Floridiana Magazine

History. Heritage. Home.

Cedar Keys Light Station at Seahorse Key

Cedar Key exudes the description of an “old Florida” town.  Quaint houses. An historic downtown.  Friendly people. The first time I visited Cedar Key was when I worked for Gainesville television station WCJB in the 80s.  Not much has changed since then, but now I view it with a different lens.  I view it as a Florida resident simply interested in the history and beauty of our state.

My most recent trip to Cedar Key was for the purpose of touring the Cedar Keys Light Station during the town’s Seafood Festival in October.  Although Tropical Storm Nestor caused the cancellation of the first day of the festival, it cleared out in time for a beautiful Sunday and a picture-perfect day for a boat ride to Seahorse Key.

Entrance to Seahorse Key | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

The boat ride itself took about thirty minutes. Low tide meant a little navigational skill was needed to get us to our destination, but once there, the views from the island were breathtaking.

Cedar Keys Light Station

Stepping off the boat, the lighthouse was in full view.  Unlike other lighthouses we have visited and climbed, Cedar Keys Light Station is a two-story structure, with the typical spiral staircase leading to the lantern room.  The climb consists of 35 steps, but unfortunately, the stairs were blocked off during our visit, so we could not go to the top to get the panoramic view of Seahorse Key.

Cedar Keys Lighthouse | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Steps to top of lighthouse | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

New light installed | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

The lighthouse is the oldest standing lighthouse on Florida’s west coast.  Built in 1854, at one time the light could be seen for fifteen miles. It was not only a navigational beacon but was also instrumental in bringing commerce to Cedar Key.

Less than eight years later, the Civil War interrupted life as it was known. At the beginning of the war, the lighthouse fixtures were dismantled and sent to Waldo for safekeeping.  In January of 1862, Union forces on the U.S.S. Hatteras blockaded the keys and destroyed an army barracks and cannons on Seahorse Key.  The lighthouse did not sustain any major damage. In 1866, following the war, the lighthouse was repaired and returned to service. It remained in commission until 1915, due to a significant decrease in vessels using the port.

In 1952, the University of Florida worked out an agreement with U.S. Fish & Wildlife entered to lease the property and establish a marine laboratory. The light station now serves as a dormitory for groups visiting the island for educational purposes.

Seahorse Key Dock | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

After more than 100 years in the dark, the lighthouse was reactivated July 5, 2019.  The fourth-order Fresnel lens that was originally used in the lighthouse, was replicated by Artworks Florida, an Orlando-based company specializing in the restoration of lenses.  In its finished stage, the lens is 36 inches tall and weighs 125 pounds and is lit only during special events.

Other Things to See on Seahorse Key

Birds and Beauty

One of 13 islands that make up the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge, Seahorse Key is said to be the highest elevation on Florida’s west coast.  The sand dune on which the lighthouse was built, is 52.3 feet high which is noticeable when walking the trail from the back of the lighthouse, down to the shore along the Gulf of Mexico.

Unlike other Florida beaches, this one is untouched.  A leisurely walk and keen observation can lead to amazing discoveries.

Steps from the beach to the top of the dune | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

The beach at Seahorse Key | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Horseshoe Crab | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Hooded warbler | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

The island and a 300-foot buffer around it are closed from March 1st to June 30th to protect nesting birds.

Cemetery

Another interesting find on the island is a small cemetery with about a dozen headstones. Some of those buried include William Wilson, the first lighthouse keeper (1854 – 1855), and Catharine Hobday, the assistant lighthouse keeper from 1872 to 1879. Catharine was also the only woman to serve at the Cedar Keys Light Station. Her son Andrew was the longest serving lighthouse keeper (1871 – 1890).

Other headstones include two local fishermen from the 1800s and sailors from the U.S.S. Fort Henry and the U.S.S. Union.

Make sure to take the mosquito warnings seriously.  This short walk to the cemetery and back included quite a bit of itching and scratching for sure.

Cemetery on Seahorse Key | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Catharine Hobday Tombstone | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Navy sailors tombstones | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Seahorse Key, managed by the Lower Suwannee Wildlife Refuge, is about three miles off Cedar Key and is only open to the general public during open house events.  There are usually about four open houses during the year.  The dates listed so far for 2020 include Wednesday, March 4th and Wednesday, March 18th.

Check out the Nature Coast Biological Station website for future events on Seahorse Key.

Other Fun Facts

  • The name “Cedar Keys” came from two American explorers who were searching for cedar timber near the Suwannee River.
  • Seahorse Key got its name because the land formation resembles a seahorse.

Please view our slide show below of additional photographs taken on Seahorse Key and be sure to leave us a comment on your own adventures of the island.

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Silver Springs

Florida and theme parks. If you’ve lived in the state for more than 50 years, you no doubt remember Florida without Walt Disney World. You probably also remember Silver Springs Nature Theme Park – considered to be Florida’s first tourist attraction.

History of Silver Springs

Although Silver Springs didn’t officially open to the public until 1878, it was a popular spot for visitors years earlier when they arrived by steamboat.  Silver Springs became known for its glass bottom boat rides – thanks to the ingenuity of Hullam Jones and Phillip Monell who affixed a piece of glass to the bottom of a row boat in the late 1870s.  They were only 14-years old at the time.

Silver Springs hit its heyday in the 1960s, when as many as 5,000 people were there daily during the week, and 6,000 – 7,000 on Saturdays and Sundays.  Back then, there were amusement park rides, exotic wildlife, a reptile institute, and a bear exhibit which was billed as the largest of its kind in the world.

As was the case for other early attractions, attendance dropped for a variety of reasons, and in 2013 the State of Florida took over operations and combined it with the nearby Silver River State Park, transforming it into Silver Springs State Park.

Movies and Television Shows

The theme park served the backdrop for television shows and movies from the 1930s through the 1960s, hosting movies like “Tarzan the Ape Man” starring Johnny Weissmuller, along with five more Tarzan movies and the James Bond movie “Moonraker.”  Also filmed at Silver Springs were the “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” as well as the television series “Sea Hunt” starring Lloyd Bridges. The Sea Hunt dock, named after the show, offers a photo opportunity for today’s visitors.

Glass-Bottom Boat Tours

The highlight of our visit was the half-hour ride on one of the famous glass-bottom boats.  About 25 of us sat along the edge of the boat with an amazing view of the crystal-clear water, long-nosed gar, and aquatic plant life below, not to mention a glimpse of a gator swimming nearby and turtles sitting atop tree stumps along the water’s edge.

As the boat floated along, our captain provided an historic, and at times, humorous overview of the Silver Springs area.  Whether it was to provide a narrative of the Native Americans who lived around the Springs in the 1500s, the story of the bridal chamber, or the dugout canoe sitting on the bottom of the spring bed, the tour was interesting and informative.

An old glass-bottom boat rests at the bottom of the springs, along with three statues used in the making of the James Bond movie “Moonraker.”

No matter what was pointed out as part of the tour boat ride, the captain circled the boat around for everyone to get a good view.

Dugout Canoe

Glass-bottom Boat

Statues from Moonraker

Other Things to Do

As a state park, Silver Springs offers plenty of opportunities for those who enjoy spending time in nature. Canoes and kayaks can be seen gliding along the springs.  Take your own or rent them at the outpost.

If that isn’t on your favorites list, take a leisurely stroll along some of the walkways or boardwalks that weave through the park.  Keep an eye on the ground and up in the trees.  You never know what you might see – beautiful flowers, snakes, woodpeckers, and if you are fortunate, monkeys (although we didn’t get to see any of the monkeys on our visit).

A statue of Seminole Chief Osceola also holds a prominent place in the park. The plaque at the base of the statue relates the importance of Osceola’s presence at the Springs and the relationship to the Great Seminole War of 1835 – 1842. As the plaque states, Osceola led a small band of warriors in the Seminole resistance, when the United States tried to remove the tribe from their lands in Florida.

 

Another must-see is the “lucky” or “honeymoon” tree.  Legend has it that if you have your picture taken with it, you will have good luck for five years.  It’s definitely worth a snap of the camera if good luck is on the line!

The Lucky Tree

Hours of Operation and Admission

Silver Springs State Park is open 365 days a year from 8:00 a.m. until sunset.  As a state park, the price of admission is $2.00.  However, if you’re planning to take one of the famous glass bottom boat rides, those will cost extra.

Boat Tours

The 30-minute tour runs every 30 – 45 minutes until 6:00 p.m.  The cost starts at $11.00 per person and you do not need a reservation.

The extended tour lasts about an hour and a half and starts at $25 per person.  These tours only run Friday through Sunday and reservations are recommended.

Whether you plan on a boat tour or just to spend the day enjoying nature, a trip to Silver Springs is worth the time – and the money. It may not be the theme park it was during its heyday, but it does provide a peaceful place to get out and enjoy Florida’s outdoors. Unlike other roadside attractions, Silver Spring was able to change and survive the times.

Silver Springs Fun Facts
  • There are 30 springs with 61 vents (openings for water flow).
  • The largest Mammoth or main spring you see at the park has vent measuring 5 feet by 135 feet with a depth of 30 feet.
  • Silver Springs forms the Silver River, flowing 4 ½ miles to the Ocklawaha River.
  • The water temperature is 72° year-round.

FM Note: If you have pictures of Silver Springs during its heyday, please share them on our Facebook page:  Floridiana Magazine.

View more of our photos from the day in the slideshow below.

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Albritton Fruit Company, One Family’s Legacy

Growing up in a rural community in the 70s, I saw first-hand the important role citrus and farming played in the lives of many of those living there.  But it wasn’t just about the fruit, it was about family.  Groves and farms were passed down from one generation to the next, instilling a sense of pride and family values.  Although there are half as many acres of citrus now as there were then, there are still some who are carrying on their family legacy.

One such family is the Albritton family of Sarasota.

The Past

The Albritton Fruit Company was founded in 1880 in Polk County by Civil War veteran Tom Albritton and is now considered the oldest continually operating family business in Florida. After a devastating freeze, the family moved to Sarasota, where Karl Benjamin Albritton, Tom’s grandson, carried on the family business. Karl did not graduate from high school but was accepted into the University of Florida because of his knowledge about the citrus industry.  After attending classes from 1921 – 1923, Albritton returned to the family farm.  He is credited with developing the first citrus hedging machine, along other tools and procedures. Karl was inducted into the Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame and the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame in the early to mid-1990s for his impact on the state’s citrus industry.

The Present

Sarah and John Albritton, Courtesy of Tanna Carter Photography

Karl’s great-grandson John and his wife Sarah are the sixth generation to work the family business.  On a recent Saturday, we visited the family groves where the last of the Honeybell* oranges were being picked.  We watched as the fruit was picked from the trees in a grove was planted about 30 years ago by John’s grandfather.  It’s done old-school, much like I used to see in the groves behind my childhood home.  Workers climbed ladders and hand-picked only the ripened fruit, dropped it into a bag, and later into a nearby tub.  This spot-picking meant only the fruit ripe enough was picked, while the rest remained on the trees until they were ready.

While we walked the grove, the couple’s two boys, Larit (3 ½) and Layton (6 ½), helped pick a few oranges.  They are right at home in the grove, using the proper technique to twist the oranges off the branches without tearing into the skin.  If they went a little too fast, a simple reminder from their mother to “slow your roll” was all it took to get them back on track.

If the boys follow in their father’s footsteps, they will be the seventh generation to carry on the family business.  Something John and Sarah would like to see happen.

“It’s what I’m going to do,” John says, “see if I can raise these boys and pass it on to them.”

Sarah agrees. “We’re still trying to instill the family values and the family farming in our children.  It’s been very important to John and me to make sure our boys are aware of our family history and that the tradition carries on.”

The Future

While family traditions continue, the farming business is seeing a change.  Citrus greening is taking its toll on some growers.  For the Albrittons, that has prompted them to look at other crops.

“My husband was very adamant he wanted to make sure there was something left for his kids.  Blueberries are our baby.”

Albritton Fruit Farms was born.

John Albritton walks along the blueberry field.

There is now a 25-acre blueberry field where orange trees once grew.  Planted in 2015, there are 60,000 plants of three different varieties.  The blueberries are already turning a profit, with last year’s harvest pulling in 100,000 pounds of blueberries.  Following commercial harvest, John and Sarah open up their fields for u-pick season, typically from March until early June.  It’s a family affair.  The boys join their parents in the field every weekend with Larit instructing pickers which ones are the best and how to pick them. Larit admits his favorite blueberry variety is the Jewel, because it tastes like strawberries!

What is next for the Albrittons?  More blueberries?  Resetting the citrus groves?  Only time will tell.  The couple does acknowledge they have the last big piece of property on Clark Road.  Long-time residents across the road recently sold out and 6,900 homes and a commercial development are going in.

Regardless of what happens in the future, it is certain the Albritton family will always be remembered for the major role they played in the history of Florida’s citrus industry.

 FM Notes

*Honeybell oranges are hybrids of a tangerine and grapefruit, with January being the peak month for ripening.  They have a mixed sweet-sour taste and, in my own opinion, are the juiciest (and best-tasting) I’ve ever had.

Don’t miss the u-pick season.  Keep up with the latest dates on their Facebook page here.

 

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum

Before there were towns, or roads or railroads in Palm Beach County, there was the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.  This red and black lighthouse has been lighting the way along Florida’s East Coast since July 10, 1860.  Built on a natural sand hill, the lighthouse itself is 108 feet tall and can be seen 24 miles out at sea. Just think about it, for more than 150 years ships have used the lighthouse’s beacon to guide them safely around the Gulf Stream and away from reefs and shoals.

History of Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse

Because of its location at the junction of the Indian River and Jupiter Inlet, in 1849 army surveyors recommended the Jupiter Inlet as a strategic and appropriate place for military defenses. After President Franklin Pierce signed an order to set aside the 61 ½ acres for a lighthouse, Lieutenant George Meade designed the structure, and Lieutenant William Raynolds improved the strength with the design of a double wall.  The lighthouse is comprised of a tower and an iron top, or lantern.  The first-order Fresnel (fray-nel) lens in operation is said to be the oldest existing first-order Fresnel lens in Florida and is one of only 13 active in the United States.

In 1973 the lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, then in 1974, it was opened to public tours by the Loxahatchee River Historical Society.

Climbing the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse

Before you even get inside, there are 34 steps you have to climb just to get to the base of the lighthouse. Those are the easy ones.  Once inside, there are 105 steep iron stairs – 100 of them date back to 1860, five were replaced in 2000.

As you work your way to the top, there are three landings that not only provide a chance to catch your breath, but also a look out in different directions.  Those views themselves are amazing, but the views from the top are out of this world.  Walk around the top and see the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian River, Jupiter Inlet and the Loxahatchee River.  On a clear day, you can see for miles.

Other Things to See at the Lighthouse

While the lighthouse is the centerpiece of the property, there are other things to see during your visit.

Keepers’ Workshop and Exhibit

Just off the deck by the lighthouse you will find the Keepers’ Workshop and Exhibit “Keeping the Light at Jupiter Inlet.” Once inside, pick up an adventure map that will take you back in time for a look at the early years of the lighthouse.  Each of the eight “stations” depicted on the map provides information about the lighthouse.  Find out why Jupiter has a lighthouse, a timeline of the lighthouse, how the lighthouse works, or stories of some of the keepers.

Prior to becoming a workshop and exhibit, the building served as a pump house and paint storage locker.  It was built in 1929, but then rebuilt and expanded in 1929 after a major hurricane.

Banyan Tree and Deck

As you walk up the pathway to the lighthouse, the limbs of a large banyan tree reach out in every direction, offering shade to a wooden deck built over the foundation of the original keepers’ house.  Even though it may look like there are several trees, there is only one! The hair-like roots on this 85-year-old tree reach back to the ground, take hold and form new tree trunks.

Tindall House

The house was built in 1892 by George Tindall and is believed to be one of the oldest houses in Palm Beach County.  Originally, the house was located along the Loxahatchee River several miles west of its current location.  It was moved in 1997 to Burt Reynolds Park, then again in 2007 to its final home in Lighthouse Park.  The main portion of the house features four rooms: living room, parlor, bedroom and workroom.  True to style for cracker houses, the Tindall house is elevated off the ground, has high ceilings, and large windows.  Off the back of the house is a replica of the kitchen and dining area, separated from the main part of the house to cut back on heat and potential fires to the remainder of the house.  The interior is furnished with photos of the family, as well as donated items from the 1900s.

Pennock Plantation Bell

Protected from the elements under a wooden roof, the Pennock Plantation Bell has a history of its own.  The bell was used to signal lunch break or the end of a work day at the Pennock Plantation.  It would ring once on those occasions, then continuously when the volunteer fire department was needed. The Pennocks are some of the early pioneers of Jupiter, arriving in 1902 and starting a fern business, as well as a dairy farm. During the first half of the 20th century, the Pennock Plantation was the largest employer in Jupiter.

Plants

As you walk along the brick path, make sure to stop and take a look at the many plants along the way.  Some of them are native to Florida, while others are not.  Wild coffee, muhly grass, dune sunflowers, and beauty berries are all native.  Although agave is found mostly in Mexico and the American Southwest, the dry, sandy soil of Florida is also conducive to its growth. Agave has been growing at the Jupiter Lighthouse for more than 100 years.

Museum and Gift Shop

Before you leave, make sure to check out the museum and gift shop.  The museum, housed inside the 1940 WII Naval Housing Building, offers the exhibit “5,000 Years on the Loxahatchee.”  Eight galleries provide additional information on the lighthouse, maritime history and notable individuals from the area.

 

Self-guided Tour App

If you opt to explore the grounds without a tour guide, there is an App you can download that ensures you don’t miss anything!  Starting from the welcome gate, you are guided on a journey through the history of early Native Americans and the Seminole Indians in the area.  Interpretive readings from period journals provide personal recollections of the life and times of early settlers.

The App provides information on some of the best areas for taking photos, as well as points of interest along the brick path.

 

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum Hours

The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum is located at 500 Captain Armour’s Way in Jupiter and is open 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  The last lighthouse grounds admission is at 4:00 p.m. Guided docent tours are held at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.  Note that the lighthouse is open Tuesday – Sunday, May through December and seven days a week from January to April.

There is a $12 admission fee for adults, $6 for children 6 – 18, and no charge for children five and under.  Special rates are available for U.S. Veterans and senior 60 and over. Children must be 48” to climb.

 

 

 

 

Park Hopping with a Twist

by Diane Hodgman, Guest Blogger

Coming up with creative, low cost ideas to entertain young children can be challenging, even if you are a mom of five and a seasoned teacher. Each summer while I was off with my children (ages 6-25), I would do my best to make sure they had a fun experience of some sort. So, on a hot summer day this July, that was my goal – to find an activity I could do with my six-year-old daughter that would not break the bank.

The idea of park hopping came to mind. No, not the park hopping that requires huge sums of money to be spent. This plan actually included parks or playgrounds in Orlando and an attempt to visit ten in one day.  I first came up with a list of the ones we had been to before, as well as some that were new to us. My soon-to-be first grade daughter Isabella was on board with the plan, and our adventure began.

Dartmouth Park

Our day started at 10:00 a.m. at one of our regular parks, Dartmouth, in the heart of College Park. At Dartmouth Park there are a lot of trees, a walking path around the park and two designated play areas, one for younger and one for older children. A covered picnic area bench and a few scattered benches offer seating and a place to enjoy lunch or a snack. The play equipment is not covered, so it is extremely hot in the summer heat. Parking can be found along the two roads on each side of this park.  Even though there are no bathrooms, Publix on Edgewater Drive is a close walk for refreshments or bathrooms.

Parking:  Yes

Shade: No

Restrooms: No

At each park I took a picture of Isabella in front of the park’s sign.

Gaston Edwards Park

After Dartmouth, we moved on to our second park, Gaston Edwards Park, located on the edge of Lake Ivanhoe. There is a small parking area which is next to Mesa 21 Restaurant. The play area is colorful but designated for two- to five-year-olds.  The most shade at the park comes from the covered table.  A walking path and a volleyball net nearby provide additional activities, but there are no public restrooms.   There is however, a beautiful view of Lake Ivanhoe, which is a definite plus.

Parking: Yes

Shade: No

Restrooms: No

Orwin Manor Park

From there we drove down Orange Avenue, passing Florida Hospital East to Orwin Manor Park. I was unfamiliar with this park and was pleased to find street parking. This park does not provide much shade and the equipment was very hot. They do have a few benches to sit on.

Parking: Yes

Shade: No

Restrooms: No

Mathews Park

Next up on the list was Matthews Park, located in College Park off Formosa Street. Newly renovated, this park has some very fun equipment, but again, the summer heat makes some of it hard to play on, especially the swings. Isabella loved the climbing ropes here. This park has some musical-type of play areas and a handicap able swing. In addition, there is a large grassy play area and a basketball court, as well as a covered picnic table.  Parking can be found along the street next to the park. There are no bathrooms.

Parking: Yes

Shade: No

Restrooms: No

Princeton Park (College Park Neighborhood Center)

From Mathews Park, we moved along to Princeton Park next to Princeton Elementary School.  This park is enclosed and offered a lot of shade to children playing on the equipment, as well as a rubber mat surface. There is a public pool next to this park and a baseball field. Parking is on the streets and there are no restrooms. While at Princeton Park, Isabella found an old friend there and the two of them played together for a while, then the three of us went on to the rest of our adventure.

Parking: Yes

Shade: Yes

Restrooms: No 

Guernsey Park

At this point, we headed to our last park in College Park, Guernsey. This park is very colorful, but extremely hot with few shaded areas. There is a covered bench and a walking path with a short bridge, almost like a nature trail. They have a basketball court as well. Parking is on the street and there are no bathrooms.

Parking: Yes

Shade: No

Restrooms:  No

After visiting six parks, we were very hot and needed some shade and air conditioning. We headed to the McDonald’s on East Colonial between Bumby and Primrose. The girls had lunch and played in the spacious play area. This play area has been renovated and is clean with lots of seating.

Mitchell Nutter Park

After our lunch break, we headed to Mitchell L. Nutter Park (Audubon Park) off Maguire and Bennett Road, not far from Fashion Square Mall.  Finding parking for this park was tricky, but I found street parking around the corner to park. This park has a few creative pieces of equipment the girls found to be fun. A spider-like rope climb was their favorite. There are a few benches to sit on, but no restrooms here.

Parking: Yes, around the corner 

Shade: No

Restrooms: No 

Lake Baldwin Park

Close by is the Baldwin Park neighborhood, so we went to check out that park, which offers a parking lot, restrooms and a dog park as well. It is well shaded and has a rock climbing wall and large slide. The girls were able to play on all the equipment as it wasn’t hot.

Parking:  Yes

Shade: Yes

Restrooms: Yes 

Lake Eola Park

What is a trip to Orlando parks without a stop at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando?  Parking can be difficult to find, but we were lucky and found parallel parking close by. (There is a parking garage not far if you can’t find street parking.) This park offers a mile-long walking path around the lake, along with paid swan boat rides.  Large play areas are designated for both the younger children and older ones, all on rubber mats. Neither smoking nor pets are allowed within the enclosed playground area. There are restrooms nearby.  If you want snacks or drinks, there is a 7-11 close by as well as a Publix. In addition to the playground, If you visit on the weekend, you can enjoy the Farmer’s Market. This park has always been a favorite of mine. When my children were younger, I spent many hours walking strollers around the lake and feeding ducks and birds.

Parking: Yes, parking garage nearby

Shade: Yes

Restrooms: Yes 

Delaney Park

On our tenth stop, we drove to Delaney Park in the Delaney neighborhood. It offers an enclosed playground area close to restrooms, a large grassy area as well a baseball and softball field. The playground has a small amount of shade and seating on benches. Parking is along the streets nearby. The girls enjoyed the monkey bars and slides at Delaney Park.

Parking: Yes

Shade: Yes

Restrooms: Yes 

Community Playground, aka Castle Park

Even though we met our goal, we headed to Winter Park to the Community Park also known as the Castle Park. This is an all wooden park with quite a bit of shade, a lot of climbing, tire swings as well as a handicap accessible swing. There is a soccer field close by, a small pond to feed the many ducks around, restrooms and a designated parking area. Parents of small children should keep their eye on their children as there are some areas hard to see from one spot. This park is wonderful, and the girls had so much fun there.

Parking: Yes

Shade: Yes

Restrooms: Yes

Our day ended around 4:00 p.m. with a tired mom and exhausted little girls. It was a fun and inexpensive experience. In all, we drove less than 30 miles and spent less than $25 on lunch and snacks for the three of us. We could have picnicked as well, but I chose not to pack food that day. We made lots of memories that I was able to capture on my phone.

A special thanks to the cities of Orlando and Winter Park for their family-friendly parks.  We found these parks to be clean and well-maintained, although I would love to see more shade and more bathrooms, if possible.

We will continue to explore other parks around our beautiful city.

About the Author

Diane Hodgman is the mother of five, ranging in ages from 6 – 25.  As a long-time teacher, Diane spends the school year teaching middle school students.  During the summer months, she is able to spend time making memories with her children.