Welcome to the Florida Communities Trust Parks Directory
Since 1991, the Department of Community Affairs and Florida Communities Trust have assisted Florida communities by providing grant funds to acquire land for parks and open spaces. As Florida continues to grow, these lands are crucial to protecting the state’s precious natural, cultural and historical resources. Preservation 2000 and Florida Forever funds awarded by the Trust have resulted in a collection of local and regional parks as diverse as Florida’s communities – from beachfront parks like Loggerhead Park Preserve in Melbourne Beach to such urban parks as Tampa’s Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park. Each of these wonderful locations offers a wide range of recreational opportunities while providing Floridians and visitors with the chance to experience nature first-hand.
This directory provides an easy way to find out more about the Florida Communities Trust parks in your community and those you may visit. Please take a few minutes to view an introduction video* by Governor Charlie Crist and browse through these listings – you may be pleasantly surprised to learn just how much there is to see and do!
*Download the free QuickTime Player.
Park of the Month:
Mobbly Bayou PreserveWe are proud to honor the City of Oldsmar's Mobbly Bayou Preserve as our Park of the Month for July 2009. Located along Mobbly Bayou in the southeastern corner of the city, Mobbly Bayou Preserve features a wide array of amenities for visitors to enjoy. Some of the bird and animal species one might find on the site include White Ibis, American Bald Eagle, Brown Pelican, and West Indian Manatee.
THIS MONTH'S EVENTS
07/02/2009
Summer Concert Series
Pier Park
Enjoy the rocking sounds of The Lee Griffin Band. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and coolers. From 7 until 9 p.m. CST. For more information, call 850-233-5045 or visit www.playballinparadise.com.
Pier Park
Enjoy the rocking sounds of The Lee Griffin Band. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and coolers. From 7 until 9 p.m. CST. For more information, call 850-233-5045 or visit www.playballinparadise.com.
07/03/2009
Patriotic Evening
Liberty Park and Liberty Trail
From 5 until 10 p.m. Featuring music, food, games and the Miss Firecracker 5K to benefit the Dream Society and the Miss Firecracker beauty pageant. Bring your lawn chair or blanket!
Liberty Park and Liberty Trail
From 5 until 10 p.m. Featuring music, food, games and the Miss Firecracker 5K to benefit the Dream Society and the Miss Firecracker beauty pageant. Bring your lawn chair or blanket!
07/04/2009
07/04/2009
July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza
Angus K. Gholson, Jr. Nature Park and Chattahoochee RV Resort
Featuring music, food, children's entertainment and the best fireworks display in the area. The fun begins at 4 p.m.
Angus K. Gholson, Jr. Nature Park and Chattahoochee RV Resort
Featuring music, food, children's entertainment and the best fireworks display in the area. The fun begins at 4 p.m.
07/04/2009
Fourth of July Fireworks
Carrabelle Riverwalk and Tidal Basin Park
Celebrate Independence Day by watching the fireworks at Carrabelle Riverwalk Park. The fireworks begin at dark.
Carrabelle Riverwalk and Tidal Basin Park
Celebrate Independence Day by watching the fireworks at Carrabelle Riverwalk Park. The fireworks begin at dark.
07/04/2009
Independence Day Celebration
Pier Park
Featuring live music, contests, the veteran's memorial dedication, and fireworks. The fun begins at 2 p.m. and lasts until 9:30 p.m. CST.
Pier Park
Featuring live music, contests, the veteran's memorial dedication, and fireworks. The fun begins at 2 p.m. and lasts until 9:30 p.m. CST.
07/05/2009
Guided Kayak Tour
Indian River Lagoon Preserve Park
From 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Spoonsored by the Marine Discovery Center.
Indian River Lagoon Preserve Park
From 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Spoonsored by the Marine Discovery Center.
07/09/2009
Summer Concert Series
Pier Park
Savor a taste of New Orleans with the funky stylings of PBS. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and coolers. From 7 until 9 p.m. CST. For more information, call 850-233-5045 or visit www.playballinparadise.com.
Pier Park
Savor a taste of New Orleans with the funky stylings of PBS. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and coolers. From 7 until 9 p.m. CST. For more information, call 850-233-5045 or visit www.playballinparadise.com.
07/10/2009
Walk and Talk Tour
Bear Point Sanctuary
The tour begins at 1:30 p.m. Preceded by the presentation "Manatee Search" at 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 9 at the Fort Pierce Branch Library. Led by Captain and Audubon Warden Chop Lege as part of the Interactive Nature Series. For more information, call (772) 462-1791.
Bear Point Sanctuary
The tour begins at 1:30 p.m. Preceded by the presentation "Manatee Search" at 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 9 at the Fort Pierce Branch Library. Led by Captain and Audubon Warden Chop Lege as part of the Interactive Nature Series. For more information, call (772) 462-1791.
07/11/2009
07/11/2009
Wild Kids Weekend - Summer in the Salt Marsh
Robinson Preserve
Crabs, herons, foxes, and fish – these are just a few of the creatures who inhabit the salt marsh! Join naturalist Melissa for a romp through the super salty marsh to look for tracks, scat and other animal signs. We’ll step carefully through the grass and wade into the water to find out which critters co-exist in the marsh and then plant marsh grass to help these animals have a happy home. Dress to get wet! Suitable for children age 6 and older. From 9 until 11 a.m. Reservations are required. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 4.
Robinson Preserve
Crabs, herons, foxes, and fish – these are just a few of the creatures who inhabit the salt marsh! Join naturalist Melissa for a romp through the super salty marsh to look for tracks, scat and other animal signs. We’ll step carefully through the grass and wade into the water to find out which critters co-exist in the marsh and then plant marsh grass to help these animals have a happy home. Dress to get wet! Suitable for children age 6 and older. From 9 until 11 a.m. Reservations are required. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 4.
07/11/2009
Volunteer Workday
Robinson Preserve
Help build “water watchers” out of 5-gallon buckets! Learn to create these easy-to-make educational tools as you help build them for use in the Department’s upcoming programs. This low impact workday will take place in the shade, a perfect way to help out while beating the heat! Suitable for all ages. From 3 until 5 p.m. Please let us know if you would like to attend by calling 941-742-5757 ext. 2.
Robinson Preserve
Help build “water watchers” out of 5-gallon buckets! Learn to create these easy-to-make educational tools as you help build them for use in the Department’s upcoming programs. This low impact workday will take place in the shade, a perfect way to help out while beating the heat! Suitable for all ages. From 3 until 5 p.m. Please let us know if you would like to attend by calling 941-742-5757 ext. 2.
07/11/2009
Volunteer Clean Up
Delaware Scrub Natural Area
From 8 until 11 a.m. Volunteers should wear long pants, t-shirts, boots or sneakers. Restrooms are available at various stores located along Indiantown Road. Volunteers will be working in wet and muddy conditions so they should wear old clothes and shoes. Tools, gloves, and refreshments will be provided. Event participation is limited to the first 20 volunteers who register. To register call Ann Mathews at 561-233-2426 or email amathews@co.palm-beach.fl.us.
Delaware Scrub Natural Area
From 8 until 11 a.m. Volunteers should wear long pants, t-shirts, boots or sneakers. Restrooms are available at various stores located along Indiantown Road. Volunteers will be working in wet and muddy conditions so they should wear old clothes and shoes. Tools, gloves, and refreshments will be provided. Event participation is limited to the first 20 volunteers who register. To register call Ann Mathews at 561-233-2426 or email amathews@co.palm-beach.fl.us.
07/12/2009
Guided Kayak Tour
Indian River Lagoon Preserve Park
From 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Spoonsored by the Marine Discovery Center.
Indian River Lagoon Preserve Park
From 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Spoonsored by the Marine Discovery Center.
07/13/2009 - 07/17/2009
Marine Discovery Center Educational Camp
Indian River Lagoon Preserve Park
From 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Designed for children ages 10-16.
Indian River Lagoon Preserve Park
From 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Designed for children ages 10-16.
07/14/2009 - 07/18/2009
Camp Adventure Series: Go Green, Charlotte
Bayshore Live Oak Park
Adventures in recycling to keep Charlotte green. From 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Camp Adventure fees are $100 per one-week session for Historical Center members and $125 per week for the general public. Campers must call the Historical Center in advance at 941-629-7278 to reserve a pre-paid spot in the program.
Bayshore Live Oak Park
Adventures in recycling to keep Charlotte green. From 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Camp Adventure fees are $100 per one-week session for Historical Center members and $125 per week for the general public. Campers must call the Historical Center in advance at 941-629-7278 to reserve a pre-paid spot in the program.
07/16/2009
Summer Concert Series
Pier Park
Enjoy the soulful sounds of the Legendary JC's. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and coolers. From 7 until 9 p.m. CST. For more information, call 850-233-5045 or visit www.playballinparadise.com.
Pier Park
Enjoy the soulful sounds of the Legendary JC's. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and coolers. From 7 until 9 p.m. CST. For more information, call 850-233-5045 or visit www.playballinparadise.com.
07/18/2009
Naturalist-Led Wagon Tour
Robinson Preserve
Tours start at 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Celebrate Robinson Preserve's one year anniversary with a relaxed ride in the Department’s Conestoga wagons. Your naturalist tour guide will explain the preserve’s history, resident wildlife, fabulous flowers and describe preserve highlights. Two 60-minute long trips will be taken during this timeframe and participants may register for one. A fee of $2.13 per adult and $1.07 per child (includes tax) will be charged. Program is suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 1.
Robinson Preserve
Tours start at 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Celebrate Robinson Preserve's one year anniversary with a relaxed ride in the Department’s Conestoga wagons. Your naturalist tour guide will explain the preserve’s history, resident wildlife, fabulous flowers and describe preserve highlights. Two 60-minute long trips will be taken during this timeframe and participants may register for one. A fee of $2.13 per adult and $1.07 per child (includes tax) will be charged. Program is suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 1.
07/18/2009
07/19/2009
Guided Kayak Tour
Indian River Lagoon Preserve Park
From 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Spoonsored by the Marine Discovery Center.
Indian River Lagoon Preserve Park
From 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Spoonsored by the Marine Discovery Center.
07/20/2009 - 07/24/2009
Marine Discovery Center Educational Camp
Indian River Lagoon Preserve Park
From 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Designed for children ages 10-16.
Indian River Lagoon Preserve Park
From 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Designed for children ages 10-16.
07/23/2009
Summer Concert Series
Pier Park
Featuring live music by the King Cotton Blues Band. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and coolers. From 7 until 9 p.m. CST. For more information, call 850-233-5045 or visit www.playballinparadise.com.
Pier Park
Featuring live music by the King Cotton Blues Band. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and coolers. From 7 until 9 p.m. CST. For more information, call 850-233-5045 or visit www.playballinparadise.com.
07/23/2009
Manor House Grand Opening
Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve
The Manor House is a complete facility featuring a catering kitchen with an ice machine, warmers and counter space. The main room of the house is available for rentals, meetings, classes and will hold approximately 75 people. Come out for a tour and an evening of entertainment and refreshments! The fun starts at 6:30 p.m. To RSVP, or for rental information, please call the City of Wilton Manors Leisure Services Department at 954-390-2130
Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve
The Manor House is a complete facility featuring a catering kitchen with an ice machine, warmers and counter space. The main room of the house is available for rentals, meetings, classes and will hold approximately 75 people. Come out for a tour and an evening of entertainment and refreshments! The fun starts at 6:30 p.m. To RSVP, or for rental information, please call the City of Wilton Manors Leisure Services Department at 954-390-2130
07/23/2009 - 07/25/2009
Shakespeare by the Bay
Oaks by the Bay
Come out for a presentation of William Shakespeare's classic "Julius Caesar." From 5 until 10 p.m. CST.
Oaks by the Bay
Come out for a presentation of William Shakespeare's classic "Julius Caesar." From 5 until 10 p.m. CST.
07/24/2009
Walk and Talk Tour
Vitolo Family Park
The tour begins at 1:30 p.m. Preceded by the presentation "Birds of Florida" at 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 23 at the St. Lucie County - Fort Pierce Branch Library. Led by Captain and Audubon Warden Chop Lege as part of the Interactive Nature Series. For more information, call (772)462-2787.
Vitolo Family Park
The tour begins at 1:30 p.m. Preceded by the presentation "Birds of Florida" at 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 23 at the St. Lucie County - Fort Pierce Branch Library. Led by Captain and Audubon Warden Chop Lege as part of the Interactive Nature Series. For more information, call (772)462-2787.
07/25/2009
07/25/2009
Bird Patrol Tour
San Carlos Bay Bunche Beach Preserve
Experience one of the best birding sites in Lee County. Bring binoculars, sun protection, shoes that can get wet, and a bottle of drinking water. The tour starts at 8 a.m. and participants should meet in the parking lot. For more information call 239-707-3015.
San Carlos Bay Bunche Beach Preserve
Experience one of the best birding sites in Lee County. Bring binoculars, sun protection, shoes that can get wet, and a bottle of drinking water. The tour starts at 8 a.m. and participants should meet in the parking lot. For more information call 239-707-3015.
07/25/2009
Bird Survey
Palatlakaha Environmental and Agricultural Reserve (PEAR) Park
From 7 until 10 a.m. As restoration is beginning the park’s birdlife will change, so we need to see how this effects the distribution of our feathered friends inside the park. Participants must be able to identify common species of bird by sight and/or sound. Please RSVP by calling Gallus Quigley at 352-253-4950 and be prepared to hike two miles or more over uneven terrain and trails in summer heat.
Palatlakaha Environmental and Agricultural Reserve (PEAR) Park
From 7 until 10 a.m. As restoration is beginning the park’s birdlife will change, so we need to see how this effects the distribution of our feathered friends inside the park. Participants must be able to identify common species of bird by sight and/or sound. Please RSVP by calling Gallus Quigley at 352-253-4950 and be prepared to hike two miles or more over uneven terrain and trails in summer heat.
07/26/2009
Guided Kayak Tour
Indian River Lagoon Preserve Park
From 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Spoonsored by the Marine Discovery Center.
Indian River Lagoon Preserve Park
From 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Spoonsored by the Marine Discovery Center.
07/27/2009 - 07/31/2009
Marine Discovery Center Educational Camp
Indian River Lagoon Preserve Park
From 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Designed for children ages 10-16.
Indian River Lagoon Preserve Park
From 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Designed for children ages 10-16.
07/28/2009 - 08/01/2009
Camp Adventure Series: What Do You Mean, No TV?
Bayshore Live Oak Park
Travel back in time to daily life before TVs radios, malls or the Internet occupied our time. Camp Adventure fees are $100 per one-week session for Historical Center members and $125 per week for the general public. Campers must call the Historical Center in advance at 941-629-7278 to reserve a pre-paid spot in the program.
Bayshore Live Oak Park
Travel back in time to daily life before TVs radios, malls or the Internet occupied our time. Camp Adventure fees are $100 per one-week session for Historical Center members and $125 per week for the general public. Campers must call the Historical Center in advance at 941-629-7278 to reserve a pre-paid spot in the program.
07/29/2009
Naturalist-Led Wagon Tour
Robinson Preserve
From 9 until 10:30 a.m. Take a relaxed ride through Robinson Preserve in the Department’s Conestoga wagons. Your naturalist tour guide will explain the preserve’s history, resident wildlife, fabulous flowers and describe preserve highlights. Two 60-minute long trips will be taken during this timeframe and participants may register for one. A fee of $2.13 per adult and $1.07 per child (includes tax) will be charged. Program is suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 1.
Robinson Preserve
From 9 until 10:30 a.m. Take a relaxed ride through Robinson Preserve in the Department’s Conestoga wagons. Your naturalist tour guide will explain the preserve’s history, resident wildlife, fabulous flowers and describe preserve highlights. Two 60-minute long trips will be taken during this timeframe and participants may register for one. A fee of $2.13 per adult and $1.07 per child (includes tax) will be charged. Program is suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 1.
07/30/2009
Summer Concert Series
Pier Park
Featuring The Donnie Sundal Project. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and coolers. From 7 until 9 p.m. CST. For more information, call 850-233-5045 or visit www.playballinparadise.com.
Pier Park
Featuring The Donnie Sundal Project. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and coolers. From 7 until 9 p.m. CST. For more information, call 850-233-5045 or visit www.playballinparadise.com.
F.C.T. is not responsible for events that are reschedueld or canceled at F.C.T.-funded parks.