Aileen's Treehouse is a tot lot in Tradition, a master planned community that opened in 2003 in…read morePort St. Lucie. This play area was dedicated to philanthropist Aileen Pruitt who along with her husband Ken is involved in community charities that include Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Boys and Girls Club. A sign in the park says "For her love of children & animals." The play area is fenced in which is a great safety feature. The playground equipment was designed to look like it is set in trees and there are climbing components and slides. There also swings, picnic tables, and a rock climbing wall. Unfortunately one area was taped off for repair. Outside the playground area is a spacious lawn for even more play room. The treehouse park serves as a meetup location for area residents to participate in mommy and me and daddy and me playdates. The kids who were playing here looked like they were having a blast.

A little hidden gem in the back of a neighborhood. Location is a little off the beaten path but…read morethat's part of the charm. Feels like old Florida, the way it was before all the overdevelopment. Definitely a great escape and worth checking out. Hope it stays public and undeveloped.

The Petravice Family Preserve is a two year old, 35-acre preserve on the north fork of the St…read more Lucie River. This preserve is named in honor of Peter Paul Petravice (1915-1999). During WWII Mr. Petravice served in the Army as a Captain in the 405 Medical Collecting Company. After the war he became an opthalmologist in Chicago. He always retained a passion for medical plants and for many years he attended the plant fair at the Diplomat Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale. In 1974 he purchased the land this preserve sits on and he turned it into a plant nursery in 1978. You can still see the nursery plants, mostly palms, some still in pots. The Petravice Family Preserve has 4 ADA parking spots, picnic pavilions, ADA kayak launch, and restrooms. Near the trailhead is an overlook and picnic pavilion with grill. A 1.5-mile nature trail winds through the preserve giving you scenic views of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. Beyond the loop trail is a pedestrian bridge connects the Petravice Family Preserve to the Captain Hammond's Hammock Preserve.

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

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.

The Kiwanis Club is an international civic organization founded in Detroit, Michigan, January 21,…read more1915. Originally named the Supreme Lodge Benevolent Order of Brothers. the name changed to Kiwanis in 1916, after a Native American expression: "Nunc Kee-wanis" which translates to we trade. The organization was formed to help people professionally and personally through business networking but has since grown to include helping children and communities. The City of Port St. Lucie boasts nearly 40 beautiful recreational and passive parks. Kiwanis Neighborhood Park was established in 1984 on Floresta Drive. This 3.8 acre park has a parking lot, benches, two 20'x13' pavilions with 6' tables, a pavilion on east side with lights, electric, water and grill restroom, and a playground with climbing structures, swings, and slides for ages 2-12. For a neighborhood park, this one has a lot of amenities. People in the neighborhood can hold events here and there is plenty of room for children and dogs to play. The many trees in the park provide shade and shelter for birds. Whether you are coming for a cookout, exercise, or taking the kids to play, this well appointed and maintained neighborhood park is an inviting outdoor destination.

First time going after reading reviews. It's a nice small neighborhood park and the kids liked it…read more It has some shady areas where parents can sit, which was a plus for me not being in the sun. It's really for maybe ages 1- 10 and well kept.

Sandpiper Bay Park is an 11.5 acre open space park established in 1999 in Port St. Lucie. I was…read morehiking in the area and decided to stop by and check it out. There is no established parking area but I noticed people were parking on the grass. The park is located on a canal where fishing is permitted but there is a sign warning about alligators. There is a small trail through the woods that runs along the canal. Along the way you will trees, pinecones, and a view of the water. The park also has picnic tables near the parking area making it a nice place to eat lunch in nature. Port St. Lucie really excels in their nature preserves. Their newest one is The Preserve in the Port District. Sandpiper Bay Park is a great spot for local families to walk their dog, have a picnic, or just taking a relaxing stroll among the trees.

In 2012 Hobe Sound commissioners changed the name of the 24.2 acre South County Ball Park to…read moreWilliam G Doc Myers Park in honor of hometown hero William Myers. Myers was a Martin County physician who went on to serve as Martin County Commissioner for two terms in the late 1960s-1970s during which time the County's Comprehensive Plan was approved. He also served as State Representative from 1978-1982 and State Senator from 1982-2000. I discovered Doc Myers Park when I pulled in for a restroom break and ended up stretching my legs and walking around for a few minutes. The park is located next to the railroad tracks on Jimmy Buffet Memorial Highway. This park offers a variety of athletic facilities and recreational amenities. One of the most popular is the 6 outdoor hard courts for pickleball. Pickleball is a cross between table tennis, badminton, and tennis. It was invented by three vacationers on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, in 1965. There are now 36.5 million pickleball players in the U.S and it was named the fastest growing sport in the U.S. in 2024. Other park amenities include two lighted baseball/softball fields, two basketball courts, and two soccer fields. Doc Myers Park is the home of the Hobe Sound Soccer Club and it is a popular spot for outdoor recreation for families, walkers, and sports enthusiasts.

In 2013 St. Lucie commissioners renamed Dollman Park on Hutchinson Island in honor of environmental…read moreadvocate Jane Murray Brooks (September 7, 1927-January 20, 2013.) Jane and her husband John Brooks who has his own park named in his honor down the road were among the co-founders of the Conservation Alliance of St. Lucie County which fought against development on natural lands. Jane worked as a social worker for St. Lucie County Schools and her passions were social and environmental causes and birding. She was also active in the Audubon Society, the Native Plant Society, the Democratic Women's Club, and Heathcote Botanical Gardens, and was a member, and chairwoman, of the county's Land Acquisition Committee. Jane was especially instrumental in saving the Hutchinson Island site formerly owned by Henry G. Dollman from becoming a golf course and water park. Instead it was turned into a public beach and nature preserve. She passed away at the age of 85. Jane Murray Brooks Park is a 143 acres. Five stars for protecting the environment but one star for actually being able to explore or hike this park. One trail straight off the parking lot is overgrown. The other one is also over grown before it dead ends. Worst of all is the mosquitoes. I didn't take more than two steps down the trail before I was covered head to toe in mosquitoes. I had so many on me I even ended bringing them back into the car with me. No wonder no one was using this park. It made me think about when the Spanish first came to Florida. They complained bitterly about the mosquitoes too.