Serenity Walk Park, Florida, United States
3.5 (9 reviews) Spent 1-2 hours Ranking #2 in Naples Park Parks
Nature in the city
This March afternoon I had a nice walk in Serenity Walk Park. In 2017 there was a fire in the area, and then later hurricane Irma went through, and you can see the damage from both, but you can also see how it is bouncing back. I found the most interesting part of the walk was sering the different designs on the tree trunks that the fire had created also seeing how some trees had died, yet some lived, right next to each other. There are five or six parking spaces and a nice gazebo with a picnic table, but no restroom facilities. It is just off of main road, but it could be a nice break to view nature in the city. Mostly we saw butterflies and lizards, but supposedly deer are there also. We went in the middle of the afternoon, and it was blazing hot for the most part (little shade), so I would suggest evening or morning, or at least a time when it’s below 80°!
Address
Collier Bvd, Naples Park, FL 34114
Current local date and time now
Saturday, May 11, 2024, 18:12
User Ratings
3.5 based on (9 reviews)
Reviews
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4Where2next629 5:00 PM Jan 20, 2018
Park is open
very limited parking space so get there early. only like 5 spots and 1 is for handicapped. nice walk, about a mile loop. yes, there was a fire but it's interesting to see the regrowth. Saw a bluebird and woodpecker. quiet, easy stroll with beautiful scenery. there's a small deck with a picnic table.
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4Arielfl 5:00 PM Mar 19, 2020
Easy Hike Enjoyable For Everyone
Serenity Walk Park is a 99 acre preserve that is located along the western edge of Collier Boulevard north of Rattlesnake Hammock Road. This area was originally a mitigation project in response to the loss of 44 acres of wetlands for the Lely Area Stormwater Improvement project. Without a continuous drainage system the area was prone to flooding. The county bought the land to create a park in 2002. They paid $2.75 million of which $1.1 million was a grant from the Florida Communities Trust through the Florida Forever land acquisition program. The park cost $150,000 to build. Nonnative trees and plants were removed and the land was regraded to restore wetland functions. Almost 3,000 pine and cypress trees and more than 64,000 ground cover plants including native grasses Sara Cord grass, Love grass, soft rush, St. Johns Wart and lick wood were planted to restore the land. The park a mile long loop walking trail through pine flatwoods and a cypress pine mixed forest.and a picnic deck. The park opened in 2011 as the Lely Area Stormwater Improvement Project Mitigation Park but was renamed Serenity Walk Park the next year. In 2017 the park was shut for almost a year to make repairs after a fire in March and Hurricane Irma in September. There is a number of smaller trails that cross the main loop that used to be a larger extension trail that have been abandoned since Hurricane Irma. You can still see the trees that fell from the storm. The park has only about a half dozen parking spots and a bike rack. During my visit every one of them was taken along with some creative parking but I was able to get a spot after waiting a few minutes. The trail is in full sun so it can get quite hot and it is sandy earth so it might be difficult for handicapped guests. Along the trail are interpretive signs about LASIP, the removal of invasive plants, wetland mitigation, and the restoration of wildlife habitats. If you are lucky you may spot an eagle or deer but I didn't see any wildlife during my hike. Dogs are not allowed and there are no restrooms or water so bring your own. The park is open every day from 7 AM until sundown. It is so nice that Naples was able to restore this land and turn it into a park that everyone can benefit from. Over 10 years later it is still popular with people looking to exercise and enjoy nature.
