Troy Moody Park is located on Victory Boulevard and Cordova Avenue in the McAnsh Park neighborhood…read morein northwest Vero. Park amenities include a water fountain, playground, benches, large open space for play, and paved walkway. Along the path are signs giving suggestions of different activities kids can do as they go along. Some of the activities are to tell a story, jump, clap, skip, move, and read. I have never seen anything like this and it is a really cool feature of the park that sparks family interaction. The park's namesake, Troy E. Moody Jr. was born in 1925. His father, Troy Moody Sr., served as Indian River County's tax collector from 1932 to 1969. Troy graduated from Vero Beach High School class of 1943. He then spent three years in the Navy before going to a state college. After graduation he joined the Army and became a paratrooper. He was stationed in Japan before being deployed to Korea. He was serving as First lieutenant with the 27th Infantry Regiment when he died at 25 in a battle at the Naktong River crossing in South Korea on Aug. 11, 1950. A memorial plaque in his honor was installed in the park in 2012. An earlier memorial plaque was installed on the water fountain.

Troy Moody Park is more of an open field with a small playground and a few benches than what I…read morewould call a park. I am sure that the neighborhood appreciates it, but if you are looking for something where you can walk around and enjoy a bit of nature, this is not the place.

We visited this park today to take part in the get up and go kayaking, we had a great tour guide…read moreTod, who was very friendly and a wealth of knowledge about different mangroves as well as many other very interesting facts about Florida wildlife, plant life and the inlet systems. There is a lot to see, and it's a great time to explore and bond with your group, get up and go is a franchise so check and see if they are in your area! Great way to get outdoors and explore! Hope to do this again one day!

Loved this beautiful park with the beach and water views. Have an annual state park pass so took…read moreadvantage of visiting the Fort Pierce State Park. Well worth it.

Super cool to see remaining wildlife: alligators, manatees Hope it stays like it is foreverread more

Sooo, this morning rather than go to the gym. I went to White City Park in For Pierce and Kayaked…read moredown the St. Lucie River. Thanks to Steve Ware for the invite. We paddled thru the scenic St. Lucie River on the North Fork and observing all the gorgeous oak hammocks bordering either side. Amazing how tranquil the trip is, you would have thought you were in a time warp, because this surely represents how Olde Florida used to be. Just think it is in our backyard and it is FREE. White City Park has a Pirate playground for the kids, boat ramps, fishing access, plenty of picnic tables and much more. #lovingtreasurecoastlife #ftpierce #treasurecoast

Herman's Bay Beach has human history that dates back to the Okeechobee period (A.D. 1000 - A.D…read more 1513) when Florida's earliest residents lived here. Herman's Bay Midden was discovered here and researched by a team from Florida Archaeological Services under direction of Robert Johnson, Florida Archaeological Services. Middens are a kind of ancient garbage dump and when you examine it you can discover a lot about the people who used to live here. This midden is along a beach dune line facing the the Atlantic Ocean and an estuarine system of the Indian River to the west. It was discovered that this midden contained architectural evidence of a house structure, attendant cooking hearth, and the animal remains used by the Okeechobee period people. Based on the midden evidence it was determined that the people who lived here were fisher, hunter, and gatherers who utilized the animal resources from the Indian River Estuary and from the Atlantic Ocean. These people used fish nets and other fine catch devices to fish and their main protein source came from fish and turtles. The entrance to Herman Bayh's Beach is near Diamond Sands gated community off of S Ocean Drive. Today Herman's Bay Beah Park is a one acre beach front park with free parking, beach access, picnic tables, and pavilions. A boardwalk takes you over the dune and onto the beach. Like the ancient people who once lived here, you can still fish. You can also swim and sunbathe but there are no lifeguards or restrooms.

The beach presently is a dangerous place because of hidden jagged rocks which are partially…read moresubmerged just below the surface only about ten to fifteen feet out from shore ! These rocks seems to have been exposed by recently rough sea encounter. Do not just run or dive into the water from the shoreline especially during choppy sea days!

Finding this state park was a very cool discovery. It is located about a mile north of the Fort…read morePierce Inlet. You go down a road and there is a small parking lot at the end. The cost to use the preserve is $2 cash on the honor system. From the parking lot you cross over a bridge that takes you over the Indian River lagoon on to the preserve. In the summer you can see manatees swimming but on the day I visited the waterway was being enjoyed by paddle boarders. This 1,342 acre preserve has been managed by the State of Florida since 1963. It has more than 4 miles of dirt and grass trails along mangrove lined canals. I saw so many mangrove crabs scuttling around. Little blue herons fly overhead and I also saw great blue herons, great egrets, snowy egrets, wood storks, and ibises. Osprey and roseate spoonbills have also been noted in the preserve, There are two trails to the the observation tower. A one mile direct trail or a two mile perimeter trail. I opted for the direct route to avoid an impending rain storm. The tower has stairs that take you 30 feet above the lagoon. From the top you can see the bird rookeries on surrounding islands. As you hike the island you will see culverts that are part of a system for flushing mosquitoes from their breeding areas. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in mud along the island and water is released through the big metal pipes to flood the areas normally used by the mosquitoes for breeding from April to October. Two other islands make up the preserve, Kings and Queens but they have to be explored from the water. Jack Island is the only one that offers hiking trails. Since Jack Island is located on the lagoon it gets fewer visitors than other state parks on the beach. I had the whole preserve to myself. I saw so many birds, it really is a paradise for bird watchers and photographers. The hike is an easy one and I would have stayed longer if it wasn't for the lightning. The island is also popular with anglers who fish for mullet, snook, and sheepshead and runners. You can walk for miles and never encounter any one else. Jack Island is the perfect place to enjoy Florida the way Mother Nature intended it to be.

Good hiking spot, there's multiple length hikes to choose from. You can either take a direct one…read moremile (one way) walk to the observation tower or take the loop which is 2 miles either way. The tower provides a 360 lookout over the mangroves and the river. Saw herons, crabs, butterflies and large flying fish. Dogs are allowed on short leash. Path is sandy and currently muddy due to afternoon showers today. If you're coming from Ft Pierce Inlet SP or the Avalon State Park this is a 10 minute drive from either one and is worth a stop. We created a state parks map and this was not on it. We saw a state park sign (pictured) and whipped a U-ie to check it out. Glad we did. It is a $2 honor system admission fee payable at entrance. Entrance is where a residential street dead ends and you'll see a McMansion on your left. Park anywhere, pay the fee and walk toward the bridge. No amenities. No restrooms or water fountains. If you're an outdoor person consider getting the Florida state park pass. It's $120 per family and lasts 12 calendar months.

My heart will always be fond of Rivergate as I have so many amazing childhood memories, especially…read morethe friendly squirrels, raccoons, and sea otters that were thriving here! Oh, and a big ole alligator that had no qualms about sunbathing and showing off to us onlookers! The brush has no long overgrown where he (or she) used to hang out for us all to see (and some people would feed him too ... but he was still a hunter ... and I would see him go after birds in the water which was cool and sad all at once ... like an episode of National Geographic). Since then things have changed a lot. I haven't seen any raccoons on my last few visits. I was told feral cats and fisherman ruined the population of cute animals that called this place home. They expanded on greatly to the walkway, which would be great, except that they didn't keep it wooden. It's metal and doesn't look great. It reminds me of being back up in NY with its cold appeal and just doesn't match the vibe at all. But the worse part and what is really affecting my rating is how utterly filthy it is! Sure, the area of the parking lot and ramps are nice. But walk the walkway.. there is endless trash everywhere. To the point I was taking pictures of birds down there and yes my pictured are ruined with trash but actual important thing is the poor wildlife walking around in this! Why?? Where are the funds going to clean this park? There is no excuse for this. It is unfair for us to build and use their homes for our leisure and then not treat it with the respect it deserves. Again, I went here almost everyday of my childhood and so did my family. The only "litter" you would see is some fishing string and bobbers from some people who snagged their lines where the water is. This was literally human garbage all over while looking down from the walkway that goes in and out from the parking lot to the water where the extended walkway is. I hope someone will see this and care and have this cleaned up. I reside in NY and have no idea who to contact or what to do but if someone is down there and has a point of contact ... please walk through the trees and look down at all of the trash and see if something can be done. Floridas wildlife deserves better than to live in our filth. On the plus side, it is still a peaceful place, there are two ramps to back your boat in, the parking lot is huge, there is an area next to the ramps to clean your fish and such, with a working hose. There's crab around which is fun for the kids to see (and adults if you're me), and when the sun is going down you can see gators swimming about by watching for their eyes. You can watch for smaller pretty creatures too in the flowers, like Florida lubbers (colorful and gentle grasshopper of a larger size). The best way to see all of these is to be still and quiet and mindful of them (which I find best achieved going alone). It is truly a lovely zen place but please please please clean it up and if you're visiting put your garbage in the appropriate garbage cans or bring it home with you. Don't make the lazy choice to litter. So many creatures die or are critically injured from our litter, you just don't see it happen as you drop it and walk away. It takes no extra effort just to walk your trash to garbage can. Be kind to our planet :)

Veterans Park at Rivergate is a delightful six acre park that offers many kinds of outdoor…read moreadventures for boaters, anglers, and nature lovers. If you are a boater, the park has three boat ramps along with free car and trailer parking. You can launch your watercraft right on to the beautiful St. Lucie River. For those coming to cookout, even large groups can be accommodated in the large pavilion with 10 six foot picnic tables, one eight foot tables, lights, electricity, water, and 2 large grills. Smaller groups can make use of three family pavilions with grills. My favorite part of the park was the boardwalk that leads you through the natural habitat of the St. Lucie River. Fishing is permitted and you can get a great view of the wildlife that calls the river home. The scenic views of the river add a serene backdrop that enhances the overall peaceful atmosphere of the park. Birdwatching is a popular activity here, with various species often spotted along the riverbank. This park is a hidden gem that has something for everyone to enjoy.

Pretty area but a bit muddy with high puddles when we went and look out towers were closed. We…read morewill have to check it out again after good weather.

Fantastic place to walk the trails. You get to see different environments & topography. If you are…read morelucky, you see lots of birds & tortoises & and an armadillo or two. The nature center is great as well. They have a nice exhibit and resident ambassador animals. Tip: they recycle plastic bags and styrofoam here so I always save and bring to drop off. Thank you Oxbow!!!!!

This county park in Vero Beach is also known as South County Regional Park. It was named in honor…read moreof Richard "Dick" Bird. Mr. Bird was a PGA golf professional and the founder of Bird Realty. He served 16 years as an Indian River County commissioner. This large 72.7 acre park is open daily, 7 AM until sunset. Park amenities include seven grills, 23 picnic tables, 10 pavilions, a renovated in 2022 ADA accessible playground, 4 lighted multi-purpose ball fields with concession stand, press box, 4 lighted lacrosse fields (only for use by the Lacrosse Association), 2 lighted tennis courts, 2 lighted basketball courts, restrooms, water fountains, and disc golf. One of the most popular features of the park are the 12 pickleball courts divided by skill level. They are lighted and have live camera streaming online The trees throughout the park provide much appreciated shade and the tropical landscaping adds to the natural beauty of the nature areas. This park hosts various sports leagues such as adult slow-pitch softball and lacrosse events. Ample parking with over 200 spots adds to the ease of visits. The well maintained Dick Bird South County Park provides an important community recreational resource for sports, relaxation, and picnicking.

This is a beautiful soccer / lacrosse park. The fields have excellent drainage and very nice…read morebathrooms (not common during lacrosse tournaments). There's plenty of parking and the concession stands serve excellent food. Overall I'd highly recommend this park for any sports tournaments.