribute to algal blooms, muck accumulation, fish kills, and other ecological problems that threaten the lagoon's health. Beyond its environmental benefits, the restored wetlands provide valuable habitat for wildlife, particularly Florida's wading birds, while offering visitors opportunities for nature observation and outdoor recreation. The park contains a variety of habitats, including artificial lakes, freshwater wetlands, salt marshes, mangrove communities, and hardwood and sabal palm hammocks. Visitors can explore approximately three miles of paved trails, including a scenic 2.6-mile loop for walking, running, and cycling. Additional amenities include a five-story wildlife observation tower offering a stunning view of the wetlands, athletic fields, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and access to the surrounding trail network. The park is an official stop on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, a statewide network of more than 500 premier wildlife-viewing sites. It is well known for its abundant wildlife, and visitors can expect to see Ospreys, herons, egrets, turtles, and alligators, one reason swimming is prohibited in the lakes. During my visit, I spotted Black Vultures, a Great Blue Heron, and a Great Egret. Other species frequently seen here include Wood Storks, Glossy Ibises, Cattle Egrets, Mottled Ducks, Laughing Gulls, and Forster's Terns. Roseate Spoonbills make occasional appearances, along with Bald Eagles while ospreys are common throughout the park. During migration along the hammock trails you may find songbirds such as Prairie Warblers in spring and fall, or Painted Buntings during the winter months. The park also hosts the annual Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival, one of the largest birding festivals in the country. Cyclists will appreciate that the park serves as a trailhead for both the Brevard Coast-to-Coast Trail and the East Coast Greenway, providing miles of additional scenic riding along the corridor that parallels US 1. Chain of Lakes Park demonstrates how wetlands can improve water quality, support wildlife, and help protect one of Florida's most valuable ecosystems while also making a great recreational space for wildlife photography, walking, cycling, and play in a beautiful natural setting.

Beautiful park with a nice playground. The park itself has all kinds of things like a soccer field…read moreand more. It's huge but we only went to the playground area. There's a few benches and picnic tables. It's clean with pretty surroundings.

Overlook Park is located on Lake Jessup near the southern end of the beltway bridge. Lake Jessup is…read morenotable for being the home of over 13,000 alligators giving it the highest concentration of alligators in Florida. The park is surrounded by two sulfur springs of historical significance, one to the east and one to the west that give you the feeling as if you are on a small island. The three acre park has a pavilion with several picnic tables and a grill. Throughout the park are large oak trees covered in moss that provides a shaded canopy from the sun. Around the water's edge are Cyprus trees with their interconnecting roots, also known as Cyprus knees, that stick up out of the ground. As you look out towards the water, you can see a newly reconstructed boardwalk popular with local fisherman. I especially enjoyed the wildlife at the park which is home to osprey, various Florida wading birds, and the alligators of Lake Jessup. This is an especially picturesque and peaceful park with a rich depth of area history.

If you like the sound of the highway as you gaze across the St. John's you…read moreMight like it. There is no trail. A nice long boardwalk over the river. Right now there is an algae alert so wouldn't recommend fishing