Date Of Visit:
February 20, 2010
5726 Panther Loop
Plant City, Fl. 33567
(813) 757-3802
Hours of Operation:
Winter Hours 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Spring Hours 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Summer Hours 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Fall Hours 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Entrance Fee:
$2.00 per Car $1.00 per person over 8 people
Staffing:
Park Rangers Plenty on Hand (I saw 4 while I was there)
Park Features:
Reservoir:
Unfortunately the reservoir has been drained for repairs. I spoke with one of
the Rangers and the repairs are to be completed in May of this year. However no visitors will be allowed access to the reservoir until the water is replenished. This could take a few years. So no fishing, boating, or boardwalk for quite some time.
Boat Ramp: 4 Bays (closed)
Boardwalk: (closed)
Fishing: (closed)
Observation Tower (closed)
Picnic Areas:
Many pavilions small to large, each pavilion has a grill near by. I addition there are many picnic tables located under trees.
One area has pavilion rentals:
1 Pavilion = $70.00 per day
2 Pavilion = $140.00 per day
The entire rental area $ 210.00 per day
Playground:
Large playground area for toddlers to elementary age
February 20, 2010
5726 Panther Loop
Plant City, Fl. 33567
(813) 757-3802
Hours of Operation:
Winter Hours 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Spring Hours 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Summer Hours 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Fall Hours 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Entrance Fee:
$2.00 per Car $1.00 per person over 8 people
Staffing:
Park Rangers Plenty on Hand (I saw 4 while I was there)
Park Features:
Reservoir:
Unfortunately the reservoir has been drained for repairs. I spoke with one of
the Rangers and the repairs are to be completed in May of this year. However no visitors will be allowed access to the reservoir until the water is replenished. This could take a few years. So no fishing, boating, or boardwalk for quite some time.
Boat Ramp: 4 Bays (closed)
Boardwalk: (closed)
Fishing: (closed)
Observation Tower (closed)
Picnic Areas:
Many pavilions small to large, each pavilion has a grill near by. I addition there are many picnic tables located under trees.
One area has pavilion rentals:
1 Pavilion = $70.00 per day
2 Pavilion = $140.00 per day
The entire rental area $ 210.00 per day
Playground:
Large playground area for toddlers to elementary age
children, swings, sand station, mountain climbing, and play combos.
Restrooms:
Plenty of restrooms surprisingly clean.
Hiking Trails:
Although you can explore all areas of this park their are no marked hiking trails.
Sacred Hills:
This is unique to this park, large hills (left over deposits of soil from phosphate mining) that can be climbed and explored. While I was there someone was using the hills to play paintball games. Not sure that you are allowed to use the hills for that purpose but it sure looked like fun. My children absolutely loved these hills when they were growing up.
Equestrian:
Although you are allowed to bring your horse I did not see anyone riding.
Open Areas:
Many open areas for room to play, Kite Fly, whatever.
Sun/Shade:
Good mix of sun and shade.
Parking:
Plenty of parking (many in shade)
Concession Stand:
None although I did see two Pepsi machines. Nearest convenient store is one mile.
Camping Facilities:
40 family sites
2 group sites
42 sites with electricity
Many with potable water
Dump station available
Showers available
A drive through the campsites showed many large recreational vehicles, pop up campers, and tents. All shaded.
To register for camping call (813)-757-3802
Wildlife:
Armadillo, Marsh Rabbit, Squirrels, Red Fox, Coyote, Buzzard, Hawk.
Restrooms:
Plenty of restrooms surprisingly clean.
Hiking Trails:
Although you can explore all areas of this park their are no marked hiking trails.
Sacred Hills:
This is unique to this park, large hills (left over deposits of soil from phosphate mining) that can be climbed and explored. While I was there someone was using the hills to play paintball games. Not sure that you are allowed to use the hills for that purpose but it sure looked like fun. My children absolutely loved these hills when they were growing up.
Equestrian:
Although you are allowed to bring your horse I did not see anyone riding.
Open Areas:
Many open areas for room to play, Kite Fly, whatever.
Sun/Shade:
Good mix of sun and shade.
Parking:
Plenty of parking (many in shade)
Concession Stand:
None although I did see two Pepsi machines. Nearest convenient store is one mile.
Camping Facilities:
40 family sites
2 group sites
42 sites with electricity
Many with potable water
Dump station available
Showers available
A drive through the campsites showed many large recreational vehicles, pop up campers, and tents. All shaded.
To register for camping call (813)-757-3802
Wildlife:
Armadillo, Marsh Rabbit, Squirrels, Red Fox, Coyote, Buzzard, Hawk.
