Parks for Seniors - Space Coast Florida

Space Coast Parks for Seniors or Comfortable Strolls

The Florida Space Coast area is well known for the many naturalist adventures available. Whether a resident of Brevard County, or just visiting, the opportunities to explore natural Florida are without equal. Even famous destinations such as the Florida Everglades cannot boast such a diverse array of ecosystems and wildlife as Florida’s Space Coast.

While there are numerous well known Space Coast destinations for the adventurous naturalist, many visitors and residents might prefer to enjoy outdoor nature activities more comfortably. Those requiring assisted mobility, difficulty walking on unsure footing, or just seeking a comfortable stroll to appreciate our natural wonders will find many of our local parks to be a great destination. The parks featured in this article are Brevard County parks which provide a respite from development while still allowing convenient access.

Although there are community and regional parks found throughout the Space Coast area, only the parks which provide paved, or well-maintained trails or walkways are included in this list. Additionally, we have narrowed our list to include only parks which have less focus on sports related activities and still provide wildlife or local flora observation opportunities in abundance. Each of these Space Coast nature destinations provide a chance to get out and enjoy all that nature has in store for your naturalist adventure.

Brevard County Oars and Paddles Park	This park is a popular spot for non-motorized recreational activities including canoeing, rowing, and paddling. It accesses the Banana River through Brevard County’s Whiting Waterway. Park facilities include a boat house, floating launch dock, small pavilion, restrooms, parking, and picnic tables connected by a paved pedestrian walkway convenient for leisurely strolls.
Chain of Lakes Park	Located North of Titusville adjacent to the Brevard Community College and situated along the Indian River, this 92 acre regional park features wetlands and small lakes which invite an array of wildlife. At this park, you will find crossover bridges connected to approximately 3-miles of paved walking trails. The trails provide comfortable access to explore this local naturalist destination.Other facilities include an observation tower, pavilions, restrooms and ample parking.
Intracoastal Waterway Park	This small community river park provides a relaxing location to enjoy the local area. The park is landscaped with native trees and plants and provides paved pathways and winding boardwalks along the Indian River. Also provided at the Intracoastal Waterway Park are small picnic shelters and a restroom on the south side.While the park is not a large one, it provides the opportunity to stop and enjoy sunsets, fishing or just stroll a bit. Access to the this park is from westbound 520. You can park at several locations on the North side, or drive under the bridge to the South side. Exiting the park is on the South side heading East. Those traveling West will need to make a U-turn after merging with route 520 traffic.
Kelly Park East	This 15.37-acre community river park on the Banana River features a natural boat launch area for non-motorized watercraft with sandy beach and shower. The park is near a small scenic lagoon and provides a paved walkway providing comfortable access to enjoy wildlife viewing activities. The walkway connects to a mid-size pavilion, 5 grills, restrooms, drinking fountains and other recreation amenities. Two smaller pavilions and picnic tables provide picnicking by the river’s edge.There are also boat ramps with dock for motorized boats. The parking area to the South end of the park is reserved for those vehicles with boat trailers, but ample parking for automobiles is available on the North side.
Kelly Park West	This park is located just south of Kelly Park-East on the west side of Banana River Drive in Merritt Island. The 40 -acre community park offers a boardwalk and small fishing pier on the 2 1/2 acre brackish lake. Those seeking naturalist activities will enjoy the paved walkway which extends around the park perimeter. There are also restrooms, drinking fountain, pavilion and 5 grills which add convenience for your visit.
Kennedy Point Park	This 5.38-acre community river park features a paved shoreline walkway along with grills, restrooms, boat ramp and fishing access.
Kings Park	This 240-acre community river park is primarily a wetland preserve and haven for freshwater fishing, but offers a great opportunity for casual or more adventurous naturalist activities as well. The paved parking area adjacent to a deep freshwater lake offers a natural ramp for non-motorized boats, basic toilet facilities and relatively well maintained rustic trails. The trails lead to another small lake and follow along a canoe trail which invites exploration by water for the paddling enthusiast.The trails at this park can be used to access the nearby George Hamilton Trail to the West. This trail is paved and provides both biking and more convenient travel for casual outdoor wildlife viewing access.
Kiwanis Island Park	This 18 -acre community river park is situated in Merritt Island adjacent to a wildlife sanctuary and offers naturalist activities close to local amenities. Paved walkways provide comfortable access to much of the park and make for and enjoyable visit.The park caters to both active and passive recreational enthusiasts and is often the hub for diverse local activities. Kiwanis Park includes a Community Center which hosts a variety of local events both naturalist focused and general in nature (click here to view the Kiwanis Island Park event schedule).The boat ramp and a natural launch area provide access for boaters, rowers and paddlers into Sykes Creek leading to the Barge Canal or Banana River. Fishing is a popular Kiwanis Island Park activity and can be easily accessed from the shoreline or the fishing dock located in the park.
Kiwanis Park at Geiger Point	Located along the Indian River Lagoon, and offering scenic views along with shoreline fishing, this park includes a .25-mile paved walkway for leisurely strolls.
Lake Washington Park	This shaded 26 acre river park is situated along the shore of Lake Washington near West Melbourne. The park has ramps for power boats and a launch area for airboats and provides access to the St John’s River. Fishing is popular from the lake and fishing pier (license required). The paved walkway provides comfortable strolls to enjoy local flora, but are not as extensive as others.Other facilities located at this park include restrooms, a large pavilion and picnic shelters.
Lee Wenner Park	A pavilion, grills, picnic tables, restrooms, playground, and benches are connected by a paved walkway, while a boardwalk adjacent to the boat docks extends to Cocoa Riverfront Park and Historic Cocoa Village.
Lori Wilson Park	This 32 acre regional beach park featuring a maritime hammock is a popular site for events and group gatherings. The dunes and maritime hammock allow visitors to experience Florida’s natural coastline. Beach attractions include 3 pavilions along a 1,000’ boardwalk, 6 dune crossovers, year round lifeguards, onsite vendors, and surf fishing. Restrooms, 3 outdoor showers, drinking fountains, and parking lots are conveniently located on both the north and south sides of the hammock. Two medium pavilions, grills, a playground, an open grassy area, and a sand volleyball court are located on the north side. A grassy area and picnic tables are on the south side.The 1/2 mile interpretive boardwalk at the Maritime Hammock is accessed from the north parking lot, or by paved walkway from the south parking lot.
Merritt Island Rotary Park	The wooded drive into this 37 acre community park leads visitors to the park which includes an interpretive nature boardwalk which invites walks. A Nature Center offers exhibits, tours and classes.There is an event pavilion with 4 grills adjacent to restrooms with a paved walkway leading to the playground and benches. Three picnic shelters, grills and picnic tables, along with the paved walkway in this park invite leisure activity. To schedule a tour or arrange a visit to the Nature Center, call 321-455-1385.
Nicol Park	Park benches and a paved walkway invite leisurely strolls in this 5.03-acre community river park which is easily accessible from North U.S. Hwy 1.
Robert P Murkshe Memorial Park	This 2.5 acre park offers access to the ocean for surf fishing and beach activities. It features a small parking area, paved walkway from restrooms to dune crossover, outdoor shower, and picnic shelter in a nicely landscaped setting.
Rockledge Community Park	Visitors to this small local park can walk or cycle from Murrell Road into the park through scrublands along a paved walkway. The park includes covered shelter and an opportunity to enjoy a taste of local nature.
Rotary Riverfront Park	This 6-acre community river park along the Indian River features a pavilion with grills, picnic shelters, benches, restrooms, observation deck, paved walkway and a fishing pier.
South Patrick Community Park	This 8.12-acre neighborhood park is located off South Patrick Drive and across from Sea Park Elementary School. It features an open area with paved walkway for comfortable access, restrooms, and a small pavilion with 2 grills.
Travis Park	This 2.5 acre park includes a 1-mile paved nature trail around Clear Lake which extends from Travis Park to the Brevard Museum.
Watts Park	Picnic tables, 2 grills, bench, drinking fountain, paved walkway make it a convenient site for nature experiences. Site includes a medium pavilion (seats 24) and a small gazebo pavilion (seats 8).
William J Manzo Memorial Park	Well shaded by pine and palms, this park features a paved walkway, restrooms, small pavilion, and river boardwalk.
Woody Simpson Park	The park grounds include a shaded area, an open grassy area, a paved walkway to playground and small pavilion with sink and grill, benches, drinking fountain.

Note: Additions are planned for this page in the near future to assist those seeking comfortable exploration of these Space Coast destinations. Be sure to bookmark this page or subscribe to the RSS feeds to enjoy all the nature available in Brevard County’s Space Coast.