Smokey Bear Park

Smokey Bear Park is a 5.20-acre public green space located in Gainesville, Florida. The park features a woodsy, bear-themed playground that welcomes visitors with swirly slides, swinging bridges, and various climbing structures designed to appeal to children of all ages.

The park includes a quarter-mile walking trail that meanders through wooded areas, providing a pleasant environment for strolls and exercise. An off-leash dog park area is available for canine companions to play and socialize.

One of the unique features of Smokey Bear Park is its edible grove, which contains food-bearing trees and plants available to local residents. Visitors can enjoy picking and eating mulberries, peaches, and loquats when in season, as part of Gainesville's initiative to improve access to locally grown food.

The park offers ample green space for activities such as Frisbee and other outdoor games. A pavilion equipped with picnic tables and barbecue grills provides shelter and facilities for gatherings and cookouts. Park benches are scattered throughout, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Smokey Bear Park is named after the mascot for the US Forest Service and serves as a reminder of the importance of wildfire prevention. The park underwent significant renovations in 2015 and 2017, funded by the Wild Spaces and Public Places initiative, to enhance its facilities and appeal to the community.