A recent addition to Florida’s charm, besides the wetlands, the beaches, and the theme parks is it’s public parks. Awesome parks are located in close proximity to most neighborhoods. One especially financially thin year for me, I opted out of the routine theme park extravaganza and took my grand-daughters on a park crawl. We visited a park every day during their summer stay with me. They loved being outdoors in the heat, and several parks had water features where kids and adults could cool off.

I thought the growing park enhancements were a Hillsborough county project but I have found just as many awesome parks here in Polk County. It must be a movement in the entire state. Great job!

This weekend I took all three of my granddaughters ages two – eight and eleven to visit: Depot Park also known as Centennial Park on West Park Street in Auburndale. It was a typical hot steamy day that is characteristic of Florida living but this park has lots of shade! Playgrounds are divided into two sections for age appropriate access, 2 to 5 and 5 and older. Something for everyone. Across Park Street you will find Ike’s Ice Cream Parlor and Arcade for ice cream snacks, refreshments, and cooling off the little ones and the big ones too! Great fun on a lazy Saturday afternoon.  Here is view of our day at the park from Nana’s camera. Enjoy!

DEPOT (CENTENNIAL) PARK
WEST PARK STREET
(Downtown Auburndale across from Civic Center)

The park parallels West Park Street in Downtown Auburndale. It features strolling sidewalks covered train tressels for picnics.  However, grills, pets and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.