Big appreciation for little spots like this in Lakeland! Peterson Park is a gem that is definitely…read morealso pretty hidden. It's tucked away behind quaint Cleveland Heights neighborhoods and CH golf course. You can enter it by turning between the YMCA and Cleveland Heights animal hospital. I can't even properly word how gorgeous this area is. There are gazebos and grill out spots, baseball fields and a few other activities, along with plenty of parking. And then there's the boardwalk. Holy moly. The boardwalk, as one would expect, criss crosses all over one of the many lakes of LAKEland (yes, the name is actually accurate for the area haha). It's serene, quiet and peaceful but lively and buzzing at the same time (lots of funny bugs, frogs, birds and other flying all around). There are benches to sit on and just enjoy the nature- though do remember you are still in Florida. Some nasty looking spiders love to hang out in areas like this. I am just in love with Peterson Park. It's such a marvelous getaway right in my own backyard. It's the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It's also a typically much, much less crowded walking/ running option compared to Lake Hollingsworth down the road. Let's go explore!

Most beautiful park I have found in forever. This park is not one where you may run into a bunch of…read morewild life. What makes this park so beautiful are the boardwalks. They take you on top of the trees. Once you walk them, which is a gradual slope up, your views of the water are breath taking. I never think I'll see elevation, and it definitely was unexpected. This park has a parking lot and once you park, you will see picnic tables, a playground and baseball diamond. You also see short boardwalks. But when you go across the street from where you park there are two more walks. One, you are on the ground and are right beside the lake. The other is the boardwalk that brings you above the trees. Definitely take it. It's amazing beyond words. This park also has a small boat ramp, and it has restrooms. It's definitely a beautiful treasure. It made us so happy to find it!

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to read two reviews. Read Ariel W's and especially…read moreperuse her photos. As a five-year resident of this teeny tiny town, I'll add to hers and here are my additions- * The pavilions are a big draw as they have nice big canopies for shade and sturdy picnic tables. Each has its own trash bin a few feet away. That's nice but they are fly and hornet magnets! Just sayin- * Because of the adjacent playground, birthday parties are common. Expect a bunch of rug rats to be running around. * This is a no pets park except for service animals of course. There is minimal chance you will step in something horrendous with your bare feet. * It's nicely lit at night so it's a nice place to enjoy the cool of the evening. * If you enjoy alcohol, as long as you wrap your can, you know what I mean, nobody with bother you. * This is rural Florida and everyone with half a brain knows every lake has gators! The beach is nice and if you swim during the day the chances of even seeing one is minuscule! If you decide to take a swim at night with an open wound, well, you didn't really need four appendages, did you?

Donaldson Park is located on East Main Street close to downtown. There are shady oaks, picnic…read morepavilions with tables, and a playground. During my visit there was birthday party in one of the pavilions. Donaldson Park sits on the shores of Lake Verona and there is a beach for swimming. I have always heard that if you swim in lakes in Florida you can get the brain eating Naegleria fowleri amoeba. When water gets up your nose it travels to your brain which is almost always fatal. There have been 37 reported cases in Florida since 1962. Peak times to get it are July through September. I am not sure if they test the water here or if people are just careful not to submerge their heads in the water. Although I grew up swimming in lakes in New Jersey, this is the first time I have seen a swimming beach on a Florida lake. Also noteworthy is the dinosaur skeleton on the beach. It features heavily in promotional pictures for Avon Park. The park is used by the City of Avon Park for events like the Blueberry Festival and Christmas in the Park. The beach looked inviting but I am just not sure how safe it is to swim here.

I love Payne Park…read more I do NOT like too many of the people that use it. Recently, the number of unsupervised kids that are riding their bikes, scooters, and electric do dads are inconsiderate with their use of the sidewalks, their total lack of attention to their surroundings and other people. These kids need more adult supervision and parents need to take more time teaching them manners. I also am taking exception to the growing number of pet owners that think THEIR dogs don't need to be properly trained, leashed, or picked up after. The 5 O'Clock group of owners that let their dogs off theie leads and let them just take over a section of the park is non-sense. Read the signs. That is not acceptable. On several occasions, while just walking I have been run up on by dogs showing their teeth. I stop, sayd nice doggy and then move on. But some day, if I do get bit by one of these unruly monsters, their entiled owners will owe me money they haven't even made yet. I would like to see more of a park police presence for a while to get the kids and dog owners back to being decent people. And to the people that are feeding the ducks and squirrels, STOP. Read the signs. You aren't doing the wildlife any favors by feeding them and you aren't doing the other people that use the park any favors either. Payne Park is beautiful; a great place to enjoy the out of doors and the wonderful weather in Sarasota. Kids and Pet owners don't have the right to ruin the experience for everyone else. Oh, and teenagers, we know you are smoking pot there. Move away from the popular walking areas. Your weed smell like skunk butt.

4 stars because the bathrooms are closed currently due to a leak . But other than that this is a…read moresuper cute place to go to and bring your toddler. This park has a variety of activities / slides , tjings to climb oh and there's a skate park on the other side. Plus the trails are nice walking here.

Great place for the kids. Grateful to have something for the kids to do. Wonderful customer service…read moreand variety of sizes and types of bounce things.

This is a very unprofessional establishment. I was once excited to try this arcade until my mother…read morewho has a traumatic brain injury informed me of the limited games based by the pictures provided online when i went on. To check i was apalled to see how a woman with a disability was being treated online just by informing her daughter of what was in the facility as far as games are concerned. People laughed and riduculed her and talked down to her and that us not the way to do business. This is not a fun friendly place and not accomodating to children or adults with disabilities.

This passive park is located along Wauchula's main street. There is street parking nearby and the…read morepark is in excellent condition with close-clipped very green grass and well shaped shrubbery. There is a pretty fountain at the center with sculptures of egrets and a bandshell/shelter. The park has benches and picnic areas. There are also restrooms. There is no playground or active activities. [Review 16806 overall - 1530 in Florida - 319 of 2022.]

This historic 9000-acre park opened in 1931. It's considered an old growth forest and full of bald…read morecypress trees. There are a wide variety of endemic wildlife and plants. The main feature of this wonderful park was the boardwalk that goes through the swamp forest. Some really old trees that are possibly 1000 years old, is located in this park. There are nine trails, a campground, a playground, and a picnic area. There's a 3-mile loop trail for biking and driving. Also, a museum and concession built by the Civilian Conservation Corps; they constructed many buildings, bridges, and blazed trails in Florida State Parks. We were staying nearby and decided to explore this park. I enjoyed the historic land and old trees. The boardwalk was pleasant to stroll on; I saw quite a few memorial plaques. Generations of people walking on the same paths decades ago. It's a peaceful place and I'm glad they didn't turn it into farmland back in the 1930s.

This park is wonderful, plenty of trails, a cute store and just peaceful nature where you can see…read moreall kinds of birds, sometimes deer or gators and it's just a great place to visit.

What a perfect way to spend your day!! The beach is right close to the parking area and the…read moreplayground is small and comfortable!! With outside seating you can keep a close watch on the beach/playground/vehicle!! It's a cozy little area that I definitely recommend seeing at least once while in Sebring!! Right next to Don Jose's Mexican Restaurant, enjoy a smoothie drink after a day playing in the sun!!

What a beautiful beach and park to go swimming water skying , boating,fishing . Loved the homes…read morearound the lake .I would definitely like to spend more time here . The park has a play ground , boat ramp, picnic tables and grills. Very peaceful and beautiful.

This is a very nice park with activities for young and old alike. There is green space and a…read moreboardwalk/nature trails and there is a link up to the Legacy Trail. We enjoyed walking the trails and the water feature overlooks. There are also tennis courts and a playground and a community center is located here as well. The playground is shaded and has play structures and equipment for children of all ages. There are several picnic tables and benches in this area as well. The ground is covered with wood chips for impact protection. DD really enjoyed running around and using all the equipment on our most recent visit. Located just off S. Tamiami Trail/ 41 this park is easily accessible. Visiting this park is a nice way to spend a morning or afternoon.

They've added covers to ALL the equipment! No longer do you have to suffer the heat because the…read moretents keep the playground equipment nice and cool! Highly recommended park, bathrooms and water fountain available, nearby parking.

Everyone who works here is uptight and aggressive. From the woman (red hair) who checks people in…read moreto some of the lifeguards. The way they speak to people is rude and condescending.

This is a nice community park featuring lap pool, walking trail, dog park, and a playground area…read moreand workout area in back behind the pool. The playground area has some lovely old oak trees. Arlington has some great activities for small children on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. In 2022 they also did a great Halloween trail and events including pumpkins in the pool and a Bark-o-Ween dog friendly event. There is good variety of trees and plants along the trail. The park borders a residential area and houses. There is a gym and updated bathrooms. There is a large stand of invasive Brazilian Pepper that needs removing from the park. More native plantings and no mow areas would be welcome. But overall this is a great park with a lot to offer for swimmers, walkers, dogs, children, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Trailhead Park is named for its location on the Chain of Lakes Trail. Opened in 2011, this well…read moreappointed and clean park offers inexpensive fun for the children of Winter Haven. I happened upon Trailhead Park during a recent visit to Winter Haven. Close to downtown, it was the perfect place to take a break and stretch my legs after the long drive. The park is a short walk from Lake Silver across the street. While walking through the park I admired the extensive playground being enjoyed by a number of children on the swings, slides, and climbing areas. The playground area has rubber flooring for safety. and the play equipment is color coded, green for ages 2-5, and purple for ages 5-12. Surrounding the play area are wrought iron benches where parents can sit and keep an eye on their kids as they play. Trailhead Park also has a splash pad that opened in 2016 and restrooms. This lively, family-friendly park has great amenities. While geared for kids, it is a relaxing park for all who visit.

This is such a cute little park to bring children. It is right across from the tennis center and…read morenext to city hall.