Kelly Park is a 355-acre site in Apopka, Florida originally donated by Dr. Howard A. Kelly in 1927. It holds picnic pavilions, a playground, walking trails, a concession stand, volleyball courts, and the famous Rock Springs Run that is approximately three-quarters of a mile long. If you’re looking for a campsite, that’s available, too. There was a $3.00 fee for us to enter.
  
   
We started out meandering from the parking lot to find our bearings. Gentle slopes are graced by tall oaks with Spanish moss and other shrubbery to provide an oasis from civilization. Trails appear to be numerous, although we didn’t venture too far. Even with a map, I was afraid we’d get lost.
   
   
 We followed people holding tube floats toward a breathtaking grotto. The natural spring flows at an average of 26,000 gallons per minute with a temperature around 68 degrees. This chilly prospect didn’t deter the crowds of people splashing in the water. The spring in this spot was shallow and crystal clear. It travels nine miles to join the Wekiva River.
  
  
  
 
  
At the other end in this park is a beach area with a deeper pool that’s even more popular.
  
  
We completed our exploration by getting ice cream sandwiches at the concession building that also houses restrooms. You can get lunch here with burgers and hot dogs on the menu along with other goodies. Picnic tables provide outdoor seating on the deck.
 
  
If you’re looking for peace and tranquility, to commune with nature, or to admire the magnificent natural springs in a lush green setting, this is the place to go. Kelly Park is located at 400 East Kelly Park Rd in Apopka, FL.
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2 thoughts on “Kelly Park”
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We used to take these great tubing trips to central Florida with our kids many moons ago. That’s a great park and river for a summer afternoon. I hope to take my grandkids one day. Every now and then though you’d hear rumors of alligators in the springs. You might want to check out Blue Springs State Park next winter — full of manatees.
Oh yes, I’ve heard of Blue Springs. Would like to visit that one. I’d be afraid to go in the water. Alligators live there more than we do. But it’s pretty to look at and it wouldn’t be dangerous at the shallow end.