Welcome to the F.C.T. Community 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 F.C.T. 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:
Gemini SpringsWe are proud to honor Volusia County's Gemini Springs as our Park of the Month for July 2008. Just minutes from the bustle of Interstate 4 an oasis of cool, calm, beauty awaits the visitor. Visitors can launch canoes and kayaks to access the beautiful waters of Lake Monroe and the St. Johns River, enjoy the serenity of the shaded trails throughout the park, connect to the County’s Spring to Spring Trail, picnic in one of the many shelters, rent the Spring House for special events like weddings, fish from the fishing dock or camp in the campground area.
THIS MONTH'S EVENTS
Liberty Park and Liberty Trail
Annual Independence Day celebration. The fun starts at 5 p.m and concludes with the fireworks spectacular.
Liberty Park and Liberty Trail
The fun begins at 5 p.m. with children's games, rides, non-profit food booths, and a finale of fireworks that begins shortly after dark. Opening Ceremony begins at 7 p.m. with the Citrus County Sheriff's Honor Guard presenting the colors and local church groups performing a patriotic medley. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets!
Angus K. Gholson, Jr. Nature Park and Chattahoochee RV Resort
The fun starts at 4 p.m. Featuring gospel music, food, drinks, and a fireworks display at dark. Free entrance and parking.
Pier Park
Featuring live music from Head of Turtles and Still House, a Veteran's ceremony, fly-over, patriotic pet parade, sidewalk chalk art contest and golf car decorating contest. The celebration starts at 5:30 p.m. CST and goes until 9:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
Pier Park
Live concert by Frankie Velvet and the Mighty Veltones. The concert runs from 7-9 p.m. CST and is free to the public. Don't forget your blankets and lawn chairs!
Vitolo Family Park
The tour begins at 1:30 p.m. Preceded by a presentation on "Life on the Bayous and Lagoons" on Wednesday, July 9 and "Lagoon 101" on Thursday, July 10 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.
Pier Park
Live concert with Eric Lindell. The concert runs from 7-9 p.m. CST and is free to the public. Don't forget your blankets and lawn chairs!
Egans Creek Greenway
Our Greenway, a local volunteer group, will lead a nature walk exploring Egans Creek Greenway. The walk will begin at 9:00am and last about 2 hours. Participants are encouraged to bring water, sun protection, bug spray, comfortable walking shoes, and optionally, field guides and binoculars.
Egans Creek Greenway
The walk will begin at 10 am and will last about 2 hours. Participants are asked to register in advance by calling the Parks and Recreation Department at 904-277-7350. Call the Parks and Recreation Department one week in advance for details on each tour destination. Tours leave from the Atlantic Recreation Center. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, sun protection, and bug spray.
Pier Park
Live concert with The Donnie Sundal Trio. The concert runs from 7-9 p.m. CST and is free to the public. Don't forget your blankets and lawn chairs!
Manasota Scrub Preserve
Get some tips and see the plants which provide food and cover to a host of birds, butterflies and some other critters typically found in our natural landscape during a stroll through Manasota Scrub Preserve. The walk starts at 8 a.m. Space for this trip is limited to 20, so contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources to reserve a spot. If the trip is filled, future walks will be available. Participants should also wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat, sun screen, insect repellent, drinking water, binoculars (optional), camera and hand lens (optional).
Juno Dunes Natural Area
Runs from 8 a.m until 11 a.m. Volunteers should wear long pants, t-shirts, sneakers or boots. We will be working in areas that may be wet and muddy in spots. Volunteer should wear old clothes and shoes. Restroom facilities are not available at the site. Event participation will be limited to the first 30 volunteers who register.
Amberjack Environmental Park
From 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Meet at the end of Gasparilla Pines Boulevard. Sturdy walking shoes that can get wet, sunscreen, and drinking water are recommended. For more information, call 941.625.7529.
Pier Park
Live concert with Boogie Chillun'. The concert runs from 7-9 p.m. CST and is free to the public. Don't forget your blankets and lawn chairs!
F.C.T. is not responsible for events that are reschedueld or canceled at F.C.T.-funded parks.