I had been coming to this park since middle school and since moving back, I wanted to switch up my…read moregym routine with some outdoor walks on a trail. When driving into the parking lot, the parking lot is sufficient especially if you go in the early morning or afternoon. In the last 10 years, they have done some renovations where they have added these beautiful memorial plaques dedicated to fallen soldiers. What I thought was super cool is that I walked up to the World War II plaque and saw my great uncle's name! It was definitely a heartwarming touch and just proud moment. The plaques range from the American Revolutionary War to more recent times. I'm a huge history buff, so for me it's a plus for me. The park has a walking trail that's paved and smooth to walk on, that starts from the parking lot and has different workout station areas along the trail. There's a playground area and multiple pavilions with grills which are great for parties and cookouts/family gatherings. Also, there's a softball field, basketball courts, soccer fields, and also a roller hockey rink. I think this park is great for everyone, singles and families as there's something to do or just enjoy the great outdoor area.

Very civilized park that caters to many local groups and the Gainesville community. It's a perfect…read moreplace to go for exercise without having to pay the gym memberships all while enjoying the great outdoors. They have basketball courts, volleyball, BBQ grills and covered tables for parties, a playground, hiking trails, and more all surrounded by wild animals and nature. The amenities offered at Kanapaha Park are free and great for neighboring communities to enjoy. FYI, there are peak times usually in the summer. The hours are: Mon - Wed: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Fri - Sun: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Greentree park is super nice here in Gainesville. We are lucky that the city takes really good care…read moreof this park. This park has a big parking lot, two softball fields, a huge playground and a big picnic area. This is a super awesome place to hang with your family or to take in a good sport game with friends. Nice thing about this park is that it is off the main street and it is fenced in so you do not have to worry about anything going into the streets. I really like this park and I think its a great place to go here in town!

Relatively quiet playground with tons to climb on for my little monkey man. Plus there's a potty!read more

This is a very tranquil place. The entrance is on a fast curve, so you have to be careful turning…read morein!! If you are on foot, or bike, you can enter from the sidewalk on 16th Ave, as you go down the hill past Colony Park. Colony Park is the subdivision with the curvy brick wall. As you go down the hill, on the right, you will see a small grassy area. There is no sign, so you'll have to be sharp!! This park is so very peaceful. There is a lazy creek that snakes though it. There are at least ten man-made bridges and decks that let you enjoy a nice stroll through nature. Lots and lots of birds will be sounding out, especially in the morning. You can walk your dog, bring some hot coffee, binoculars, camera, etc. You won't believe that you are in the middle of the city!! The word "enclave" comes to mind, as the mood in this park is almost magical and surprisingly isolated. You feel safe and peaceful. I am definitely going back. They even have doggy bag dispensers!!

Alfred A Ring Park is very close to town; it's a nice walk getting here :-)…read more Tip: The funds to preserve this small bit of greenery were donated by Mr. Alfred A. Ring, which is why the park bears his name There's bridge from the parking lot into the park proper which very much reminds me of Costa Rica; there are some pretty nice views to take in when you cross it.

My favorite thing about this park is that I can run laps on the track (which is shaded in the…read moresummer, woohoo!) while my little guy plays on the playground! It sounds silly, but I don't like to just sit and stare at my kids playing, I prefer to *do* something. Since none of the equipment is very tall, I don't feel the need to hover either, which is nice. There is a basketball court in the middle, a smaller tot area under the trees where all the equipment is only waist high, water fountains, restrooms (that are unfortunately only open sporadically), and a covered pavilion with a few picnic tables. This is an accessible playground with a ramp right up from the parking lot. There is always plenty of parking too. Oh and it's sand, not wood chips, which my kids love so they can bring sand toys. One of my biggest factors in rating playgrounds is whether there are friends to play with and this one is hit or miss unfortunately, but I like this one nevertheless because it has something for all ages packed into a small area and it's not directly on a main/busy road. Note: The park is NOT LIGHTED at night, so don't plan on running laps or playing b-ball at night.

This is a great shady location for running and running related events like the summer FTC Junior…read moreCamps that has been 44 years in the community and sponsored by Dr. Robert Cade's wife, Mary. It's safe and also offers great accessibility for handicapped children. What a wonderful community park for our Gainesville citizens. The program begins June 12th and runs through most of July. Your child can attend on a weekly basis, multiple weeks, or the whole program( discount provided) Where else can you get quality running activities for $3.00 per day! Contact ftcjuniorchamps@yahoo.com for registration /information.

This is just about the most quanit and unassuming park in Gainesville. It is in the Duckpond area,…read moreclose to the Thomas Center. It's not big, there are no baseball diamonds or fields to play ball. It's in a quiet neighborhood, and easy to find. What it is great for is little children. Whether a newborn, toddler or preschooler, this place is perfect for parents with small children! Even one of the play areas looks like building blocks! You can let your child play in the sandbix, swing on a swing or just play on the climbing stuff. It is perfect to get out of the house and let your child explore without worrying too much about bike traffic or bigger kids, or anything elsethat you'd have to "watch out for". It is a small minimal park where you can relax and have quality time with your new family addition in the out of doors, breathing fresh air, with less worries on your mind. If you have small children, this park is for you!

This nice quiet historic city park located in the Downtown area of Gainesville offers a great…read morerecreational area with a range of outdoor play for children and families. This scenic green space has a great playground with swings, slides and a rock climbing attachment on the equipment with a shade structure. We walked around the small park and enjoyed the grassy area and magnolia trees. There is a picnic table but no bathrooms.

Nice local park near the big springs. It is a short walk to the spring area. I'm bias because not…read morethe biggest fan of any park with a walk to the water since I always bring a paddle board, but it's not a crazy walk. The springs area is small, and the water is not as clear as most of the springs are. In general it is nice park to do a bbq in. Entry fee: $6 per car Bbq grills: yes Must be out of the water by 7:30pm Park closes at 8pm

Poe Springs Park is located in High Springs, Florida, 25 miles northwest of Gainesville. This is…read morejust one of a bunch of swimmable springs in the area making it a hassle-free visit. For $6 per passenger vehicle (cash only), hike 1/4 of a mile on a boardwalk pathway to reach a natural oasis of crystal-clear, 72 degree waters. When the sun is shining, Poe Springs lights up like out of a storybook moment from paradise. The olive waters can appear so strikingly translucent, I was deeply thinking how lucky I felt to be surrounded by it all. Next to Poe Springs is the Santa Fe River where you can continue swimming or get out on kayaks and paddle boards. There's even a tree with rope for swinging into the river. Near the front entrance are all-day tube rentals for $10. They have a concession stand to buy lunch or guests can bring their own food and barbecue underneath picnic pavilions. Overall, if you visit Poe Springs in the middle of the day when the sun is shining brightly, I believe you will be mighty impressed. Getting to swim among sparkling clear green waters makes for a rewarding experience within the heart of nature.

While visiting Gainesville I wanted to soak in a bit of nature. Jonesville Park was located nearby…read moremy location and easy to find. I focused on the walking trails, which are all paved. Visiting Jonesville Park provided me with the fresh air I needed!

The Tennis courts are decent, but the bathroom in the shop has the smelliest Most disgusting smell…read morethat they refuse to do anything about. All they need to do is pour some bleach down all The drains. maybe even clean with bleach. it doesn't look like they ever clean the corners of the stalls, and it just absolutely smells horrible in there. there's also a shower In the largest bathroom, the ada handicap stall that needs to be power washed with bleach also. The smell is the time. Like gag worthy horrible. i truly believe they have a sewage problem in that tennis shop building.

cute park. quaint with a robust playground. nature trail was rather brisk tho, ~10-15 walk maybe?…read morealso, the memorial gardens were the highlight for me, made me shed a tear.

This wasn't far off the highway and was a great place to take a break for our toddler to run around…read moreon a long drive. The playground was well kept and had slides and swings. I'll keep it in mind for next time we are driving through.