My review here is for Westside Park, not the recreation center…read more I have always loved this well shaded park. Growing up in Gainesville, it has always been a central location for picnics and outdoor Birthday parties. They have recently updated all of the playground equipment. But, my favorite are the old swings in the central portion of the park because they can withstand adults swinging on them*. There is nothing better than swinging on a hot day to cool off. The enclosed pool with high-dive platforms and water slide are also located withing the area and parking spaces for your car are plentiful during daytime hours on weekdays and early morning on weekends. You can also enter the Hogtown trails on 8th Avenue near here. I posted the address of the recreation center to give you an idea of where the park is located if using GPS. * The underside of the swing notes that they are made for children only, but they have been holding my weight for many years.

Awesome park, everything you would want. Tennis courts,…read morelarge playground area, basketball, baseball fields, etc. Big pool, lots of shade, one big water slide. Cheap rates, residence and nonresidence, same price for the pool, around $2.50. You can buy a season pass. Across from a nice trail with creek, we found some people looking for shark teeth. Yes, you read right. Dogs allowed but must be leashed.

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.

This is a historic CCC park! Lots of great trails and campgrounds. Close to many other springs and…read morewithin minutes to some places of interest outside the park!

I normally do beach camping but when your friends ask you to camp in the woods you gotta do what…read moreyou gotta do. It was so fun, though I miss my sunset/sunrise beach fun. O'leno state park is a big park 1.5 hours from Jacksonville's northside, so it's pretty close. The campsites are well maintained, big and pretty level for tents and RV camping. Plus they have water and electricity. One of my must haves when camping is a nice bathroom and good showers. Luckily every state park I've camped has had big, clean bathrooms with disability access showers and O'leno is no different. Winner winner chicken dinner. It's cool waking up in the morning to all the birds, several barn owls were heard too. The trails are varied, walk along the river or through the limestone scattered trails, it's all awesome! Oh and it's close to Ichetucknee so you can easily go do the springs too. O'leno's river is rusty looking because of the tanin but it's still good for swimming. If you like camping in the woods, seeing fireflies, millions of stars and a good hike among friendly campers this place is definitely worth visiting. The only downside is the ticks...had to throw that in for full disclosure.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!!