Nature Walks
Saturdays January 17, February 21 and March 21, 2009
9 AM until 10:30 AM
Pre-registration is required - more 
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2200
East Lake Road
Palm Harbor, FL 34685
Phone 727.669.1951
Fax 727.669.1953
location
map
diagram
gmap
History/Orientation:
John Chesnut Sr. Park was picture built in
cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
It covers approximately 255 acres and is conveniently
located near communities of Palm Harbor and
Tarpon Springs, serving north Pinellas County.
Additionally, residents of Pasco and Hillsborough
counties utilize this park. It is situated
immediately adjacent Lake Tarpon.
Virtual
Tour-
360° Views of John Chesnut
Sr. Park
Peggy
Park Trail
Boat
Ramp
Brooker
Creek
Paw
Playground
Foot
Bridge
Shelter
& Playground
Facilities include: There
are 13 picnic shelters. Shelters may be reserved
365 days per year, up to one year in advance.
There is a boat ramp with six lanes and parking
spaces for vehicles-with-trailers. A fishing
pier is available-a freshwater license may
be required (inquire with the Tax collector's
office.) The park has grills and picnic tables
throughout the grounds, two playgrounds,
horseshoe
pits, a beach volleyball court, a softball
field, water fountains, and restrooms. A
Paw Playground was added in 2003, a great
addition for almost 800,000 visitors.
Features: This
park is home to various wildlife. Raccoons,
alligators, various waterfowl, hawks, vultures,
tortoises/turtles, snakes, etc. reside
in
this park, and provide many pleasant hours
for nature enthusiasts and families. Lake
Tarpon, immediately adjacent, is five miles
long and one mile wide, generally 8-12
feet
deep. This park is a popular launching site
for several fishing tournaments each year.
Lake Tarpon can accommodate boats with
combustion
engines, and provides great fun for water
skiers and jet skiers. Additionally, a
canoe
trail is a landlocked waterway connected
to an interior lake, but can only accommodate
non-combustion engines. For those who prefer
sports, a softball field and a beach volleyball
court are available first come, first served—bring
your own equipment. There are three nature
trails, each approximately 3,000 feet in
length.
The North Trail begins at Shelter #10, running
through a cypress swamp to the canoe trail—it
does not loop back. The Peggy Park Trail
features
a self-guided walk with brochure. The elevated
boardwalk runs along the boat ramp, leading
to an elevated lookout tower for a scenic
overview of Lake Tarpon. Swimming is prohibited inside the park.
Safety & protection
for all: Pets and
service dogs are welcome-must be on 6' leash.
An abundance of wildlife roam throughout the
park; however, they are protected and may
not be hunted, harassed, or fed. Additionally,
it is illegal to remove, damage, or destroy
plants. Intoxicants and firearms are prohibited.