Parks in Tallahassee
Darryl Lewis II
With a global pandemic, equal rights movement, and a presidential election all happening at the same time, sometimes someone wants to take a break and take a step back from it all. Tallahassee has many award-winning parks and trails perfect for hiking, running, and biking or just enjoying the diverse flora and fauna. This a list of parks all around Tallahassee that are some of the quietest and secluded.
Speed-Spencer-Stephens Park
Located in the center of the neighborhood behind Bragg stadium is Speed -Spencer- Stephens Park, a two point four acres park with a pond and a paved trail. The name of the park is in the honor of the late leader of civil rights, Rev. Daniel Speed; Lillyan Spencer, Former Principal of Bond Elementary School; and Edwin Stephens, Who was a advocate of the Southside The neighborhoods of Tallahassee. "I like to come out here and walk the trail when I just want to get out the house," said Sarah Womack, a local woman who was taking her baby for a stroll in the park.
Lake Elberta Park
Lake Elberta is located in-between Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and Florida State University. The retention pond is surrounded by a seven-mile trail that can be used multiple times." I come out here and run the trail at least twice a week. I feel it is better than going to a gym and be at risk to COVID." Leo White says when asked why he comes to Lake Elberta Park. Along this trail, you will see all kinds of wildlife. Lake Elberta also doubles as a bird sanctuary. Some of the birds that call this park home are the American egrets, mallards, herring gulls, red-winged blackbirds, and several other species. People come here to work out, ride their bike, birdwatch, and more
Lake Elberta Park
This sign shows all the different plants and animals that are at Lake Elberta Park.
Carter-Howell-Strong Park
Carter-Howell-Strong Park is located in Historic Frenchtown right off Tennessee St near Florida State University. The park is named in honor of The late Eunice Spencer Carter, who served in many roles for the Leon County school system, Mamie Johnson Simmons Strong, a pioneer businesswoman and civic leader who also held the title of Supervisor of Nurses at the Old Florida A&M College Hospital until the death of her husband Thomas Strong, and Aquilina C. Howell, who committed herself to education. Howell was the first woman to serve as Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Leon County and help ease the transition to a desegregated school system
The Carter-Howell-Strong Park is a place for the people in the surrounding area to come when they want some fresh air." I like to come here to walk my dog, I live across the street, so it is perfect." says Sunni Anderson when asked what brought her to the park today. You will see people walking their dogs, feeding geese, even picnicking here.
Carter-Howell-Strong Park
Koucky Park
Koucky Park is one of the smaller parks on the list; however picturesque, there is plenty of space for group activities, and the lots of trees and a running creek connecting it to another park one neighborhood over you will often find people out here letting their dogs get some exercise or sitting a bench getting some fresh air. Koucky Park is fairly quiet most of the time and is not that busy most of the day " I come out here to play fetch with my dogs with there being so much space out here and it is usually just us out here." said Denise Combs a woman that lived in the surrounding area. Koucky Park is located in the Indianhead Acres neighborhood off of magnolia Dr.
Optimist Park
Optimist Park is also located in the Indianhead Acres neighborhood. Unlike its neighbor to the south Koucky Park, Optimist Park sits on five acres of land and has many amenities such as a basketball court, volleyball court, and soccer field. You can come to sit in one of the many shaded areas that the park has, and Optimist Park was once a pond before being turned into a park in 1966. optimist park is truly a hidden gem for those in the Indianhead acres neighborhood to enjoy ." I bring my son out here all the time. It can get busy at times, but most times, it's quiet." Emma Washington said as she watched her son play on the swing-set.
Campbell Pond Park
Campbell Pond Park is located off of the Historic Saint Marks Railroad Trail in a quiet little neighborhood, on the South side of Tallahassee. Campbell Pond Park has a small playground and a shaded picnic area for people to sit." I live up the street so I am out here almost every weekend with my kids" Kabri Harris said as she watched kids run around the playground." The park also doubles as a bird sanctuary, Woodpeckers, Cardinals are a couple of the birds you will have a chance to see during your visit here. Birds are not the only animals that call this park home, along the edge of Campbell Pond there are signs warning people of wild alligators that could be living in the pond and advising people not to feed the wildlife.
Old Fort Park
Old Fort Park is one the smallest and Historic parks on the list. Tucked away in the historic Myers Park neighborhood stands Old Fort Park formerly known as Fort Houstoun a confederate built form made from earth to defend Tallahassee during the civil war. The fort was built by General William Miller and Caption Theodore Moreno, a military engineer in the Fall of 1864, and was considered the last line of defense to the old capital. The unique thing about Old Fort Park is the trech works that were built are still standing, the park does not offer many amenadietes other than a few park benchs and a water fountain and a book box and surrounded by residential homes on all sides.
Myers Park
Myers Park is located in the historic neighborhood of Myers Park, not far from Old Fort Park. Myers Park is Tallahassee's oldest park and is 42 acres. The park features basketball and tennis courts, Wade Wehunt pool, playground, and The park was named after Frederick Towle Myers, a revered public servant who served as city attorney for 36 years. This is one of Tallahassee's most well-known parks, but at times it is a little more crowded. Most days, you will see people taking their dogs for walks playing tennis, or kids playing on the playground. The park is relatively large and with what seems to be ample parking. Located in an older residential part of Tallahassee, Myers Park seems to be a great place to throw a BBQ or birthday party or get out and meander around the densely wooded acreage very beautiful.
Myers Park
Lake Ella Park
Lake Ella is probably the most popular and known park on the list. Located on N Monroe ST is Lake Ella Park, a 12-acre lake with a walking trail around it. The Lake was at one point a natural lake before construction on Monroe St began to affect the Lake's health. local food spots surround the Lake for people to enjoy like the black dog cafe or Big Easy Snowballs."I come out here and feed the geese sometimes, and the Lake makes an excellent background for pictures."Kira Web said when asked about her visit to Ella Park This park is ideal for dog walking or a peaceful stroll while enjoying ice cream or a cup of coffee bought from one of the shops around the Lake.
Jackson View Park
Located on Lake Jackson, this 45-acre park offers several outdoor activities, including a one-mile-long trail that takes visitors on a trip around the park. On this nature trail, people will see live oak trees and the native vegetation and wildlife of Tallahassee. Jackson View Park is the furthest from Florida A&M University's campus; the park is also located off North Monroe ST on Clara Kee Blvd. "I come out here to let my dogs get out their energy. it is so much space out here for them to just run." Derek Cogdell had to say about Lake Jackson Park. This is the ideal spot to bring your friends and family to enjoy the playground, observation deck, and picnic pavilion.
Jackson View Park
