This place is a true sanctuary. Amazing place to connect with nature and enjoy the serenity that…read morecomes along with it. There is plenty of parking. The boardwalk and whole area is well maintained and clean. We enjoyed the nature and wildlife. Everyone on the trails was friendly as well. Great experience.

This natural area was a delightful discovery next to the Palm Bay Library. The sanctuary sits on a…read moresmall section of what was once an ancient Atlantic Ocean dune which was part of a series of dunes formed by wind and wave action when the ocean extended across Florida. Through many years the sand was enriched so that a forest grew where only sea oats previously survived. The land that makes up Turkey Creek Sanctuary was donated to the Florida Audubon Society and the City of Palm Bay in 1978. Fundraising to conserve the area began in 1981 by a citizen support group which is still in existence today as the Turkey Creek Sanctuary Society, Inc., a registered non profit. The purpose of the Turkey Creek Sanctuary Society is to raise funds to support the improvement and upkeep of Turkey Creek Sanctuary and to educate the community on the vital importance and the many benefits of Florida wildlife and its natural environment. By 1994, 113 acres were protected by the voluntary management committee. Today Turkey Creek Sanctuary is part of the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) program which added acres to the sanctuary in 2004. It is also a stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail. Some of the birds you might see here include ospreys and owls in the old pine canopy and woodpeckers and the rare purple martin. There are also alligators, manatees, gar fish, and turtles in Turkey Creek which can be accessed by canoe or kayak. Turkey Creek Sanctuary has more than three miles of marked trails through 130 acres of sand pines, saw palmettos, and live oaks. There is a 1.85 mile boardwalk that passes through a hydric hammock, mesic hammock, and sand pine scrub community. Also in the sanctuary there are 1.5 miles of jogging trails through native forest and a 1 mile mountain bike trail that connects to an additional 8 miles. The Margaret Hames Nature Center was opened in 1992 and offers interpretive exhibits, a restroom, and environmental education programs that include nature day camps, tours, nature library, and a gift store. I loved my hike at Turkey Creek Sanctuary. I started off by visiting the Margaret Hames Nature Center where you can see exhibits, use the restroom. and purchase a drink. Near the entrance to the boardwalk I spotted a gopher tortoise wandering around. The boardwalk area was mainly shaded with lots of interpretive signs. My favorite spots were the tree house and the Oli Johnson Canoe Deck where you can look for alligators and turtles. This is such a beautiful spot. If I lived closer I would be a regular visitor.

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 place to peacefully sit under an awning next to the Banana river across from cocoa village.read more

A good place to launch your boat for the Banana River. This…read moreis located just south of A1A off the East side of North Banana River drive. This location has two parts to it: Kelly Park West and East. I have only visited Kelly Park East. This is a park (East) with several parts to it. It has a boat ramp on the south end of it with about 30 spots for Trucks with Trailers and a double boat ramp. There is a Covered open patio by the water and to adjacent to the boat ramp. You are launching into cove that is protected from the River waves. There is a dock around about ¾ of the U-shaped inlet. The north end of the park has a small beach on the river and about 50 car spaces and about 30 larger spaces. The space between these 2 areas has a large open air covered structure for events, a swing set and bathrooms. The playground is not shaded so I am sure it gets hot in the Florida sun. The pavilion is very nice and we have used it for several events. Overall, it is a very nice park and and good place to hold event or launch watercraft.

Lots of parking, lots of walkways, and lots of people fishing. I have to come back for a sunset…read morehere, but the views are great and it's easy to park. The road looks around to send you back East afterwards also, which was great.

Small park with nice water views. Good place to go birdwatching, fishing, and a short walk…read more Can also walk more towards Merritt Island. Pier is closed.

This park on the Indian River in Melbourne was named in honor of Claude Edge, a prominent merchant…read morein early years of the city. In the 1920's and 30's he owned a general merchandise store and later a two-story building on Front Street with an upstairs boarding house that overlooks the park. Claude Edge Park has many amenities popular with locals and visitors. There is a public boat ramp. fishing pier with fish cleaning station, gazebo, pavilions, picnic areas, picnic tables, restroom, and access to the Melbourne Causeway Walking and Biking Path. Another interesting find in the park was the first post office site. Melbourne was originally called Crane Creek but it was renamed in honor of its first postmaster, Cornthwaite John Hector who arrived in the area vin 1878. He was from England and had lived in Melbourne, Australia where he left behind his common law wife and five children. He is also credited with organizing the first community band. The name Melbourne was suggested by Mrs. R.W. Goode, a local pioneer, eight years before the town was officially established. If you are lucky, you may spot a bottle nose dolphin or manatee in the Indian River off the shore of Claude Edge Park. The paved walkways in the park are ideal for exercise or walking dogs while the benches and shady spots entice picnics, reading, and people watching The proximity of this park to downtown Melbourne makes it easy to visit nearby cafes, shops, and restaurants. When you are looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle, this park provides a quiet retreat.

Came to go fishing on the small pier but homeless people were sleeping in benches. It's sad looks…read morelike it could be a great spot to relax and fish unfortunately too many homeless people laying around the whole area and on the benches.

I had an enjoyable visit to Riverwalk Park and Nature Center in Rockledge. This 6.37 acre community…read morepark is now a family friendly, nature centered destination that will inspire a love of the outdoors among its youngest visitors. It wasn't always that way. In 1999 the park was named Hoo-Hoo Park from a fraternal order of lumbermen called Hoo Hoo International that contributed to the building of the park's boardwalk. A Sheriff's Office sting operation arrested 32 men on sex charges. Over 300 people were charged with improper sexual activities during the 10 years the park was open. Brevard County closed the park and worked on rebranding it for the community with a new name, Riverwalk Family Park. They added a nature center and invested $275,000 in park improvements. Today this a destination anyone who loves nature would be happy to visit. I started out in the charming nature center where I met Tommy, Pringles, and Chips, the resident turtles who swam right up to the glass to say hi. The nature center has displays about the animals and plants that live near the Indian River, maps and information on other local nature parks, and it also offers nature programs. On the day I visited they had binoculars for use in the park and free water color painting set up. Behind the nature center is a 915 foot boardwalk that takes you to the Indian River Lagoon. Although it is shorter compared to other nature boardwalks in Brevard County, it is the perfect length for the same children who would enjoy the nature center. In 2016 Riverwalk Park received a $20,000 grant from the National Recreation and Park Association. They used the money to build a Nature Explore Classroom set between the trees of the nature preserve. The interactive play zones radiate around a central grassy area with an old tree stump as the focal point. Some of the areas are a water play area, plants and play, a deck for tree forts, and musical instruments. The park also has a picnic pavilion, restrooms, and a butterfly garden.

Excellent little boardwalk path. Fun to enjoy when no one else is there…read more I love the unique rock formations by the water, though I was surprised how short the walk is. Wish the boarded path would lead over the ravine and into a nice picnic/play area. I like how some of the plants along the walk are marked. Did not appreciate the cigarette butts by the water. This isn't the park's fault, but all it takes is one negligent person to destroy everything.

So much to do.. and its so beautiful there! Perfect place for families especially the children..I…read moregive it a 10

Great Park! Family oriented! A lot of things to do as far as activities for the kids and Family.read more

Ais Trail Park is a great place for all ages and abilities to hike. This 18 acre parcel was the…read morelast undeveloped property along Turkey Creek in Palm Bay when it was purchased from the Sterner family in order to preserve it in its natural state. The park gives you access to the Ais Trail, a .6 mile loop, natural earth trail. The park and trail are named for the Ais people, a group of Native Americans that lived in eastern Florida. Their territory included coastal areas and islands from Cape Canaveral to the Indian River. The best account we have of these people comes from the journal of Jonathan Dickinson which recorded their appearance, diet, and customs. Dickinson and his party spent several weeks with them when they were shipwrecked in 1696. By 1760 the Ais were extinct as a result of enslavement, war, and disease. I really enjoyed my hike on the Ais Trail that traverses through scrubby flatwoods, sand scrub, hardwood hammock, mangrove shoreline, and a brackish creek ecosystem. Plants you will encounter will include Hickory and Loblolly Bay trees, American Beauty Berry, ferns, hog plums, wild olives, native rosemary, cabbage palms, saw palmettoes, slash and longleaf pines. The trail was mostly shaded and part of it was on a boardwalk where I met several large Eastern Lubber Grasshoppers. If you want a longer hike you can connect from the Ais Trail to Dewar Park via a boardwalk. In addition to the trail, the park also has a fishing pier on Turkey Creek, canoe and kayak launch, pavilion, and restroom. The park is open daily, 7am until sunset.

This is a small primitive park, but a nice walking path. Also a short boardwalk…read more I was told by a frequent visitor that he has seen a few bobcats.