The city of Punta Gorda has 15 parks totaling some 82 acres. They are designated as “active” or “passive.” The active designation is based on such facilities and amenities as parking lots, shelters, gazebos, restrooms, playgrounds, water fountains, decorative fountains, tennis courts, basketball courts, boat ramps, piers, observation decks, nature walks, wetlands, beaches, landscaping, gardens, signs identifying flora or fauna, picnic tables and benches.

Among the active parks are Gilchrist, Ponce de Leon, Laishley, Cooper Street Recreation Center, Punta Gorda Nature Park, History Park and Hounds on Henry Street. For information, visit www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us and click on “Public Parks/Parks” on the left, and “City Parks” on the drawn-down menu or call 941-575-3324 for Park Reservations or 941-575-5050 for Parks and Grounds.

Active Parks:

* Gilchrist Park, 400 W. Retta Esplanade The 11 acres are along Charlotte Harbor, with sidewalks for walking, jogging and biking, basketball court, playground, two tennis courts, one fishing pier, gardens, gazebos, restrooms, shelters, picnic tables, a small beach and four parking lots.

* Laishley Park, 100 Nesbit St. Gazebo with pond and fountain, Veterans garden, shelter with picnic tables, restrooms, fishing pier, boat ramp, sidewalk for walking, jogging and biking, parking throughout park.

* Ponce de Leon Park, 4000 W. Marion Ave. Ten acres on Charlotte Harbor at Ponce de Leon Inlet, quarter-mile raised boardwalk through wetland area, educational signs, boat ramp, boat trailer parking, two fishing piers, playground, man-made beach, shelter, restrooms, picnic tables, Peace River Wildlife Center, parking and beautiful view.

* Punta Gorda Nature Park, 1555 Aqui Esta Drive This 21-acre park offers a one-mile nature trail for hiking and jogging, two raised boardwalks for birding and viewing wetland areas, educational signs, one fishing pier, picnic tables, benches and two parking lots.

Passive Parks:

The so-called “passive” parks have no facilities and the amenities are few, but they provide quiet and beauty for strolling, jogging, biking, watching the sunset, photo opportunities or just relaxing. They range in size from 0.6 to 1.5 acres, and all provide enjoyment of natural settings with native plants. Their locations are:

* Alice Park, 802 W. Retta Esplanade

* Elizabeth Park, Park Beach Circle

* Brown Park, Breakers Court

* Pittman Park, 802 W. Retta Esplanade

* Shreve Park, 802 W. Retta Esplanade

* Wilson Park, Park Beach Circle