New to Lakewood Ranch? Or perhaps you’ve lived in The Ranch for years?
Enjoying your Lakewood Ranch Parks should be something you do all the time!
Because if you are not enjoying the parks, then why live in Lakewood Ranch in the first place?
You are missing out on a core design of Lakewood Ranch AND everything each park offers you and your family’s fun and activity time.
This Lakewood Ranch Parks Guide will help you take full advantage of the parks near you and throughout Lakewood Ranch.
Here’s what’s covered:
- 13 Lakewood Ranch Parks – 100’s of Activities
- Best Way to Explore Each Lakewood Ranch Park
- Lakewood Ranch Community Parks
- Greenbrook Adventure Park Floods by Design
- Lakewood Ranch County Parks
- Country Club East Park vs. Country Club Park Edgewater
- Greenbrook Park vs. Greenbrook Adventure Park
- How to Rent Facilities in Lakewood Ranch Parks
- Lakewood Ranch Dog Park Requirements
Now, let’s get you learning about your parks 🏞️
13 Lakewood Ranch Parks – 100’s of Activities
Source: MyLWR Community Parks
Source: https://mylwr.com/187/Community-Parks
Lakewood Ranch has 13 parks within its 3 zip codes: 34202, 34240, and 34211.
10 of the 13 parks are owned and managed by the Lakewood Ranch Stewardship District. The additional 3 parks are owned and managed by the county, Manatee County.
Each Lakewood Ranch Park offers a different set of amenities and activities to be enjoyed by Lakewood Ranch residents.
Because the master plan for Lakewood Ranch includes 40% of the acres preserved and designated for water, open spaces, natural habitat, and recreation.
In other words, more than 10,000 acres are strategically designed to be used for nature, wellness, fitness, sports, entertainment, and fun.
Your 10 Lakewood Ranch Community Parks are:
- Bob Gardener Community Park
- Braden River Nature Park
- Country Club/Edgewater Park
- Greenbrook Adventure Park
- Heron’s Nest Nature Park
- James L. Patton Park
- Roger Hill Park
- Silver Falls Park
- Summerfield Community Park
- Waterside Park
Your 3 Lakewood Ranch County Parks are:
Best Way to Explore Each Lakewood Ranch Park
You literally have 100’s of activities waiting for you outside your back and front door!
Naturally, this may be overwhelming at first. Because with so many options, where do you even start, right?
The best way to explore each Lakewood Ranch Park is through the Lakewood Ranch Community Calendar.
Lakewood Ranch has its own non-profit organization called Lakewood Ranch Community Activities (LWRCA).
This organization manages a calendar with an ongoing list of events and activities for you and your family to enjoy.
And many of the events are hosted throughout various parks and offer an easy way to get acquainted with each park’s unique set of features and amenities.
There is an entire guide of events and activities specifically focused on parks and recreational activities.
You can learn how to play and do many new things like:
- Barrelattes
- Basketball
- Bocce
- Cornhole
- Frisbee Golf
- Fishing
- Pickleball
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Yoga
And so much more!
So be sure to leverage the Lakewood Ranch events to make it easy to explore all that your Lakewood Ranch Parks have to offer you and your family.
ℹ️ These parks and activities are in addition to the parks and recreational activities offered within the home villages and neighborhoods of Lakewood Ranch. The amenities offered within home communities are usually restricted to homeowners only.
ℹ️ Some parks require rental reservations for picnic pavilions, sports courts, and sports fields. For more information, keep reading to the bottom of this article to understand How to Rent Facilities in Lakewood Ranch Parks.
Lakewood Ranch Community Parks
Here are the Lakewood Ranch Community Parks details. These parks are managed and maintained by the Lakewood Ranch Stewardship District.
You’ll learn more about each park’s amenities and supported activities, along with where they are located. So you know where these parks are in relation to where you live in Lakewood Ranch.
Bob Gardner Community Park
Bob Gardner Community Park is a 1-mile long park located in northwest Lakewood Ranch and is known for its various recreational activities around wetland preserves and conservation areas.
Bob Gardner Park is the only park in Lakewood Ranch with a disc golf course and a gravity rail swing.
You can play a round of frisbee golf on this fairly easy, 9-hole Disc Golf Course with flat elevation and well-defined fairways. When you’re done, go take a fun swing ride around the Gravity Rail!
Don’t know how to play disc golf but want to learn? Look for Intro to Disc Golf events on the Lakewood Ranch Community Calendar. You can learn how to play for free 🙂
Bob Gardner Community Park includes:
- 9 Hole Disc Golf Course
- Dog Park & Dog Lake
- Playground for Kids
- Gravity Rail Swing
- Baseball Field
- Soccer Field
- Picnic Pavillion
- Picnic Tables
- Benches
- Nature Trails
- Walking Paths
- Biking Paths
- Restrooms
Bob Gardner Park Rules:
- Bob Gardner Community Park is only for Lakewood Ranch Residents and their guests
- Park is open from sunrise to sunset
- Please use the trash cans. Dispose of your trash in proper receptacles
- No alcoholic beverages or glass allowed
- No swimming in park lakes
- No camping in the park
- All children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult
- Adhere to all posted lake and watercraft rules
- Use the park at your own risk
Bob Gardner Park is near these Lakewood Ranch neighborhoods:
- Arbor Grande
- Indigo
- Mallory Park
- Savannah
- Woodleaf Hammock
Additional Lakewood Ranch Parks nearby:
- Roger Hill Park
- James L. Patton Park
Braden River Nature Park
Braden River Nature Park is located in southeast Lakewood Ranch at the intersection of Hidden River Trail and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.
The Braden River runs around the park with walking trails and fishing lakes, Trophy Lake and Otter Lake.
Braden River Nature Park is not to be confused with Braden River Park, which is a separate park located outside of Lakewood Ranch and offers a kayak launch on Braden River.
Braden River Nature Park includes:
- Fishing Lake
- Picnic Pavillions
- Picnic Tables
- Walking Paths
Braden River Nature Park does not have restrooms.
Braden River Nature Park is near these Lakewood Ranch neighborhoods:
- The Country Club
- Riverwalk
- Summerfield
Additional Lakewood Ranch Parks nearby:
- Summerfield Community Park
- Heron’s Nest Nature Park
- Greenbrook Adventure Park
Country Club Park Edgewater
The Country Club Park Edb is a smaller park in southeast Lakewood Ranch, behind the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club Athletic Center.
Although Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club requires a paid membership, the Country Club/Edgewood Park is free to use for Lakewood Ranch residents.
The park is located in an area called Edgewater. Edgewater is an area of southeast Lakewood Ranch that consists of five different home neighborhoods centered around a 160-acre lake called Lake Uihlein.
Country Club Park Edgewood includes:
- Basketball Courts
- Multi-use Field
- Playground for Kids
- Picnic Pavilion
- Sand Volleyball Court
Country Club/Edgewood Park does not have restrooms.
Country Club/Edgewood Park is near these Lakewood Ranch neighborhoods:
- Edgewater Village
- The Moorings at Edgewater
- Waterfront at Mainstreet
- Hidden Creek
- Riverwalk Village
- Watercrest
- Lakewood Country Club Village
- Lakewood Shore at Mainstreet
Additional Lakewood Ranch Parks Nearby:
- Country Club East Park
- Waterside Park
Greenbrook Adventure Park
Greenbrook Adventure Park is a park built with fun and adventures in mind. It is located in central west Lakewood Ranch, south of State Road 70.
The basketball courts, volleyball courts, and soccer fields are just the start of this park.
Greenbrook Adventure Park also includes an inline skating park, exercise stations, a children’s playground, and a dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs for additional fun for your 2-legged and 4-legged family members.
Greenbrook Adventure Park includes:
- Baseball Field
- Basketball Courts
- Benches
- Dog Park
- Exercise Stations
- In-line Skating/Hockey
- Picnic Pavilion
- Picnic Tables
- Playground for kids
- Restrooms
- Soccer Fields
- Volleyball Courts
Greenbrook Adventure Park is near these Lakewood Ranch neighborhoods:
- Greenbrook Village
- Lakewood Ranch Country Club Village
- Summerfield Village
Additional Lakewood Ranch Parks Nearby:
- Heron’s Nest Nature Park
- Summerfield Community Park
Greenbrook Adventure Park Floods by Design
Source: Exploring Florida Waterways
A neat fun fact about Greenbrook Adventure Park is that it is designed to flood when the surrounding area gets heavy rains. This reduces the chances of major flooding in nearby Lakewood Ranch areas, neighborhoods and homes.
One day, you may be enjoying the great park’s sports field, dog park, walking trails, playground, etc. The next day, the park may be flooded!
The nearby Braden River and retention ponds built into surrounding neighborhoods can overflow with heavy rains from storms and hurricanes. The Greenbrook Adventure Park is strategically engineered to retain the overflow to help prevent flooding in other areas.
Greenbrook Adventure Park has flooded several times. The most recent park flood was after Hurricane Ian, which brought a lot of rain to the area in a short period of time.
See this flood design in action.
Check out this video from a local Lakewood Ranch resident who captured the Greenbrook Adventure Park Flood after Hurricane Ian.
Heron’s Nest Nature Park
Heron’s Nest Nature Park is one of Lakewood Ranch’s larger parks, with 110 acres of nature retreat with trees, vegetation, and lots of natural wildlife.
It’s located in the central west Lakewood Ranch south of State Road 70 and includes 12-acre heron lake and 27-acre Summerfield lake. You can fish and kayak in the lakes.
Heron’s Nest Nature Park includes:
- Nature Trails
- Natural Habitat & Wildlife
- Walking Paths
- Fishing Lake
- Picnic Pavilion
- Picnic Tables
- Benches
Heron’s Nest Nature Park Rules:
- Vehicles allowed only in designated areas
- Dogs must be leashed at all times
- No alcoholic beverages or glass allowed
- No swimming in park lakes
- No camping in the park
- All children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult
- Use the park at your own risk
Heron’s Nest Nature Park Fishing Rules:
- Catch and release is encouraged
- Bass must be at least 14 inches long and no more than 20 inches to keep
- 5 fish limit per day, per person, unless further restrictions are posted
Heron’s Nest Nature Park is near these Lakewood Ranch neighborhoods:
- Greenbrook Village
- Lakewood Ranch Country Club Village
- Summerfield Village
Additional Lakewood Ranch Parks Nearby:
- Greenbrook Adventure Park
- Summerfield Community Park
James L. Patton Park
James L. Patton Park is a park centered around Lake Patton, located in northwest Lakewood Ranch.
This park offers lake-centered activities, including fishing, kayaking, and a walking trail and amazing views around the lake.
This park is named after James L. Patton, a former board member of the Schroeder Manatee Ranch, the parent company that owns Lakewood Ranch.
James L. Patton Park includes:
- Nature Trails
- Fishing
- Kayaking/Boat Launch
- Picnic Pavilion
- Playground for Kids
- Natural Wildlife
- Restrooms
James L. Patton Park is near these Lakewood Ranch neighborhoods:
- Bridgewater
- Palisades
Additional Lakewood Ranch Parks Nearby:
- Roger Hill Park
- Heron’s Nest Nature Park
- Summerfield Community Park
- Greenbrook Adventure Park
Roger Hill Park
Roger Hill Park is a small park located in northwest Lakewood Ranch off White Eagle Boulevard.
Roger Hill park does not have parking. It’s best known for being a meeting and resting place as it connects with all the trails throughout Lakewood Ranch.
Roger Hill Park includes:
- Nature Trails
- Picnic Pavilion
Roger Hill does not have restrooms or parking.
Roger Hill Park is near these Lakewood Ranch neighborhoods:
- Central Park
- Esplanade
- Harmony
Additional Lakewood Ranch Parks Nearby:
- Lakewood Ranch Park
- James L. Patton Park
Silver Falls Park
Silver Falls Park is a small park that is part of The Green at Lakewood Ranch, a CORE 37-acre mixed-use development with restaurants, businesses, and apartments.
CORE stands for Collaboration Opportunities for Research and Exploration and represents the commercial projects for Lakewood Ranch.
Silver Falls Park includes:
- Walking Path
- Picnic Pavilion
- Picnic Tables
- Benches
Silver Falls Park does not have a restroom, but you can always visit nearby restaurants and stores in The Green.
Silver Falls Park rules:
- Silver Falls Park is open from sunrise to sunset
- Please use the trash cans. Dispose of your trash in proper receptacles
- No alcoholic beverages or glass allowed
- No swimming in park lakes
- No camping in the park
- All children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult
- Use the park at your own risk
Silver Falls Park is near these Lakewood Ranch neighborhoods:
- Central Park
- Esplanade
- Harmony
- Residences at The Green
Additional Lakewood Ranch Parks Nearby:
- James L. Patton Park
- Summerfield Community Park
- Roger Hill Park
Summerfield Community Park
Summerfield Community Park is a 15-acre park located in central west Lakewood Ranch south of State Road 70.
There is plenty to do inside this one park alone.
Summerfield Community Park includes:
- Basketball Courts
- Tennis Courts
- Soccer Field/Baseball Diamond
- Playgrounds for kids
- Picnic Pavillion
- Picnic Tables
- Restrooms
Summerfield Community Park is near these Lakewood Ranch neighborhoods:
- Summerfield Village
- Greenbrook Village
- Lakewood Ranch Country Club Village
Additional Lakewood Ranch Parks Nearby:
- Heron’s Nest Nature Park
- Greenbrook Adventure Park
Waterside Park
Waterside Park is one of the newest parks within Waterside Place on Kingfisher Lake. Its 8-acre island community park located in southeast Lakewood Ranch.
Waterside Place is the ultimate idea of Live, Work, Live, and Play in Lakewood Ranch. You have waterviews, shopping, living options including apartment rentals and new home communities, weekly events and entertainment and more.
Waterside Park includes:
- Exercise Stations
- Volleyball Courts
- Picnic Pavilion
- Picnic Tables
- Playground for Kids
- Parking
- Restrooms
Waterside Park is near these Lakewood Ranch neighborhoods:
- Botanic Apartments
- Lakehouse Cove
- Shoreview
Additional Lakewood Ranch Parks Nearby:
- Country Club East Park
- Country Club/Edgewater Park
Lakewood Ranch County Parks
These are additional parks located within Lakewood Ranch. These parks are managed by Manatee County instead of Lakewood Ranch.
Country Club East Park
Country Club East Park is located in southeast Lakewood Ranch. The Country Club East Park is known for being used by kids from nearby schools.
Country Club East Park includes:
- Benches
- Football Field
- Playground for Kids
- Picnic Pavillion
- Picnic Tables
- Playground for Kids
- Soccer Field
- Restrooms
Country Club East Park Hours:
- Sunrise to Sunset
Country Club East Park is near these Lakewood Ranch neighborhoods:
- Lakewood Ranch Country Club
Additional Lakewood Ranch Parks Nearby:
- Country Club/Edgewater Park
- Waterside Park
Country Club East Park vs. Country Club Park Edgewater
Source: Google map, embed if possible
Country Club East Park and Country Club/Edgewater Park are two different parks in Lakewood Ranch. Although they have similar names and are near each other, they are separate parks less than 3 miles apart.
The difference between Country Club East Park and Country Club/Edgewater Park is one is owned and managed by the county, and one is owned and managed by the stewardship of Lakewood Ranch.
Country Club East Park is a public park managed by Manatee County.
Country Club/Edgewater Park is a Lakewood Community Park managed by Lakewood Ranch.
Greenbrook Park
Greenbrook Park is located in central east Lakewood Ranch.
Greenbrook Park includes:
- Benches
- Bike Racks
- Soccer Fields
- Playground for Kids
- Picnic Pavillion
- Picnic Tables
- Restrooms
- Water Fountains
Greenbrook Park Hours:
- Sunrise to Sunset
Greenbrook Park is near these Lakewood Ranch neighborhoods:
- Greenbrook Village
- Sapphire Point
Additional Lakewood Ranch Parks Nearby:
- Braden River Nature Park
- Greenbrook Adventure Park
- Heron’s Nest Nature Park
- Summerfield Community Park
Greenbrook Park vs. Greenbrook Adventure Park
Greenbrook Park and Greenbrook Adventure Park are two different parks located in Lakewood Ranch.
Although they have similar names and are near each other, they are separate parks located 1.5 miles apart.
The difference between Greenbrook Park and Greenbrook Adventure Park in Lakewood Ranch is one is owned and managed by the county, and one is owned and managed by the stewardship of Lakewood Ranch.
Greenbrook Park is a public park managed by Manatee County.
Greenbrook Adventure Park is a Lakewood Community Park managed by Lakewood Ranch.
Lakewood Ranch Park
Lakewood Ranch Park is located in northeast Lakewood Ranch and is known for its many sports fields with lights for continuous day and night play.
The Lakewood Ranch Park hosts many local sports teams, games, and leagues for the area.
Lakewood Ranch Park Hours:
- Sunrise to 11:00 p.m
Lakewood Ranch Park includes:
- Baseball Fields (Lighted)
- Baseball Batting Cages
- Basketball Courts (Lighted)
- Benches
- Bike Rack
- Bleachers
- Concessions
- Football Field (Lighted)
- Picnic Pavilion
- Picnic Tables
- Playgrounds for kids
- Pickleball
- Racquetball
- Soccer Fields
- Softball Fields
- Tee Ball Field
- Tennis Courts
- Water Fountains
Lakewood Ranch Park is near these Lakewood Ranch neighborhoods:
- Central Park
- Harmony
Additional Lakewood Ranch Parks Nearby:
- Greenbrook Adventure Park
- Heron’s Nest Nature Park
- James L. Patton Park
- Summerfield Community Park
How to Rent Facilities in Lakewood Ranch Parks
Some of the Lakewood Ranch Parks require rentals of certain park facilities, including Picnic Pavilions, Sports Courts, and Sports Fields.
It’s important to understand this before planning a family picnic or birthday party in a pavilion or a fun little family baseball game in one of the fields.
These rentals do require payment, and most prices are by the hour. Rentals are cheaper for Lakewood Ranch residents and non-profit activities.
Non-Lakewood Ranch residents and businesses will pay more.
Most park reservations require rental 7 days in advance. And typical rental hours are Monday – Sunday, 7 am – 6 pm or 7 am – 7 pm.
Lakewood Ranch Parks Facility Rentals
When planning your park visits, here are the parks that require upfront reservations for their facilities.
Bob Gardner Community
- East Picnic Pavillion
- Sports Field (Baseball Area)
- Sports Field (Soccer Area)
- West Picnic Pavillion
Country Club/Edgewater Park
- Basketball Court
- Multi-Purpose Field
- Pavillion
- Volleyball Court
Greenbrook Adventure Park
- Baseball Diamond
- Basketball Court
- Inline Skate Park
- Pavillion
- Soccer Field 1
- Soccer Field 2
- Volleyball Court
James L. Patton Park
- Picnic Pavillion
Summerfield Community Park
- Basketball Court
- Pavillion
- Soccer Field/Baseball Diamond
- Tennis Court
- Volleyball Court
Waterside Park
- Volleyball Courts
Country Club East Park
- Pavillion
Greenbrook Park
- Pavillion
Lakewood Ranch Park
- Pavillion
These Lakewood Ranch Parks do not require rentals or reservations:
- Braden River Nature Park
- Heron’s Nest Nature Park
- Roger Hill Park
- Silver Falls Park
- Country Club East Park – Sports Fields
- Greenbrook Park – Sport Fields
- Lakewood Ranch Park – Sports Fields
The park facilities are first come, first serve.
Some park amenities and features do not require rental as well.
For example, the Disc Golf Course and Gravity Rail Swing at Greenbrook Adventure Park do not require rental or reservation in advance. Both amenities are first to come first, first served.
So, be prepared before you go and make sure you have the appropriate reservations needed.
Otherwise, the facility may be occupied by someone else, and you may not be able to use it for your event or special occasion!
To make reservations at Lakewood Ranch Community Parks managed by Lakewood Ranch Stewardship District, visit the Lakewood Ranch Recreation Catalog here.
To make reservations at Lakewood Ranch County Parks managed by Manatee County, visit the Manatee County Parks Facility Rental here.
ℹ️ The best way to determine if something needs advance rental or not is to check the park’s facility rental website. If it’s not listed, it does not need to be rented or reserved ahead of time.
Lakewood Ranch Dog Park Requirements
The Lakewood Ranch dog parks at Bob Gardner Park and Greenbrook Adventure Park require a membership registration and annual fee.
You’ll need to have the dog park membership before you and your 4-legged family can enjoy the paw parks.
You must pay a fee and submit up-to-date rabies vaccination information to activate the membership.
Once registered, you’ll receive a key fob that will grant you access to both dog parks.
Then, you’ll be expected to pay membership every year, along with submitting updated rabies vaccination documentation to maintain dog park access.
For more information and to get your Lakewood Ranch Dog Park membership, click here.
I hope this Lakewood Ranch Parks Guide helps you out.
- Which park has your favorite features and amenities?
- Which park will you be exploring next?
Feel free to let me know in the comments below.
Here are quick links for the Lakewood Ranch resources I recommend checking out:
- Lakewood Ranch Events – Click All Programs
- Lakewood Ranch Parks and Trail Map
- Reserve Facilities at Lakewood Ranch Community Parks
- Reserve Pavilion at Lakewood Ranch County Parks
- LWR Dog Park Membership Signup – Click Pets
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