This park might be off the beaten track as it is tucked behind an industrial area but it is well worth seeking out. In 1966, Dick Blake was hired as Cocoa High School's first black teacher and basketball coach, two years before Brevard Public Schools became fully integrated. He became principal of Coco High School in 1979 and he was a member of the Rockledge City Council for 40 consecutive years, from 1976 through 2016. Dick Blake was an educator, civil rights activist, and community leader who left a lasting impression on Brevard County. In January 2013 this park was dedicated in his honor. In June after a long life well lived, Dick Blake passed away at the age of 91.
This is a spacious 74-acre community park with both active and passive recreation areas. Park amenities include a playground, skate park, large, 2,000 square foot pavilion with 11 picnic tables, 2 lighted soccer/multi-use fields, and a restroom and concession building. This park is perfect for a large group gathering, play, or an organized sports game.
There is a 30 acre nature preserve within the park. If you walk or bike in from Murrell Road you will travel along a 3/4 of mile trail through scrubland and which features a wetland overlook. I enjoyed a walk along the nature trail and spotted a threatened gopher tortoise near the soccer field. He was acting a little shady so I peeked over and lets just say he was enjoying some private time with a friend. I left them to it and hightailed out. read more