Let us start at the beginning. . . 

When you first drive in you will note a picnic table, the restroom building and the children’s play area.

Just to the right of the play area we find an opening in the short fence and a path. As you begin your journey up the path you will encounter several small cement pads painted white. They appear like they were placed there to anchor or support something. Perhaps a large piece of machinery of some kind? If you are as inquisitive or nosey as we are we wondered what they might have been for so we submitted the question to the Tarpon Parks management. We will update this story when we receive an answer. Perhaps a local resident might know as well? At any rate you will know we leave no stone – or foot pad – unturned to find the answers to the questions these Parks pose!

Continuing up the path and then coasting down the other side we also wonder if this is perhaps one of the higher points in the County? Actually, no. This Park’s elevation is listed at 36’ which is considerably shorter than the County’s official highest elevation of 110’ near the intersection of Countryside and 580. Okay, it’s not The Matterhorn but it was an unexpected and fun surprise.

At the foot of the other side of our hill you will find stairs leading to a boardwalk that zigs and zags though a tall, shady group of trees. As you walk you will begin to get a glimpse of your destination - a panoramic view of Lake Tarpon. There are benches built into the ends of the dock where you might fish or just sit and take it all in. You might even see an alligator in the shade below the dock on a hot day. They prefer a little cooling off as well.

One feature we failed to mention that you will notice on your return trip. At the top of the hill you will find a bench strategically placed by someone knowing that a rest stop might be in order for some like us who have the willing spirit but may lack the fortitude we once had and do welcome a short respite before completing our journey.

After successfully completing the "hike" you might consider enjoying your lunch at the picnic table.

There is not a lot to see and do at this small Park and we thought of not including it. That would have been wrong. We have discovered that every Park has something special to offer and it’s up to each of us to see what it is and enjoy it. As we hurry through life it’s good to stop now and then to see what we might be missing.

We still have not heard back from Tarpon Parks Management so if you have some background knowledge about the Park and particularly about the white "pads" please tell us about them - inquiring minds want to know!