My family and I had an amazing time with our friends and friends for our girls' bday event at Lake…read moreEva Water Park!!! Jade, Heidi, and Demaris, employees of the park, were very accommodating in helping our daughters' day be a success. Today, October 13th was the last day for the season. It was a beautiful day. It was very comfortable, clean, and fun. This water park group catered to all aged groups. You can not beat $5.00 a person! I highly recommend to all families

We went to check out the water park today. And we had a blast…read more It was great for all ages- toddler, preschoolers, and adults. Only thing that disappointed a bit was the strawberry smoothie- because it looked nothing like the picture. Just like a regular juice nice and cold so at least it tasted fine. Restrooms can use a renovation but we're ok. Nice shaded areas and plenty of good lifeguards on site

Awesome kayaking, but they wouldn't pick us up unless all 4 groups would check in. I don't like to…read morewaste my time while on vacation.

I reserve two single kayaks a week before I wanted to try this place. Emails and directions are…read morevery clear. When I arrived staff was helpful and guiding me along the way so that I could see otters. It was a very quick process to get in the water, but it did get crowded toward midday and on the way back in. I would highly recommend clothes that can get wet, bringing snacks and water and a hat or sunglasses. A dry bag if you have it but if you want one, they do sell them where you check in.

South Lake Howard Nature Park is the perfect place to enjoy a walk. The 17.6 acre area was…read moreoriginally developed to treat stormwater. Stormwater parks help the environment by capturing and retaining stormwater runoff which prevents flooding in the surrounding areas. It cleanses and stores stormwater to recharge the aquifer. The pond plants removes pollutants from the water leaving it clean. Left untreated stormwater leads to algal blooms, muck deposits, fish kills, and other environmental problems. These ponds also attract a variety of wildlife including Florida's beautiful wading birds, alligators and turtles while providing a recreation area for the public. The South Lake Howard Nature Park opened in 2001 and contains stormwater ponds and infrastructure to help clean and filter the stormwater water from the sucrose's and neighborhoods before it enters Lake Howard. At the entrance to the park is a parking lot, picnic pavilions with tables, and restrooms. The first part of the trail into the park is a 1,000 foot boardwalk that takes you over the water. Further into the park are three paved loops measuring a quarter mile, half mile, and mile. At one point you have to cross over 21st West. The paved pathways make it easy for people of all exercise abilities to enjoy the park. As wonderful as the park is, there is even more to come. The city purchased an adjoining property which was the former home of WSIR Radio. They plan on adding more trails, boardwalks, kayak launch, play area, disc golf, an outdoor classroom and other amenities. Keep an eye out for the exciting new developments at South Lake Howard Nature Park.

I've lived in Davenport for 5 years and had no clue this gem of a park was there. This place is…read moreabsolutely pristine. There are a variety of facilities and it was extremely well maintained. I attended an event at the center in front of the playground. Although it was burning hot, those fans cooled us down. I was so glad the planners rented the space. Between the basketball, baseball, playground, racket ball, soccer, and tennis facilities, my children will not be bored this summer.

Attended my nephews graduation party today at the park. It was absolutely adorable. They rented the…read morelittle indoor clubhouse for shaded food and fun. The playground felt new and brought me back to my childhood with all the play attractions. The park itself is huge with tennis, basketball, racket ball, and baseball fields. Everything was modern and well kept. There was plenty of parking and rest areas. Truly enjoyed our visit!

Overall, this is a pleasant park in Lakeland, Florida. It has a welcoming ambiance and there are…read morequite a few restaurants around it. If you are in the area, I would definitely recommend checking this park out.

The lake (or really nice giant pond) is pretty. It is the backdrop for Hollis Gardens and is easy…read moreto walk around. There are several types of birds and ducks. We saw several nests while taking pictures. The lake has steps but there was so much trash and debris in and around the water that I would not want to sit there. There is an art museum, fire department, the Joinery (with restaurants and bathrooms) and stores nearby. Parking is free.

Great place to hang out and fish, camp, cookout. Lots of fishing spots without being overcrowded…read more Great staff as well.

I was actually surprised at the trails here. At first glance you don't see them and then there they…read moreare hidden from the parking area and fishing "lakes". Pretty trails which wind around more water area and under canopies of trees. Unfortunately there is trash lying around and some of the people I encountered seemed to not be there for nature, so that's why I only rated it three stars. Signs are almost unreadable and area doesn't seem to be taken care of. I will go back as I didn't get to explore the whole length of the trails. I advise being aware of your surroundings out here. Also enjoy nature and the beauty this park has to offer

A friend told us about this park so we decided to check it out. The park itself is a good size they…read morehad lots of stuff to do for the kids. Plenty of shade from the trees which was great and they have pavilions near by for parties and picnics. They also have some walking/ trails as well. It's a great park but if you have kids who like to wander just be aware because it's right next to a HUGE lake.

Beautiful park with great trails and tons to do! We had a…read morewonderful day at Lake Parker Park in Lakeland. It's a lovely spot with so many amenities for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. We came mainly for hiking in the early afternoon; even though it was a hot, breezy day, the trails were comfortable-b I sy enough to feel lively but never crowded. We walked all three trails (green, red, and blue), and each one was well-marked, peaceful, and shaded, with beautiful views of the lake. There are plenty of spots along the way to rest, stretch, or get in a little extra exercise. The grounds throughout the park are very well maintained, and the scenery is gorgeous. Beyond the trails, there is a huge variety of amenities: boat docking, tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, a soccer field, shaded picnic areas, pavilions for private events, and lots of parking. Overall, Lake Parker Park is a clean, well-kept, and truly enjoyable place with something for everyone. We are looking forward to coming back.

You can't miss this spot when you come to Lakeland. Apparently Queen Elizabeth donated two mute…read moreswans and now the rest is history. It's so peaceful around the lake and a pleasure to commune with nature.

This scenic 40 acre lake is named for John P. Morton who used to own land around the lake. Morton…read morewas the brother-in-law to Lakeland founder, Abraham G. Munn. Both business men came to Florida from Kentucky and Morton was a wealthy publisher. His company, John P. Morton and Co., was one of the largest book publishers in the South, specializing in textbooks and blank books. Morton died just a few years after Lakeland's official founding in 1885. He passed away in 1889 at the age 82 in Louisville but his prolific publishing house continued operation until 1943. Surrounding Lake Morton is a passive park area with benches and picnic tables. Bordering Lake Morton is the South and East Lake Morton Historic District Neighborhoods. Development of these neighborhoods began around 1906 with most of the bungalow and Mediterranean styles houses built during the Florida Boom between 1920 and 1926. In 1926 the City of Lakeland had 20 swans. They became a beloved part of the city and a Swan Department was even created to tend to the birds. By 1954 the last swan passed away leaving Lakeland very sad. Mrs. Robert Pickhardt, a Lakeland native living in England was familiar with the royal flock of swans on the Thames which were descended from the original pair given to Richard, the lion heart. She inquired about purchasing a pair for Lakeland and Queen Elizabeth offered to send swans if the city would pay the cost of capture, crating, and shipping at an estimated $300. The city was able to raise the money and the pair of White Mute Swans from England were released on Lake Morton on February 9, 1957. The swans became treasured celebrities and are the mascot and symbol of the city. The swan is in the city's logo, and in the names of businesses, neighborhoods, streets, and events. The best place to see the black and white swans of Lakeland along with other birds like anhinga, ducks, wood storks, egrets, herons, ibis, and pelicans is on Lake Morton. I loved watching the beautiful swans glide through the water along with all of the other birds on the lake. The only other place I can think of where there are swans like this is on Lake Eola in Orlando. Lake Morton is also home to the Mayfaire by-the-Lake, an art festival which takes place on Mother's Day weekend each year along the shores of the lake. It typically features more than 140 artist booths and is one of the oldest and largest art festivals in Central Florida.