www.ci.winter-park.fl.us/2002/
beautiful place to spend the day
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Kelly Park
"This 248-acre Orange County park is built around one of the Apopka areas crystal clear springs. As its name suggests, Rock Springs bubbles up from a cleft in a rock outcropping and, instead of spreading out into a pool, becomes a swiftly running stream that quickly slows to a meander. The activity of choice here, and the major reason for the parks obvious popularity, is riding down the stream in an inner tube or on a float."-
its always better to go here in the middle of the week as the locals use it at weekend, generally it is quieter mid week, mostly pre-schools and smaller groups.
You can also take your own inflatables, BBQ areas are dotted around the park( plenty of these) you "walk" or roll your inner tube up the boardwalk and then you just meander lazily down the river ( its shallow) to the lagoon at the end ( shallow lagoon as well) you can either sit on the sandy area ( man made beach....not as tacky as it sounds)or walk back up the boardwalk and do it all over again. There are life guards sat at the side of the river at intervals which is reassuring if you are with children.
Its a fab place and because of the location ( national park) there is plenty of shade for those who dont want to get burnt.
A brilliant day out and not many tourists know about it ( well until now)
Most people just do the well known parks and its a shame because they miss out on the beautiful areas which are not promoted as much.
$1 entry Fee
Take I4 towards Altamonte Springs. Exit here and turn left on Semoran Blvd. About 8 miles on turn right into Park Ave. Continue on this road and Kelly Park is at the very top and just on the right. Great facilities. Barbeque area, lots of clean toilets, lockers, snack bar. Very clean.
