Revisiting this park after a few years, while in the area again. Sad to see the many tree stumps,…read moreremnants of trees that didn't survive the hurricane a couple years ago. For that reason there's less shade in the park, but otherwise it is well maintained and restored as much as possible. There is the historic spring, that was once a paid attraction in the area, but now the park is totally free. Usually there is an abundance of fishes near the circular spring. We enjoy walking along the trail. There's an observation tower that gives a nice view of the area, plus seveal decks to admire the Gulf. To the right side of the entrance there's a other trail, longer and more for bicycles, that takes you along the paved road to another observation deck. As walker I prefer the other trail, more natural, better shades, and less hot than walking on asphalt. There is a butterfly garden, and a little free library as well, near the parking lot.

What an incredible park. No fee. Plenty of parking. Great trails, boardwalks and a magnificent…read moretower about four stores high. There is a spring and plenty of wildlife. We were fascinated by numerous jumping fish launching themselves out of the water over and over again. They do close a few minutes after sunset so it is difficult to watch this from the tower and get back to the car before they close for the night. A park ranger was coming out to clear people out before the sunset. Not sure this is a daily occurrence but was on the Sunday night we were there. Park is pretty clean. Trash cans are emptied. Need some more signs showing where the trails are located. When you park by the main bathroom there is nothing telling you where to go for trails. Cute butterfly garden that could use a tiny bit of care and surprisingly had no live butterflies around it. The spring has several signs around it that explain it's history and made this more interesting. Look for the female silhouette in the bottom of the spring. There is a sign that helps you see it. Numerous picnic areas. They are rolling out a new reservation system but it was down for a week. The Pinellas Trail connects right to the park and several spots had bike racks. Only thing that was frustrating was numerous visitors not following signs for "no dogs" especially in the tower where leashes get in the way on small walkways. The sign right on the boardwalk leading to the tower clearly indicates no dogs so why do you feel entitled to walk your dogs up and down the tower? Hopefully no dogs peeing through wood slats down on people below. Definitely be back to this park when in the Sponge Docks area. The beauty is so evident here... There are some sections that smell like sulfur probably due to decaying swamp material but this is nature!

JCSP is one of my favorite places to hike in Northern Pinellas County. There is a boardwalk and…read moretower along the river but also other trails within the park. There's a wealth of wildlife to be seen (a vast array of birds, alligators, frogs, otters, etc) Dogs are welcome in the park but NOT on the boardwalk trail.

Nice place to rest. Many parking spots and fire places for great cooking ;)…read morePlayground and benches to rest are also there.

It's a small hidden gem of a park, in my opinion. I have two large dogs, and I like to walk them…read morein different settings for mental stimulation. Lake Chautaqua offers more shade and, if you like, a paved walkway that runs along the road. There are also some well-established paths within the wooded area, which I really like. It tends to be cooler there and gives the dogs plenty to sniff. There are many places to toss your dog's waste, and most people adhere to cleaning up after their pets. A large parking lot toward the beginning of the park has water stations for adults, children, and dogs. There is also an available hose in a small fenced-in area. It's not overly crowded. It is peaceful and you get the feeling you are in nature, although you are surrounded by neighborhoods.

This is a smaller park and I like it because it's hard to get lost. It is a circle w/mini trails…read morethat brings you to a main trail or you could just walk the circumference - love the fact other people are using it. I took my pup and saw others w/theirs - some people do not abide by the leash rule FYI. My shelter dog gets easily scared by other dogs, so that was the only part I didn't like. Trash bags are provided for you to help maintain the trail, so be sure to pickup your dog's poop! This place is beautiful - it was baren despite going on the weekend and gives you a chance to really soak in the beauty. Of course, the oak trees & palms including many other plants/trees I couldn't identify are so pretty. There's a small pond (catch & release) surrounded by overgrown vines and trees & two small bridges. There's a dock that overlooks the lake - I somehow missed it and will def. return to check it out. No restrooms. Paved paths available if you prefer. Parking is plentiful.

This is a beautiful park ! Workout machines and lots of room to enjoy the park! Great for waking a…read moredog or a jog. Does not seem very crowded, any time I have been to this park. Very enjoyable!

We love this park! Park your bike anywhere along the Pinellas Trail and ride bikes here. They have…read morea variety of playground equipment, including some for young children ages 2 to 5 and older children ages 5 to 12. Plenty of benches for weary parents to sit on, they also have bathrooms nearby. You can cross the street and go to see the water for some ad in sightseeing while in the area. All along in Pinellas Trail, you will find bars, restaurants and cafés. Should you get hungry or thirsty. Make a day out of it!

How many memories can be at one park? The causeway out the the island beach is stunning! I have…read moredone birthdays, holiday picnics, family gatherings, beach days, kayaking, hiking and more at this park! I've been visiting Fred Howard Park since the 90's! This was a mother's day visit- parking was going fast, and the beach was packed. My mom and daughter and I just wanted to walk the island, get some toes wet and in the sand. We enjoyed the water immensely. So much wildlife to see throughout the park. My daughter's first birthday was held in one of the pavilions. Easter picnics with ham-kabobs. Taking the little kids out kayaking the inlet- endless possibilities to explore. Enjoy the park adventure!

Went to the beach to watch the sunset & relax. I walked around the little island all the way to the…read morebridge & back. It was a nice stroll. And this place did not disappoint. It was very calming as I watched the sun disappear in the horizon. This place was great to watch the sunset, paddle board, kayak or fish. The water was clear & warm, and it was a little busy when i went since it was still spring break. I felt a little safe during my visit bcoz i've seen the park rangers patrol the area. As soon as the sunsets, the park rangers were there to make sure that everybody leaves as the park closes at sundown.

Is so beautiful and so peaceful , clean and beautiful again , my kids love this placeread more

it was really beautiful, its a small hidden place but really enjoyable!! my friend & i brought our…read moreown little wagon and cooler and found a little spot to sit at and have fun! this beach had many trees which i thought made the location GORGEOUS, as well as leaving little openings for guests, making it look like even our own personal area! overall, it was pretty clean although its a beach you cant really expect 10/10 cleanliness, they did have showers to rinse off your body and feet and bathrooms which were super accessible and helpful!!!

Great park for anyone. Amazing trail, great playground for toddlers and up. I come all the timeread more

Fun park, playset is geared a little more towards ages 3+ but my active climbing 21 month old still…read morehad fun! No restrooms on premises.

A beautiful state park to explore. We only went to do some…read moretrail walking and found it pleasant and peaceful. You can walk along a tree lined trail by a canal and from there branch off onto other loops. Beautiful Florida fora and fauna!

I love exploring new parks, so I couldn't wait to try this one out. Plenty of parking, and the park…read morewas free, both of which are great. We took a picture of the map, and I'm glad we did, because it would be easy to get turned around in there. Unfortunately there is no great flow to the walking paths and trails. Many of the trails intersect with each other, and while well-marked, we found ourselves just walking aimlessly. The bodies of water we passed were murky, and the swamp smell was pretty strong. Also, one of the boardwalks was closed the day we were there, so we couldn't explore that area. They do offer disc golf there, which I think is a cool idea. Plus, there is a free butterfly garden in the park, although nothing was blooming in it so we only saw two butterflies. One of the things I enjoy most about Florida parks is all the wildlife you get to see - and that did not happen here; we saw one heron (or egret?) and that was it. It is very well maintained for a free park, though, so if you're in the area you should stop in and experience it.

Park is newly renovated and completely fenced in. There is ample parking. I love that it has a good…read moreamount of benches and picnic tables surrounding the park but inside the fenced in area. Lots of options for lunch or just to eat a snack. There is also a bathroom, which is really convenient as you don't have to leave the play area or walk very far. It can get pretty busy on the weekends but is quieter during the week. They have multiple swing options, a small playground for younger kids, a larger playground for older kids, and various climbing/play structures. It is completely turf but is surrounded by a concrete walkway- so pretty wheelchair and stroller friendly. It is pretty shaded as well so you aren't being blasted by the sun. I would say this park is more suited to 2+. There are multiple climbing components that are pretty challenging and just require more coordination/strength.

Yelp needs to update the key photos for this park. We came here anticipating it to be an awesome…read morewooden playground (hard to find) with mulch and dirt and an adventurous outdoorsy vibe, which is what the pictures reflect. My young boys and I were disappointed to find it had been Renovated for some time now with toxic Turf and plastic/metal playgrounds. Playground felt much smaller this way than when it had been wooden with plank beams running throughout. It is also incredibly packed, but I think that's also because there is a sports complex here and I'm assuming many younger kids are here playing on the playground while older ones play sports. The upside is that it's still a public playground and an outdoor activity for kids. There are bathrooms in the playground area so that's a convenience.

This is an amazing park right on the water in Oldsmar. It is a great place to walk or take in the…read moreviews. It has play grounds, BBQ sets with benches, and a nice pier. I love this park. It's safe and clean.

Cool park but it's geared more towards older children. Maybe 6-7 years old and older. It's nice…read morethat it's right by the bay. You can take a walk by the water. There isn't much parking but you can park on the street if the parking lot is full. Nice area will be back again to explore a bit more.