Parks

Veteran’s Memorial Park offers activities for everyone. Sports facilities include a baskeball court, softball fields, soccer fields, and roller hockey facilities. There are also 2 play areas, a fitness trail, and nature trails to explore. Be sure to visit the veteran’s memorial and police memorial while at the park.

Paynes Prairie is unique in many ways. Nowhere else in Florida can visitors experience wild-roaming bison and horses. Nearly 300 species of birds also frequent the park along with alligators, deer and many other animals. The park’s eight trails, including the 16-mile paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, allow for exploration of the park’s interior and observation of wildlife, while a 50-foot high observation tower provides panoramic views.

In the midst of North Florida’s sandy terrain and pine forests, a bowl-shaped cavity 120 feet deep leads down to a miniature rain forest. Small streams trickle down the steep slopes of the limestone sinkhole, disappearing through crevices in the ground. Lush vegetation thrives in the shade of the walls even in dry summers. Visitors can enjoy picnicking and learn more about the sinkhole through interpretive displays.

Protecting 159 acres of lushly forested bottomland along the confluence of Possum Creek and Hogtown Creek, Loblolly Woods Nature Park is an urban gem. At this park–one of ten that make up the City of Gainesville’s Hogtown Creek Greenway–spring wildflowers carpet the forest floor and the namesake loblolly pines are some of the largest in the region. Bisected by a broad bicycle-friendly path, it’s a place where narrow side trails lead to pretty bluffs above the creeks and sinkholes.

Features mowed recreation fields suitable for ballgames, flying kites, frisbee and other sports. Children of all ages enjoy the playground and the picnic pavilion. A jogging trail encircles the main field and scenic nature trails through the forest and floodplain of Possum Creek provide visitors the opportunity to quietly enjoy the natural world at their own pace. The park also features a contemporary skate park and an off-leash dog area. One of Florida’s premiere skateboarding landscapes, the park features modern plaza elements, a multi-level bowl and obstacles with integrated landscaping.

This is one of the most popular playgrounds in Gainesville. There are three main playground structures; one for toddlers, one for kids 2-5, and one for kids 5-12.  There are two large swing sets; one for babies and toddlers and one for big kids. In addition, there are multiple climbing structures and monkey bars, a voice recorder, some bouncy seats and more.

This large park features a playground & splash pad, lawns, a large pond with a promenade & more. Designed to inspire and encourage creativity, the playground has a little bit of something for everyone.
Splash in the Blue Grotto, inspired by the underwater caverns in Central Florida, this custom structure is fun for all ages.  With waterfalls, ground jets, water cannons and hidden fossils, the blue grotto is the perfect spot for children and adults to play. Stroll on the Promenade, picnic in the Pavilion
and experience the Conservation Area
The southern half of Depot Park is a conservation area filled with various wildlife and a series of wetlands and upland plantings.

Spending time in nature is proven to benefit your mental and physical health. Enjoy the fresh air, fun activities, and beautiful views with us free of charge! We have two shores with loads to explore! Activities include boating, Sailing, fishing, pavilions and grills, and volleyball. You can borrow equipment such as kayaks (single and double), canoes, stand up paddle boards, pedal boats, Hobie Cats , and Jon Boats.

This preserve was purchased jointly with St. John’s Water Management District, using Alachua County Forever funds. It is managed by St. John’s Water Management District. Opportunities for wildlife viewing including bald eagles and turkeys. The preserve has 6,504 acres and 7.3 miles of unpaved trails through pine flatwoods. Open for hunting during the season.