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Sports

Enjoy The Outdoors At Local Parks

Tired of staying home or need some exercise? There's a good bet that city and county parks are what you're looking for.

Temple Terrace Parks and Recreation Department has something for everyone.  If you’re looking for tiny tots gymnastics, senior-cise exercise, or anything in between, call 813-506-6600 or visit www.templeterrace.com/parks.

For those looking to enjoy and explore the outdoors, take some time to visit community and neighborhood parks the city has to offer.

Ben Lomond Park (2.38 acres) is named for its location at the corner of Ben Lomond Drive and North Riverhills Drive. This neighborhood park and playground is covered with oak-dappled shade and features picnic tables, benches and a water fountain. This park has been adopted by the Tampa Metro Civitan Club.

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Billy Graham Garden/Preservation Park (.2 acres) is located on North Riverhills Drive at Florida College and is one of Temple Terrace's newest parks. Billy Graham Garden is found nestled along the banks of the Hillsborough River beneath oak and cypress trees. It provides a cool place to sit and enjoy the beauty of Temple Terrace. This park has been adopted by the Temple Terrace Preservation Society.

Biltmore Park (2.1 acres) is the city’s first park and is located on Biltmore Avenue between South Glen Arven and Riverhills Drive, one block north of Riverhills Elementary School. It has open spaces tailor-made for a game of volleyball, badminton, croquet, Frisbee or a simple game of catch. Park amenities include a basketball court, playground, swings, picnic tables, benches, drinking fountain and trash receptacles. Improvements have been made with financial assistance from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection through the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program. The park is available for adoption.

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Bonnie Brae Park (2.5 acres) was named after the boulevard entering the park from the north. This neighborhood park is equipped with a volleyball net over sand, fitness and playground equipment, picnic tables and benches. The surrounding circuit of sidewalks makes this park a favorite with something for every member of the family. This park has been adopted by the Temple Terrace Junior Woman’s Club.

Lettuce Lake Park (240 acres) is part of the Hillsborough County parks system. It opened in 1982 at 6920 East Fletcher Ave. This park is great for those looking for a more back-to-nature experience. It is a favorite spot for family picnics, with boardwalks and jogging trails. Visitors can rent a canoe or kayak and travel down the Hillsborough River. This park is open spring and summer, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and fall and winter ,8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. There is a fee of $2 per vehicle (up to eight people).  For more information, call 813-987-6204.

Linwood Park (1.0 acre) is located at the corner of 113th Avenue and 62nd Street. Named for the developer/builder who donated the parcel, Linwood Park has a fitness par course (14+ years of age) with a blacktop track circling 13 exercise stations. Picnic tables and children’s play equipment make it a park for the entire family. The park has been adopted by the Fraternal Order of Police and the Temple Terrace Rotary Club.

Overlook Park (.16 acres), located at 8705 Overlook Drive, was established in 2006. This park was developed with financial assistance from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection through the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program. Playground, water fountain, trash receptacles and benches fill this park. The park is available for adoption.

Riverfront Preserve (108 acres), 6324 Temple Terrace Highway, was named for its location and was established in 1994. Students from the University of South Florida Department of Engineering/Design designed and erected a shelter here. Trails, paths, boardwalks, tables and benches are in place and the Temple Terrace City Council this year approved funding for an entrance road off of 78th Street. Roadwork should begin within four months. The park is available for adoption.

Ridgedale Sports Complex, 204 Ridgedale Road, offers something for everyone. It’s a great place to watch T-ball, Little League baseball and fast pitch softball games. If you’re not a spectator and prefer tennis or basketball, this sports complex has the courts. It’s a great place for little ones to have fun on playground equipment while mom and dad enjoy the shade from the comfort of a bench or picnic table.

Riverhills Park (10.93 acres), 329 South Riverhills Drive, adjacent to Riverhills Elementary School, is the city’s largest community park. Bring the family, bring the boat, and don’t forget your fishing pole. Park amenities include large playground area, tennis courts, boat ramp and dock, picnic area, grills, gazebo and restrooms. It winds along the Hillsborough riverfront among the cypress trees and has a boardwalk with benches. This beautiful park is a great place to spend an hour or an afternoon. Many in Temple Terrace know this park as the site of the city’s annual fall arts festival. The Riverhills Park gazebo may be reserved (call 813- 506-6600). The park has been adopted by the Temple Terrace Woman's Club.

Riverside Park (1.9 acres), named for its location, is on the river side of the road at 201 South Riverhills Drive. Established in 2009, this park was developed with financial assistance from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection through the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program. Amenities include picnic tables, shelter, benches, restrooms and unique playground equipment. This park is lit at night and closes at 10 p.m. The Angel of Hope Memorial is on the south side of this parcel, along the river. The park is available for adoption.

Rotary Riverfront Park (3.92 acres) is located on the north side of Fowler Avenue at the Hillsborough River. Bring your picnic basket, badminton, volleyball net, fishing pole and your boat to this park. It’s equipped with a boat ramp, restrooms, picnic tables and barbecue grills. The park has been adopted by the Temple Terrace Rotary Club.

Scout Park (30.49 acres) is located at the south end of Riverhills Park along the Hillsborough River. Established in 1994 as a nature preserve, this park offers two miles of mulched trails for public enjoyment. The park is sponsored by the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America and offers camping to scout organizations only.

Serena Park (.97 acres) is located at the corner of 52nd Street and Serena Drive. With park benches nestled under the oaks, this park is undeveloped but will be master planned for future improvements. Renovated in 2005, the park is available for adoption.

Temple Terrace Hilltop Dog Park (2 acres) is open to residents of Temple Terrace and Hillsborough County. Hilltop Dog Park is located adjacent to the Tampa Bypass Canal at 9420 Harney Rd. This park is open from sunrise to sunset to allow your dogs to run off leash. Rules are posted for the safety and protection of people and their pets.

West River Drive Preserve (12.24 acres) is named for its location on the South side of West River Drive. Established in 2000, it meanders along the northern bank of the Hillsborough River. This preserve features benches, tables, a shelter, small gazebo and native wildflowers. Bring your binoculars for some bird watching or your poles to fish in this natural setting. The preserve is available for adoption.

University Square Playground (.5 acres) is a neighborhood park located within a townhouse complex at 11016 N. 53rd St. In addition to a children’s playground, the park has tennis court and an all-purpose court. The park is available for adoption.

Woodmont Park (1.86 acres) is named for its location, 415 Woodmont Ave. This quiet park invites you to take some time to sit, relax, or just listen to the birds under the canopy of oaks. Woodmont is the only city park maintained by a club or organization. The Temple Terrace Garden Club maintains the plant material in the park, which includes new plants, trimming, weeding, fertilizing and mulching. This park features a Blue Star Memorial byway marker and brick patio dedicated to men and women serving or who have served in the U.S. armed services. The Woodmont clubhouse and gazebo are available for weddings and special events. For reservations, call 813-985-7769 or visit www.woodmontclubhouse.com.

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