Has anyone been to Kelly Park?

[Brittybrat]

I have been reading a lot about Kelly Park and the river run and how much people are recommending going there, but I am a little put off because of the mention I've seen a few times about gators! Now, I understand Florida has gators, but I don't think I want to meet one. If anyone here has been, can you share with me if you saw gators or if they're just past a certain point or what? Thanks!

 

[JimMIA]

I have never been to Kelly Park, but there are numerous places in Florida that people visit specifically to see alligators.

If you use common sense and avoid gross stupidity, alligators will not be a threat. There are a few simple rules:

1. NEVER feed them, or hang out around an alligator who has been fed. Feeding them does two things: it causes them to associate humans with food and it lessens their natural fear of something that looks much bigger (taller) than them. Both are bad things.
2. Do NOT harass alligators. Don't yell at them, don't poke them with sticks, don't throw rocks at them. Leave them alone.
3. Feeding and/or harassing alligators is a crime under both Federal and Florida law, and it is a crime which is aggressively prosecuted at both the state and federal level.
4. Stay at least 15 feet (5 meters) away from any alligator. They are MUCH faster than you are on land, so keep a safe distance. A good general rule with any wildlife is to watch their behavior -- if their behavior changes in any way, you are too close.
5. Leave baby alligators alone. Baby alligators (smaller than 2 feet) are NEVER alone. Mom is always nearby, and she is there for a reason -- to protect her babies. You may not see her, but she is right there within 10-20 feet somewhere -- and she WILL come after you if she thinks you are a threat to her babies.
6. If you have a toddler, either restrain them in a stroller or carry them if alligators are nearby. The problem is not the alligators. The problem is that toddlers see cool things and bolt toward them before the parents can react. Don't take that chance.

If you follow those simple rules, you will be safe and can enjoy an interesting bit of nature. More than one million people visit Everglades National Park every year and probably every single visitor encounters alligators, usually in pretty close quarters...without any incident or injuries.

Just use your head and you'll be fine.

 

[ChristineNic]

The closest encounther I have ever had with an aligator was much further south (Palm Beach County) and the gator was sunning itself on the bank of a stream about 50 yards from my office parking lot. Of course, my car was the closest to the gator. A co-worker offered to move my car closer to the building; I gratefully accepted his offer.

I have HEARD (never tested or researched) that because gators have a low center of gravity, they cannot change directions quickly. In the event that you are being chased by a gator, run in a zig zag pattern and he won't be able to catch you. (Or just run faster than your companion ).

 

[JimMIA]

I have HEARD (never tested or researched) that because gators have a low center of gravity, they cannot change directions quickly. In the event that you are being chased by a gator, run in a zig zag pattern and he won't be able to catch you.

Please don't test this silliness!

 

[Art 1]

I have been reading a lot about Kelly Park and the river run and how much people are recommending going there, but I am a little put off because of the mention I've seen a few times about gators! Now, I understand Florida has gators, but I don't think I want to meet one. If anyone here has been, can you share with me if you saw gators or if they're just past a certain point or what? Thanks!

Sure, many times. I don't remember seeing any there but they are there, lots of deer and hogs in that area, bobcats too. I do see gators often though, any time I want to actually. You won't have any problems with gators there so don't even worry about that.

 

[Woodview]

Brirttybrat,

Kelly Park ..... is a State Park so It is very very un likely to

HAVE Alligators

It is a very pleasant Park to visit.

There is a smallish ,sandy beach for small kids & adults

and a larger area for adults to swim ,this area joins a small , in width , & about 3 feet deep.

river which you float / swim down for about 1/4 mile & then walk back along a board walk to start .

There are small fish in the river & they swim around you.

You can bring your own " Tube " or hire one.

You can have a BBQ if you wish.

.......

There are many other Springs to visit & swim in.

 

[DOOM1001]

If you want to see gators and I mean see them as they are literally right there with you go to Shark Valley outside Miami in the everglades.It's a 15 mile loop that you can walk,rent a bike or take a guided tram.Here's 2 videos giving you an idea of how close the gators are to you,I always bike the path and many times you have to go around a gator that's just laying in the middle of the path.The second video with the tour group has a rather funny ending,check it out!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAAKyEOnNTI


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-LdxG88kFg

 

[KodakFigment]

Yes. There are alligators at Kelly Park. If you go when the river/pool has lifeguards you won't have to worry. The guards watch for gators and will close the water if they suspect that one is nearby.

I have never been there when the upper part of the creek or the pool was closed, however there have been a few times when the lower creek was blocked for tubing because of alligator sightings. The lower creek has thicker vegetation in and along the water where they can hide.

Don't let this stop you. Kelly Park is a wonderful side trip.

 

[JimMIA]

If you want to see gators and I mean see them as they are literally right there with you go to Shark Valley outside Miami in the everglades.It's a 15 mile loop that you can walk,rent a bike or take a guided tram.Here's 2 videos giving you an idea of how close the gators are to you,I always bike the path and many times you have to go around a gator that's just laying in the middle of the path.The second video with the tour group has a rather funny ending,check it out!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAAKyEOnNTI


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-LdxG88kFg

Thanks for posting that second one. That's what happens with first-year seasonal rangers from other parks that don't know what they are doing. Very silly.

That little carnival side-show probably had the alligators riled up all day long, creating risk for visitors later. It's specifically what the rangers are trained NOT to do, and to stop visitors from doing.

 

[whitepicketfence]

I live a few miles from Kelly Park and can not count how many times I have been there. I have never seen a gator but I wouldn't be surprised to see one. If your fear is gators, I would not worry. You will see wildlife.

I would NOT go to Kelly Park during the summer or on weekends when it is hot, esp if you have young kids with you. IME, the park is filled with loud, obnoxious, foul-mouthed teens and 20's. I am sure my perfect sons never fell into that group...lol. I know they are just having fun but if I had little kids, I would not go.

I love a weekday in the spring or fall...you have the park to yourself. On weekends, the line can be 30 mins plus just to get in. Hope you get to visit. It is real Florida and really beautiful!