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.

Recently renovated and shade sails added, Springtree Park features a small playground, picnic…read morepavilion, fitness equipment, as well as nature trails that pass through flatwoods with towering pines and fern covered slopes near Three Lakes Creek, a tributary of Possum Creek. Plenty of parking located at the back of Creekside Community Church, located at 2640 NW 39th Avenue. No restrooms or water.

Micanopy, Florida is a historic and cool town located south of Gainesville, Florida it is historic…read moreand the town itself just exudes that quaint, small town feel. I enjoy coming to this area and always just enjoy chilling in Micanopy. They have a cool downtown area with a lot of antique shops thar I would definitely recommend. I also think the historic cemetery is cool. If you are traveling up Interstate 75. I would definitely recommend taking a detour and checking out this quaint, small town that almost feels like it is from another tome. I guess it is from another tome as it was incorporated back in the 1800's and definitely feels like it is not moving as fast as the world around it. I enjoy Micanopy, Florida.

Great park with playground and baseball field. I've been to this park twice for Town of Micanopy's…read morefestivals; Chili Cook-off, 4th of July Fireworks, parking for the Annual Fall Festival. Bathrooms are only open during events. Beautiful trees give shade.

This is a nice county park and I wish to add it is not just a kids' playground, either. There is…read moreindeed a playground and some pic-nic tables on the south side of the parking area but on the northern side there are extensive trails going through several types of natural habitats. The trails are appropriate for hiking or mountain biking, running too but be careful because there are a lot of roots and some unexpected wet areas and drop offs. Mountain biking you need to beware of branches and very narrow foot trails in some places, but it's fun. This is a county park and not the better-known San Felasco Hammock State Park not far from here. It is confusing that both parks share a very similar name so just check a map and ensure you're at the one you want.

A very quiet playground in a nice shaded area off of NW 43rd St., north of NW 53rd Ave. This park…read morehas covered picnic benches, bathrooms, a tire swing, a bouncy bridge and a few paved trails. I have never gotten to go on the trails, but maybe when my kids get a bit older we will venture down them!!

Sweetwater is a place to refresh your humanity, melt your stress, connect with nature and see…read moreamazing natural creatures. Today, I saw great blue heron preening, and as I passed it, it let out an alarm call over and over again. There was a red-shouldered hawk that flew out of nowhere and landed high in a tree that was full of newly grown and fledged ibis. These ibis were born in the Spring. Their parents are gone, and they are on their own. Many of them (there were about 80 of them perched in a bunch of close trees) flew away and around to safer lower spots, as the hawk perched high in the tallest tree to try to scope out a snack. It was a true wildlife moment! It did not attack, but it reminded me that anything can happen at any moment! I also saw a four-foot gator get up from sun bathing, walk about twenty feet and plop down in the grass. It was too close for my zoom lens, so I pulled out my iPhone and got the whole thing recorded. It was a great day at the park!

This place was awesome if you like to walk trails and see birds, turtles, alligators, rabbits, deer…read moreand small fish. They also have wild horses and wild bison, but we didn't see those. The wetland areas and trails were neat with nice walking bridges and paths over the water. We saw a lot of small alligators, 1 baby alligator and 1 huge alligator. The way the walkways are built the alligators were right at our feet, there is a metal mesh fence to separate you though. This place is a must for anyone that likes nature, plus it was it was free except $5 to park.

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.

There is a lot to like about this park: lots of playground equipment, nice gazebos with picnic…read moretables, and plenty of shade. Hopefully as they continue to develop the park they will add permanent bathrooms (right now it is port-a-potty only), and clean it more regularly. Often when we visit, there is significant amounts of litter on the ground from irresponsible visitors. We are looking forward to the upcoming addition of a splash park here.

Now that I have had a chance to really bike the paths and see the deck on the lake, I can really…read moresay that all I want to do is go back! There are hiking and biking trails, but it is possible to bike the hiking trails, but the tree roots make it very difficult. You might have to dismount to stay safe, in some areas. This is a huge swath of woods to explore! The trail goes in many different directions, so pay close attention! Sometimes it looks like the trail ends, and then you get closer to where you think it will end, and you see the path ahead. This is an explorer's trail not a racer's trail. You can come out here for fitness, but you can't go full speed. Lots and lots of birds to hear, in the morning, and the deck overlooking the lake is quite nice! There are bugs, but they don't bite! Be careful as you go to the overlook deck by the canoe display. There are very small cypress knees that can trip you up or damage your bike, so eyes down as you explore! Pack a lunch, bring lots of fluids and have fun! P.S. There are lots of stinging nettles around...if you see a small, white, cute, 5-pedal flower, DON'T TOUCH IT!!! It makes fire ant's sting seem like a fun picnic!

Off the beaten path but close enough to Gainesville City. The parking lot entrance sneaks up on you…read moreso be sure to stay alert. Also the available parking seems limited but this place doesn't appear to be very popular. I haven't ventured far on the trail but I plan on visiting again soon for more exploration.