Cliff Stephens Park

Cliff Stephens Park
600 Fairwood Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33759 

     In 1980, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and the City of Clearwater joined  in a cooperative effort to manage Alligator Creek. The agreement included the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the creek. The SWFWMD provided land and operates the water-control structure. Clearwater operates and maintains Cliff Stephens Park. The project provides storm-water management and flood protection for the surrounding Clearwater area.
    

   Cliff Stephens Park consists of 44 acres located near the intersection of Drew St. and Fairwood Ave., there are no restrooms or potable water at the park. Among the trails hide a 19 station Disc Frisbee golf course. The  Some of the other things a visitor can do while enjoying the park is hike among the numerous trails,fishing from the four docks, grilling at the many picnic areas. The  Clearwater East-West  Trail runs through the park which is part of the Pinellas Trail System of biking and includes the Ream Wilson Trail that runs through the park. Some of Florida's Trees can be identified along with insects, frogs, birds and reptiles.

Professor ready to go.

This is how we do it.

The abundance oaks are beautiful at Cliff Stephens Park. It amazes me that these trees do not just fall over. Some of these trunks are very large. Much of the park is oak hammocks.  I was impressed with the rich density of this park. The oaks growing all snarled is truly beautiful.









Spanish moss is plentiful in the oaks at the park. This oak was full of the moss as the breeze gently passed the tree looked like it was bearded. 

Man made ponds that were designed  to catch storm water lovely. These habitats are a places were turtles, fish, frogs abound. We spotted several common cooter and soft shell turtles.
 The wetlands of the park are very healthy most probably due to the amount of rain we have had over the last several months. The lakes and back water ponds seemed full.





Another surprise for me today was to visit this Clearwater Park. A place I will go back to enjoy!