potential have placed this community on Southwest Florida’s map. The North Port City Commission recog- nizes that the City’s parks system is a vital part of a community and greatly improves the quality of life for North Port resi- dents. Because of the City Commission’s strong support, the City’s Parks and Rec- reation Division consistently is working NORTH PORT to improve park facilities and develop new recreational opportunities for North Port explore Discover North Port’s Treasures residents and area visitors. A woman gently strokes a white star on a And North Port’s parks would not be what quarter horse’s nose as the animal lifts his SM they are without community involvement. For those who enjoy exploring a new, head through the window of his stall inside a The North Port City Commission encour- up-and-coming Florida community, wooden horse stable tucked inside the North ages and supports local nonprofit groups the City of North Port is located in Port Estates. Visitors and residents alike and businesses to donate their time and Sarasota County between Tampa and take advantage of the opportunity to ride energy to making North Port’s parks a Fort Myers. The Southwest Florida city through the terrain at the Myakkahatchee better place. Public art has been donated Creek Environmental Park. is tucked beneath a thick oak and pine to the City’s parks. The community also canopy, rich with archeological history, Just a few miles away, a woman in a bathing has taken a leadership role in tree plant- beautiful natural springs, and more than suit leans back in a lawn chair at the banks of ing and landscaping at the Garden of Five 95 miles of freshwater canals. Warm Mineral Springs, an internationally Senses. In addition, community organiza- known natural spring with temperatures tions have adopted the City’s roadways Incorporated just 50 years ago, the City’s that maintain 87 degrees. Visitors travel and parks, keeping them attractive and population has a median age of 38 and from around the world to soak in the clean for the entire community’s use. is one of the youngest in the Southwest City of North Port Springs’ soothing waters. Florida region. This City is known for 4970 City Hall Boulevard Take a ride in this Southwest its youthful mindset and unique natural North Port, FL 34286 Inside this 103-square-mile city, treasures Florida city. Go for a walk along Sumter environment. Visitors and residents in exist. From horse stables and natural Boulevard and Toledo Blade Boulevard, this City can enjoy , (941) 429-7207 springs to more than 95 miles of winding two new road projects that offer a “linear hiking, horseback riding, bird watching Parks and Recreation Office park” experience. Put in a kayak at Dallas canals, including the 9-mile strand of and more. the Myakkahatchee Creek, the City of White Park and paddle through the (941) 429-7000 North Port offers visitors and residents canal system. Challenge your friends to a In North Port, it is natural to feel vital General Information an abundance of opportunity. Known as a mountain biking adventure at Oaks Park. and potential is unlimited. Explore place for families, North Port’s youth and Explore North Port. It’s worth it. North Port. www.cityofnorthport.com

2 Hope Park Marius Park 5 This is a great neighborhood park featuring a small play- 14 Take a picture of the family with a great carving created ground and picnic shelter. Make some sandwiches and by a local resident in the neighborhood. This neighbor- 4 something to drink and take the kids on a little picnic. hood park also has benches and a grill to enjoy a picnic. 8161 Lombra Ave. Marius Road long -82.246 lat 27.059 long -82.254 lat 27.035 3 Kirk Park Marina Park 9 6 This is a unique neighborhood park with playground 15 This park has one boat ramp. Explore the Coco Plum 5 equipment, picnic shelter, shuffleboard and basketball Waterway to the Myakka River, north to Florida’s inland 8 court. Great for an afternoon of fun for all ages. coastal scene, or head south to the Gulf of Mexico. 8305 Trionfo Ave. 7030 Chancellor Blvd. long -82.250 lat 27.057 long -82.250 lat 27.034 6 7 Garden of the Five Senses BMX Freestyle Bike Park 7 Upon entering the gates you will be transported into 16 Featuring a 15,000-square-foot riding area utilizing a serenely beautiful environment. This unique sensory portable ramp modules capable of being moved to give 10 garden is designed to entice each of the five senses. a BMX biker plenty of jumps and maneuverability. 4299 Pan American Blvd. 6225 Kenwood Ave 11 long -82.241 lat 27.056 long -82.241 lat 27.036 12 18 19 13 Family Paw Park Highland Ridge Park 20 8 This park, scheduled to open in Fall 2010, will feature a 17 Definitely a park for the whole family. Visitors can play 1.5 acre fenced area with separate sections for small and on one of the many courts while the kids have a picnic, 14 16 large dogs; shade pavilions; and water stations. fly a kite or climb on the new playground equipment. 17 Appomattox Dr. 6225 Kenwood Drive 15 long -82.232 lat 27.060 long -82.239 lat 27.036

Blue Ridge Park Pine Park 9 Sure to entertain with covered playgrounds and new 18 A great neighborhood park for North Port’s smallest of “state of the art” equipment, large pavilion and residents. This park has a picnic shelter and small tot 21 restrooms. A great place for birthday parties & cookouts. playground for toddlers to enjoy. 2155 Ridgewood Drive 4556 McKibben Drive long -82.205 lat 27.061 long -82.213 lat 27.041

North Port Skate Park McKibben Park 10 Want to learn ? This is the park for you. 19 This park features a basketball court, two tennis courts, There is a beginner and advanced course with ramps, shuffleboard court, racquetball court, picnic area and jumps and rails, restrooms and two small shelters. playground equipment it is sure to be a great day. 22 5651 North Port Blvd 5500 Trekell Street 1 long -82.235 lat 27.047 long -82.210 lat 27.040

Dallas White Park Atwater Park 11 A great place for a birthday party, family picnic or just 20 This 25 acre community park will be under construction hanging out and having fun. This facility is adjacent to in 2010. Featuring little league fields; picnic facilities; Amenities Key the North Port Family YMCA and public pool. trails and other amenities. 5900 Greenwood Ave. ?????? Baseball Field Picnicking long -82.232 lat 27.046 long -82.109 lat 27.066

Basketball Courts Playground

BMX Bikes Racquetball Myakka State Forest Butler Park Veterans Park Myakkahatchee Environmental Park Boat Ramp Rest Rooms 1 More than 100 bird species and 19 miles of trails, per- 3 This sports facility has various lighted playing fields, 12 This park is next to the Library and is a great place to sit 21 Three nature trails throughout the park can be explored fect for bird watching, hiking, mountain biking & more. batting cages, a bike path, picnic shelters, concession by a quiet pond & enjoy a good read, a picnic, or watch by horseback or foot. Observation decks over the Myak- Concessions Stand Roler Blades Bring water & handheld GPS & explore the wilderness. stand/restroom, and a playground. birds. Ducks & other water fowl call the pond home. kahatchee Creek offer a great opportunity to bird watch Fitness Room Shuffleboard 2000 South River Road 6205 West Price Blvd. 13750 Tamiami Trail 6968 Reistertown Road long -82.302532 lat 26.988630 long -82.224 lat 27.068 long-82.247 lat27.045 long 82.199 lat 27.117 Football Fields Skateboard

Gymnasium Soccer Fields

Horeseback Riding Fields Narramore Sports Complex George Mullen Activity Center La Brea Park Oaks Park 2 Pick up a bat or grab a soccer ball at this complex. Hous- 4 Join a yoga class, indoor basketball game, or one of the 13 A great park to take the kids to play some T-ball or bas- 22 This park offers amazing trails for mountain bike riding. Meeting Room Pool ing three new lighted softball and soccer fields visitors many activities hosted inside this recreational center. in- ketball. The park features one lighted basketball court, A great place to explore nature and local wildlife by foot. Mountain Biking Tennis Courts can enjoy a day or night game. cludes a workout gym with state-of-the-art equipment. one T-ball field, a picnic shelter / grill and a playground. Enjoy a picnic at the tables by Myakkahatchee Creek. 7508 Glenallen Blvd. 4956 City Center Blvd. 6340 LaBrea St. Mandrake Terrace Nature Trail Volleyball long -82.242 lat 27.073 long -82.203 lat27.074 long -82.246 lat 27.042 long -82.212 lat 27.098 Pavilion Get up, get out and go play! With so many playgrounds to discover and year round temperature averag- ing 76 degrees, there is no rea- son to stay home. Play a family game of tag, spin the kids on the tire swings, or, if you dare, try to keep up with the kids on the state-of-the-art climb- ing gyms. Socialize with other local parents. Host your child’s birthday parties. Plan family picnics. Barbecue with your neigh- bors. At these parks, the possibili- ties are endless. Each park is a unique treasure of its own and is waiting to be explored. So get out there and discover North Port’s parks!

Looking for an adrenaline rush? How does 15,000 square-feet of challenging freestyle BMX ramps, wall rides, stair sets, half pipes, and jump modules sound? Or maybe 14,000 square-feet of beginner and ad- vanced skateboard courses filled with rails, step ups, vertical walls, bowls, jumps, and ramps? Maybe you’re more the nature extremist who would rather mountain bike through miles of rough terrain, challenging your- self with various obstacles on the way. If extreme is for you, North Port has it! Visit our BMX Bike Park, our North Port Skate Park, and our mountain bike trails at Oaks Park. playgrounds

waterLooking to experience nature along Southwest Florida’s premier coast- line? The City of North Port gives avid boaters and fishing enthusiast’s sports direct access to Charlotte Harbor and sportsWant to try something new? Try join- ing one of the many sports leagues the Boca Grande Pass, the world’s premier community has to offer. From youth to tarpon fishing spot. Boaters can travel adult leagues, co-ed leagues, and even north on the Myakka River to experi- senior leagues, there are endless sports ence Florida’s inland native landscape, possibilities for all ages. or south toward El Jobean to discover Challenge friends and family to competi- some of the world’s best saltwater tive game of basketball, soccer, softball, fishing. Along the waterways, discover tennis, volleyball, football, or even a native birds, saltwater and freshwater round of golf at one of the champion- fish, manatees, and alligators. The City ship golf courses in the area. If playing has a variety of boat ramps, with pre- sports isn’t for you, grab a hot dog and miere access to , kayaking and watch a local game at one of the new motor boating along secluded water- sports complexes. Regardless of your ways and more than 95 miles of fresh- athletic ability, North Port has some- water canals. Explore a different side thing for all. of North Port.

As the fourth largest city in land mass in naturenaturethe state, North Port offers a rare oppor- tunity to explore Southwest Florida’s lush natural canopy. The pristine, undeveloped Myakka State Forest and “world famous” natural springs are just a few of the hidden treasures to be found. Enjoy an unforgettable hike, mountain bike ride, or horseback ride through several miles of trails that cut amid a lush natural canopy. Visit one of several nature parks and discover the vast array of bird and wildlife species. Have an afternoon picnic at the City’s Garden of Five Senses, which is designed to entice your taste, smell, touch, sight, and hearing. Take a canoe or kayak out and enjoy over 95 miles of freshwater canals. With its lush tree line and multiple eco- tourism opportunities, this City boasts a unique natural environment that is ready to be explored.