This beautiful and unique Citypark inspires me over and over anew. 10 minutes from our Villa Happy Gator a canal bridge branches of Shamrock Drive and leads directly into the nature preserve of Shamrock Park.
The park encompasses some of the last remaining scrub habitat in the coastal area of Sarasota County. Visitors will meet a lot of animals such as Gopher Tortoises, snakes, rabbits, Iguanas, birds – even the famous Florida Scrub Jays live here. With some luck you will see jumping dolphins.
Right across and with much loving attention the Nature Center friends of the Park have planted a Butterfly Garden. Of course plant lovers will enjoy it!
Activities
A trail system of about 3 miles in total and in 2 courses is ideal for walking, jogging or biking. Shamrock Park is also the starting point of the Venetian Waterway, a linear city park along the Intercoastal Waterway, that separates the Isle of Venice from the mainland. Follow the Venetian Waterway and at the Historic Train Station of Venice you have access to the Legacy Trail. This fantastic bike trail was built on former railways and leads through the gorgeous South Florida vegetation.
For children there is a large playground with an attached toddler area and a water pump. Also the small museum in the Nature Center is worth a visit.
For tennis players there are several tennis fields near the entrance. Also a basketball court is provided.
As usual in Sarasota County, the entrance to this beautiful city park is free!
