Parks to Experience and Explore
Whether to stop and smell the wildflowers, gather with your family, attend special events, hike, put in your boat or any other activities, the Scenic Highways parks are ready and waiting to advance your recreation. Parks include:
Alpine Groves Park
Alpine Grove River Park contains 54.5 acres and is located in northwest St. Johns County between the St. Johns River and William Bartram Scenic and Historic Highway (SR13). Access to the site is provided from William Bartram Scenic and Historic Highway, a magnificent winding scenic and historic highway defined by majestic canopy oak trees overhang the road that follows the St. Johns River’s eastern shoreline. Direct access to this site is available through Swiss Lane… read more
Beluthahatchee Park
Beluthahatchee Park is located on the William Bartram Scenic Highway (SR 13) approximately one forth of a mile south of Roberts Road and approximately 200 feet north of Cricket Hollow Lane. The Beluthahatchee Park is a four (4) acre park located within the 70 acre tract of land purchased by Kennedy in 1948 after the 18 acre Beluthahatchee Lake was created by impounding Mill Creek in 1945… read more
Jack Wright Island Conservation Area
The County owns approximately 108 acres of significant wetlands on two islands adjacent to the St. Johns River. Watson Island and Jack Wright Island are located on the St. Johns River and provides open space for the county and also provides passive activities for the county’s residents, in addition to important wildlife habitat. Watson Island is located on the St. Johns River between Picolata and Tocoi. The area provides significant open space adjacent to the St. Johns River. It has an abundance of wildlife in the wetlands and uplands. The Island is managed by the Florida Department of Forestry. The Island provides habitat for many endangered and threatened species. The Island is composed primarily of wetlands and is not suitable for active recreational development. However, the Island provides good open space for the County. Jack Wright Island is located off State Road 13 and is comprised of 108 acres. The area is significant because of its location adjacent to the St. Johns River. The land consists of wetlands and marginally developable uplands. At present, the Island provides open space. PLEASE NOTE: Jack Wright Island is fully accessible by boat. It is viewable, at a distance, by car.
Old Shands Bridge Pier
Nestled along the banks of the St. Johns River, the Old Shands Bridge Pier provides many unique angling opportunities for any angler… read more
Rivertown Park
Four baseball fields for local recreation… get directions
Switzerland Community Center
Switzerland Community Center is located right off the William Bartram Scenic Highway across the street from Alpine Groves County Park all lying in the northwest St. Johns County. The original building was built as a church by John Seth in the 1900s and this structure was moved to a half acre site off SR 13, its present location, in the 1940s. This structure was then use as community club where dances, weddings and meetings were held until this property was purchased by St Johns County in 2000. In the mid 1950s an addition was added west of the existing community structure to serve the volunteer Fire Station. The county has hired an Architect to prepare renovation building plans for this old historic structure in hopes to restore the Switzerland Community Club to its original hay day community use. Every Saturday dances were held for the community and funds raise from these activities were used for charity needs in the Switzerland community.
Trout Creek Park
Trout Creek Park is a 16.5 acre passive park open free of charge to all visitors. The site features a double boat ramp with handy access to Trout Creek and the St. Johns River. An accessible boardwalk borders the canal and ramps. A half-mile nature trail meanders along the inside perimeter of the park. A small outdoor amphitheater provides an ideal location for small classes and lectures… read more