ARTICLE
Did you know that being physically active outdoors could be the newest prescription to help individuals with their mental health? The Park Prescription Program (Parkrx) is a movement that is increasing across the U.S., where doctors are encouraging their patients to visit parks to better physical and mental health. There is no denying that after a long day in the office, getting outside and being physically active is beneficial. Whether you are looking for new ways to improve your mental health or just looking for a place to take a stroll, we have created a list of 10 of our favorite Lakeland parks and trails just for you. Bonnet Springs Park Location: 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd. Lakeland, FL 33815 Our Central Park of Central Florida! This park is 186 acres and home to native gardens, trees, and creatures. Hop on the 1.7-mile paved circulator to make your way through the park. There are numerous trails that connect to the circulator allowing you to get up close and personal with nature. Bonnet Springs is a wonderful pet friendly place for you to bike or skate. Circle B Bar Reserve Location: 4399 Winter Lake Rd. (SR 540) Lakeland, FL 33801 If you are looking for a place to immerse yourself in nature this is the place for you. This 1,267-acre nature preserve offers over six miles of trails for walkers, joggers, and nature enthusiasts. You will experience walking through the wetlands, pastures, and oak hammocks within this park. But keep your eyes peeled because you are sure to see a few alligators hiding in the water. Douglas M. Cook Park Location: 955 Wedgewood Estates Blvd. Lakeland, Florida 33809 North of I-4, the 18-acre community park offers multipurpose sports fields, basketball court, playground, walking-trails, concession stand and a dog park. This park is a wonderful place to take your take your family for a picnic while enjoying outdoor activities. Fort Fraser Trail Location: FL 540 & US 98 (Lakeland) and FL 60 & US 98 (Bartow) This nearly 8-mile trail runs along Highway 98 from downtown Lakeland to Bartow. Although it is along Highway 98, this trail offers scenic routes and historic landmarks. Since it is paved and relatively flat, this trail is perfect for skating, biking and walking. Lake Hollingsworth Location: 920 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. Located near Florida Southern College, this 2.85-mile loop is a popular destination for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The trail encircles Lake Hollingsworth, offering stunning views of the water and surrounding neighborhoods. Lake Mirror Location: 121 S. Lake Ave. Lakeland, FL 33801 This 0.9-mile trail is located in the heart of downtown Lakeland and circles Lake Mirror. The Frances Langford Promenade is a paved path that offers a beautiful view of the lake and the downtown Lakeland Skyline. Lake Morton Location: Lake Morton Dr. Located near downtown Lakeland, this 0.75-mile loop offers stunning views of Lake Morton and its feathered residence. You can see every species of bird that calls Lake Morton home as you stroll around the lake on the paved sidewalk. If you need a place to rest, stop in Lakeland’s Public Library or even the Polk Museum of Art. Lake Parker Park Location: 910 Granada St, Lakeland, FL 33805 Lake Parker Park is a community park expanding 88-acre featuring 3.5mile loop trail. This park also includes a boat ramp, boat trailer parking, pickleball courts, disc golf course and an abundance of forest and picnic areas. Loyce E. Harpe Park Location: 500 W Carter Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813 Loyce E. Harpe Park is perfect for those who enjoy a more challenging hike. The 5-mile trail takes walkers through forests, along creeks, and up hills, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Loyce Harpe Park is home to multiuse fields, little league baseball and softball fields in addition to bicycling, disc golf, mountain biking, a skate park, boat launching site and much more. Three Parks Trail Location: Curtis Peterson Park, Woodlake Park and Common Ground Park This 3.4-mile trail takes you on a loop through Curtis Peterson Park, Woodlake Park and Common Ground Park. You will experience beautiful green space, a variety of recreational activities, shady trees and bridges. From peaceful lakeside walks to challenging hikes through dense forests, there is something for everyone in this beautiful city. So put on your walking shoes and explore all that Lakeland has to offer! Lakeland Bike and Pedestrian Pathways (arcgis.com) https://www.lakelandchamber.com/nature.html
Did you know that being physically active outdoors could be the newest prescription to help individuals with their mental health? The Park Prescription Program (Parkrx) is a movement that is increasing across the U.S., where doctors are encouraging their patients to visit parks to better physical and mental health. There is no denying that after a long day in the office, getting outside and being physically active is beneficial. Whether you are looking for new ways to improve your mental health or just looking for a place to take a stroll, we have created a list of 10 of our favorite Lakeland parks and trails just for you.
Bonnet Springs Park
Location: 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd. Lakeland, FL 33815
Our Central Park of Central Florida! This park is 186 acres and home to native gardens, trees, and creatures. Hop on the 1.7-mile paved circulator to make your way through the park. There are numerous trails that connect to the circulator allowing you to get up close and personal with nature. Bonnet Springs is a wonderful pet friendly place for you to bike or skate.
Circle B Bar Reserve
Location: 4399 Winter Lake Rd. (SR 540) Lakeland, FL 33801
If you are looking for a place to immerse yourself in nature this is the place for you. This 1,267-acre nature preserve offers over six miles of trails for walkers, joggers, and nature enthusiasts. You will experience walking through the wetlands, pastures, and oak hammocks within this park. But keep your eyes peeled because you are sure to see a few alligators hiding in the water.
Douglas M. Cook Park
Location: 955 Wedgewood Estates Blvd. Lakeland, Florida 33809
North of I-4, the 18-acre community park offers multipurpose sports fields, basketball court, playground, walking-trails, concession stand and a dog park. This park is a wonderful place to take your take your family for a picnic while enjoying outdoor activities.
Fort Fraser Trail
Location: FL 540 & US 98 (Lakeland) and FL 60 & US 98 (Bartow)
This nearly 8-mile trail runs along Highway 98 from downtown Lakeland to Bartow. Although it is along Highway 98, this trail offers scenic routes and historic landmarks. Since it is paved and relatively flat, this trail is perfect for skating, biking and walking.
Lake Hollingsworth
Location: 920 Lake Hollingsworth Dr.
Located near Florida Southern College, this 2.85-mile loop is a popular destination for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The trail encircles Lake Hollingsworth, offering stunning views of the water and surrounding neighborhoods.
Lake Mirror
Location: 121 S. Lake Ave. Lakeland, FL 33801
This 0.9-mile trail is located in the heart of downtown Lakeland and circles Lake Mirror. The Frances Langford Promenade is a paved path that offers a beautiful view of the lake and the downtown Lakeland Skyline.
Lake Morton
Location: Lake Morton Dr.
Located near downtown Lakeland, this 0.75-mile loop offers stunning views of Lake Morton and its feathered residence. You can see every species of bird that calls Lake Morton home as you stroll around the lake on the paved sidewalk. If you need a place to rest, stop in Lakeland’s Public Library or even the Polk Museum of Art.
Lake Parker Park
Location: 910 Granada St, Lakeland, FL 33805
Lake Parker Park is a community park expanding 88-acre featuring 3.5mile loop trail. This park also includes a boat ramp, boat trailer parking, pickleball courts, disc golf course and an abundance of forest and picnic areas.
Loyce E. Harpe Park Location: 500 W Carter Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
Loyce E. Harpe Park is perfect for those who enjoy a more challenging hike. The 5-mile trail takes walkers through forests, along creeks, and up hills, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Loyce Harpe Park is home to multiuse fields, little league baseball and softball fields in addition to bicycling, disc golf, mountain biking, a skate park, boat launching site and much more.
Three Parks Trail
Location: Curtis Peterson Park, Woodlake Park and Common Ground Park
This 3.4-mile trail takes you on a loop through Curtis Peterson Park, Woodlake Park and Common Ground Park. You will experience beautiful green space, a variety of recreational activities, shady trees and bridges.
From peaceful lakeside walks to challenging hikes through dense forests, there is something for everyone in this beautiful city. So put on your walking shoes and explore all that Lakeland has to offer!
Lakeland Bike and Pedestrian Pathways (arcgis.com)
https://www.lakelandchamber.com/nature.html