Cascades Park

Cascades Park is a 24-acre urban park located in the heart of downtown Tallahassee, Florida. Opened in 2014, the park sits on the site where the city was originally founded in 1821. It serves as both a public recreational space and a sophisticated stormwater management facility.

The park features 2.3 miles of paved multi-use trails for walking, jogging, and biking. These trails connect to the larger Capital Cascades Trail system, which eventually links to the St. Marks Trail extending to the Gulf Coast. At the center of the park is the Prime Meridian Plaza, marking the point from which all land surveys in Florida are calculated.

Cascades Park incorporates several historical elements, including the Smokey Hollow Commemoration - a tribute to a former vibrant African-American community that once existed on the site. The park also houses a Korean War Memorial and various informational panels that provide insights into Tallahassee's history.

For families, the park offers the Imagination Fountain, an interactive water feature with 73 jets that randomly spray water, providing a playful atmosphere for children. There's also a dedicated play area called Discovery, designed with natural materials to engage children's senses and imagination.

The Capital City Amphitheater, located within the park, hosts various concerts and events throughout the year. The amphitheater can accommodate up to 3,500 people and features both fixed seating and a sloped lawn area.

Cascades Park is designed to address flooding issues in downtown Tallahassee. It incorporates a network of streams and ponds that can handle large volumes of water during major storm events, while still maintaining its aesthetic appeal and recreational functionality during normal conditions.