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 John Chesnut Sr. Park
Nature Walks
Saturday June 21, 2008
Pre-registration is required - more
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2200 East Lake RoadChesnut Park Image
Palm Harbor, FL 34685
Phone 727.669.1951
Fax 727.669.1953
location map Adobe Acrobat Reader file diagram Adobe Acrobat Reader file gmap link to external site

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.

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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