Holloway Park

Holloway Park is a 362-acre recreational area and nature preserve located within the city limits of Lakeland, Florida. The park was established in 2010 when landowners Mary Ann and Ed Holloway decided to preserve the property for public use, forming the Holloway Park Foundation to oversee its management.

The park's landscape is characterized by its unique terrain, which includes rolling hills and valleys formed by former phosphate mining operations that ceased before 1950. This topography has made Holloway Park particularly well-suited for cross-country running, and it has become a popular venue for races and training.

Holloway Park features an extensive network of trails, including marked courses for cross-country running at distances of 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, and 10 kilometers. The park also offers separate hiking trails for casual walkers and nature enthusiasts. The varied elevation provides visitors with scenic views and challenging terrain.

The park is home to diverse flora and fauna typical of Central Florida ecosystems. Visitors may encounter a variety of wildlife, including birds, insects, and occasionally larger animals such as bobcats or coyotes. The park operates on a 'Leave No Trace' principle to protect its natural environment.

In addition to its natural features, Holloway Park includes an 18-hole disc golf course that attracts players from around the region. The course spans 7,825 feet and offers challenging holes, some over 400 feet in length.

Holloway Park is open to the public year-round, with the exception of Mondays when it is closed for maintenance. The park does not charge an admission fee, though donations are appreciated to help with upkeep and conservation efforts.