These Jacksonville Parks Are Hidden Gems

Jacksonville is a fabulous place to get outdoors. There are wonderful places to relax in nature, including recreational facilities and a range of outdoor activities available—all for free. There are also larger state and regional parks, such as Little Talbot Island, Jennings State Forest, Fort George Cultural Park, and Timucuan Ecological Preserve. Here are a few lesser-known parks in and around our Jacksonville apartments that you can discover near Lakeline at Bartram Park:

Tree Hill Nature Center

This park is a 50-acre urban wilderness. A freshwater stream flows through a hardwood forest and wetlands. Enjoy nature trails and wildlife viewing stations. The Tree Hill Nature Center has wildflower gardens, a learning laboratory, and interactive exhibits. There is also an outdoor classroom and an amphitheater.

Seaton Creek Historic Preserve

On May 17, 1777 the Battle of Thomas Creek was fought here. It was the southernmost battle of the Revolutionary War. The Seaton Creek Historic Preserve of 840 acres has five miles of trails open to walkers, bicyclists, and horses. There is a kayak launch as well. The creek feeds into the Nassau River, where fishing is allowed. There is also a Civil War-era site at Camp Milton Historic Preserve.

Crystal Springs Road Park

This park, in addition to nature trails, has lighted tennis, handball, and pickleball courts. There is a baseball field for adults. There are also picnic shelters, grills, and restrooms. On the occasion of the planting of 165 new trees here in 2005, a state-of-the-art playground was installed. This park is also the location of the Julian W. Barrs Community Center, named for a popular Director of the Parks Department.

Herbert Bayer Park

This park was purchased and named in 1950 after Florida's most famous legislative reporter Herbert Bayer who wrote for the Florida Union Times from 1925 to 1964. The Murray Hill Art Center offers an array of art classes including pottery, basketry, painting, weaving, and quilting. 

Of course, there are other great parks in Jacksonville, such as Forestry Tower Park, Jacksonville Arboretum, Norman Studios, Palms Fish Camps, Willowbranch Rose Garden, S-Line Rail Trail, and Trout River Pier. There are also many Jacksonville parks that you can kayak at. If you'd like to make Jacksonville home, contact us for a free tour of our Jacksonville apartments.