Learn about the various types of parks and other recreation facilities we have around the County
Our Parks & Recreation and Conservation & Environmental Lands Management (CELM) departments are responsible for maintaining and running over 200 locations throughout the county that offer various recreational opportunities and amenities. Check out the parks and recreation facilities that you can find all over Hillsborough County.
Parks
We offer many different types of parks.
Parks & recreation centers
These are larger parks with recreation centers and are all staffed. We offer various classes and activities at the recreation centers, including sports and after-school programming. Not every park and recreation center has the same programs, so visit the specific location page to see what amenities and activities are offered at that site. These locations are maintained and staffed by the Parks & Recreation department.
Conservation parks
We have nearly 20 conservation parks located around the county. These parks are larger, more developed, and offer more amenities than other County parks. Recreational activities such as hiking, biking, camping, and fishing are available at Conservation parks, as well as picnic shelters, equestrian trails, and boat launches. These locations are maintained and staffed by the CELM department.
Learn More About Conservation Parks
Neighborhood parks
These parks are small and unstaffed found in neighborhoods throughout the county. Many of these parks have basketball and tennis courts, as well as playground equipment. These locations are maintained and staffed by the Parks & Recreation department.
Skate parks
If you love to ollie, kickflip or drop-in, then we have the parks for you! We staff our skate parks with people who are passionate about skateboarding, and each year we run a four-part Best Shredder contest. During winter and spring breaks, as well as camp days when kids are out of school, we offer a skate camp at our Providence location. You can also sign up for skateboard lessons at some locations. These locations are maintained by the Parks & Recreation department.
Learn More About Skate Parks & Teams
Dog parks
Not every park is meant just for humans. Dog parks are designed for our furry, four-legged friends. With separate access areas for small and large dogs, water fountains low enough for any dog to get a drink, dog washes, picnic tables, and shelters, both people and dogs can get away from it all for a little while. These locations are maintained by the Parks & Recreation department.
Preserves
We oversees 63,000 acres of preserved land that protects wildlife habitat and offers nature-based recreation, such as hiking and horseback riding.
Nature preserves
Most nature preserve access points have small, unpaved parking lots for a trailhead and no amenities other than a small kiosk to provide trail information. Most do not have restrooms or running water available. These locations are maintained by the CELM department.
Learn More About Nature Preserves
Recreation facilities and locations
If you are into playing sports, exercising, or boating, we've got locations you'll want to visit.
Sports complexes and athletic fields
Hillsborough County has the largest field management program in the state of Florida with over 290 fields. We also offer close to 50 sports complexes that can include multisport athletic fields and courts, concessions stands, restrooms, picnic shelters, and playgrounds. Many of these sports complexes and fields are home to youth and adult sports leagues where they practice, play, and hold tournaments. These locations are maintained and staffed by the Parks & Recreation department.
Fitness centers and zones
Fitness centers are located inside some of our recreation centers and offer professional gym equipment and activities available with the Parks & Recreation Wellness Access Pass for a small monthly fee. Fitness Zones are free to use and located in parks and along trails, and each Fitness Zone has everything you need to get a full-body workout. These locations are maintained and staffed by the Parks & Recreation department.
Learn More About Rec & Fitness Centers
Boat ramps
We manage 16 public boat ramps with access to fresh water lakes and rivers, as well as Tampa Bay. Our boat ramps can handle both large and small boats. It's only $5 to use the ramps, and a $2 additional entry fee if launching from a conservation park. These locations are maintained and staffed by the CELM department.