Nature Walks
Saturdays, September 19, October 17 and November 21, 2009 more  
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 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.
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
Dog Park 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.
Virtual
Tour-
360° Views of John Chesnut
Sr. Park
Peggy
Park Trail
Boat
Ramp
Brooker
Creek
Dog Park
Foot
Bridge
Shelter
& Playground
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.
Who was John Chesnut?
This park was named in honor of John Chesnut,
Sr., Pinellas County Commissioner from 1937
until 1953. Organizer of the Pinellas County
Park Board, Mr. Chesnut worked tirelessly to
make access to county parks easy for residents.
In addition to parks, Mr. Chesnut worked to
build the Belleair Beach Causeway and the first
Sunshine Skyway Bridge. He also worked to make
possible the Gulf Beaches water system. His
son, John Chesnut Jr., also served on the Board
of County Commissioners from 1976 until 1992. |
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