3725
De Soto Blvd.,
Palm Harbor, FL 34683
Phone 727.943.4653
Fax 727.943.4677
location
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Wall
Springs Park's 195 acres include a historic
spring once used as a spa and bathing area
from the turn of the 20th century until the
mid-1960s. The park includes boardwalks, nature
trails, playground, a 35-foot observation tower,
bike racks, drinking fountains, restrooms,
parking lot, and access to the Fred
Marquis Pinellas Trail. The area surrounding
the spring has been improved, and a decorative
sundial honoring the memory of former Pinellas
County employee Karen Anne Edwards is a landmark
at the park's north gate.
Facts & Information
Regarding The Spring
- The
source of the spring is the Upper Floridan
Aquifer
- The
flow varies from zero during drought to a
high of 7,405 gallons per minute
- During
periods of high rainfall as much as 10.7
million gallons of water can flow from the
spring in 1 day
- However,
the average water flow is 2,917 gallons per
minute or about 4.2 million gallons per day
- The
spring water temperature remains at a nearly
constant 74 degrees
- Swimming
is not allowed in the spring.
- The property in and around "Wall Springs" was purchased by Charles F. Wall
on February 28, 1884 and remained in his family until May 17, 1927 when the
property was sold to Harry W. Davis.
- The spring became known as "Wall
Springs" during ownership by the
Wall family. Once the property
was sold to the Davis family the spring
became known as "Health Springs" and
was used as a health spa. When the property
was purchased by the Cullen Family on February
6, 1948 the spring name changed back to "Wall
Springs" and the
area was used as a recreational area until
the mid - 1960's.
- The
spring and adjoining pond were used as a
spa & bathing area from the turn of the
20th century until the mid 1960's
Natural
Communities At Wall Springs Park
Spring-run Stream, Clastic Upland Lake, Tidal
Swamp, Tidal Marsh, Mesic Flatwoods, Xeric Hammock,
Upland Mixed Forest, Unconsolidated Substrate,
Mollusk Reefs, and Seagrass Beds
Common
Vegetation Found In The Park
Slash pine, sand pine, longleaf pine, eastern
red cedars, saw palmetto, black and red
mangrove, live oak, sand live oak, turkey
oak, southern magnolia, wax myrtle, and
prickly pear cactus
Wildlife
Routinely Observed Within The Park
Gray squirrels, fox squirrels, raccoons,
rabbits, opossum, river otters, coyotes,
loons, pelicans, herons, ibis, egrets, vultures,
ospreys, eagles, wood storks, doves, owls,
red-bellied and pileated woodpeckers, roseate
spoonbills, snakes, gopher tortoise, various
fish, marine invertebrates, and butterflies
-
Pinellas
County began acquiring the Wall Springs property
in 1988, with the initial purchase of approximately
63 acres which included the spring and surrounding
area.
-
Pinellas
County has continued to acquire additional
property since their initial purchase with
the most recent acquisitions having been made
in October of 2001 and July of 2002. Wall
Springs is now approximately 195 acres in
total size.
-
This
park includes
restroom facilities,
memorial sundial, park benches, bike
racks, drinking fountains, grills, picnic
tables,
picnic shelters, a playground
area,
boardwalks, nature trails, an observation
tower and observation
piers. The
spring and adjoining pond include
a viewing and observation area, boardwalks,
park benches, educational and informational
displays. Swimming is not allowed.
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