Getting out into nature has become more important than ever these days as a way to maintain physical, mental, social, and spiritual health. Over the years, numerous studies have linked spending time (about 30 min to an hour) in green spaces with lower rates of depression and blood pressure, reduced anxiety, increased production of immune cells and cancer-fighting proteins, increased self esteem and mood, enhanced working memory and cognitive performance, improved attention abilities, greater social cohesion, and a sense of place. The list goes on.
One of the many wonderful things about Phillippi Creek is that its watershed encompasses 18 different parks and preserves that are open for public use under CDC health guidelines for social distancing. Take a break from everything and safely enjoy all the benefits these outdoor places have to offer.
Celery Fields, Photo Credit engineg
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1. Longwood Park
6050 Longwood Run Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34243
Amenities: Baseball Field, Basketball, Dog-Friendly (leash required), Picnicking, Playground, Restroom, Shelter/ Pavilion, Tennis Court
2. Circus Hammock Preserve
4572 17th St. Sarasota, FL 34235
Amenities: Birding, Dog-Friendly (leash required), Picnicking, Trail – Unpaved, Wildlife Viewing
3. 17th Street Paw Park
4570 and 4730 17th St. Sarasota, FL 34235
Amenities: Dog Park, Picnicking, Restroom, Shelter/ Pavilion, Soccer Field, Softball Field
4. Bobby Jones Golf Club
1000 Circus Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34232
Amenities: Trails and Restrooms are open 6 AM – 6 PM
5. Fruitville Park
5151 Richardson Road, Sarasota, FL 34232
Amenities: Basketball, Outdoor Fitness Equipment, Picnicking, Playground, Restroom, Shelter / Pavilion, Soccer Field, Softball Field, Tennis Court, Trail – Paved
6. Ackerman Park
400 Apex Road, Sarasota, FL 34240
Amenities: Birding, Dog-Friendly (leash required), Fishing, Picnicking, Playground, Shelter / Pavilion, Trail – Unpaved
7. Celery Fields
6893 Palmer Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34240
Amenities: Birding, Dog-Friendly (leash required), Fishing, Picnicking, Restroom, Trail – Unpaved, Wildlife Viewing
8. Lockleer Park
821 S. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34237
Amenities: Birding, Dog-Friendly (leash required), Fishing, Picnicking, Playground, Restroom, Shelter / Pavilion, Trail – Unpaved
9. Levee Trail Park
1027 Greer Drive, Sarasota, FL 34237
Amenities: Bicycling, Birding, Dog-Friendly (leash required), Picnicking, Shelter / Pavilion, Trail – Paved, Wildlife Viewing
10. Pinecraft Park
1420 Gilbert Ave. Sarasota, FL 34239
Amenities: Birding, Canoe/Kayak Launch, Fishing, Picnicking, Playground, Restroom, Shelter / Pavilion
Shuffleboard, Trail – Paved, Trail – Unpaved, Volleyball
11. Colonial Oaks Park
5300 Colonial Oaks Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34232
Amenities: Basketball, Dog-Friendly (leash required), Multi-Purpose Field, Picnicking, Playground, Restroom, Shelter / Pavilion, Tennis Court
12. Urfer Family Park
4012 Honore Ave. Sarasota, FL 34233
Amenities: Bicycling, Birding, Dog-Friendly (leash required), Historical / Cultural Resource, Outdoor Fitness Equipment, Picnicking, Playground, Restroom, Shelter / Pavilion, Trail – Paved, Trail – Unpaved, Wildlife Viewing
13. Rothenbach Park
8650 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34241
Amenities: Bicycling, Birding, Outdoor Fitness Equipment, Picnicking, Playground, Restroom, Shelter / Pavilion, Trail – Paved, Wildlife Viewing
14. Lakeview Park
7150 Lago St. Sarasota, FL 34241
Amenities: Birding, Canoe/Kayak Launch, Disc Golf, Dog Park, Dog-Friendly (leash required), Petanque, Picnicking, Restroom, Shelter / Pavilion
15. Bee Ridge Park
4430 S. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34231
Amenities: Basketball, Community Garden, Dog-Friendly (leash required), Grills, Horseshoes, Picnicking, Playground, Restroom, Shelter / Pavilion, Softball Field, Volleyball
16. Red Bug Slough Preserve
5200 Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL 34231
Amenities: Birding, Dog-Friendly (leash required), Fishing Pier, Picnicking, Playground, Restroom, Shelter / Pavilion, Trail – Unpaved, Wildlife Viewing
17. Phillippi Estate Park
5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231
Amenities: Birding, Canoe/Kayak Launch, Dog-Friendly (leash required), Fishing Pier, Historical / Cultural Resource, Picnicking, Playground, Restroom, Shelter / Pavilion, Trail – Paved, Trail – Unpaved, Wildlife Viewing
18. Twin Lakes Park
6700 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34241
Amenities: Baseball Field, Basketball, Bicycling, Birding, Community Garden, Dog-Friendly (leash required), Fishing, Football Field, Grills, Horseshoes, Multi-Purpose Field, Picnicking, Playground, Racquetball, Restroom, Shelter / Pavilion, Soccer Field, Tennis Court, Trail – Paved, Trail – Unpaved
Twin Lakes Park