Apalachee Regional Park

Apalachee Regional Park, located in Tallahassee, Florida, is a multi-use park that has transformed from a former county landfill and wooded cow pasture into a premier outdoor recreational facility. The park spans a considerable area and features diverse landscapes including rolling hills, lowlands, and pine forests.

One of the park's most notable features is its cross-country running course, which is recognized as one of the nation's few sites designed specifically for this sport. The facility offers numerous course and distance options, with a pristine, multi-surface trail that can accommodate running events of various sizes. When not in use for organized events, the trail is open to the general public for hiking, running, and biking.

In addition to the cross-country course, Apalachee Regional Park includes four multi-purpose grass fields equipped with American football goals, two of which are lighted. These versatile fields are suitable for various activities including soccer and lacrosse. The park also hosts Pop Warner football tournaments, demonstrating its capacity for organized sports events.

The park's amenities extend beyond sports facilities. It features a remote-control airplane and helicopter airfield, providing a dedicated space for model aircraft enthusiasts. To accommodate large events, the park boasts a substantial parking area capable of holding more than 3,500 vehicles.

Apalachee Regional Park has hosted numerous prestigious events, including the Florida High School Athletic Association Cross Country Championships, the Florida State University Cross Country Invitational, and NCAA Regional Cross Country Championships. Its development and success are the result of collaboration between Leon County, Florida State University Athletics, the Gulf Winds Track Club, and Leon County Parks and Recreation.

The park's transformation is part of a larger master plan to repurpose the former Solid Waste Management Facility into a thriving regional park, showcasing Leon County's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development. Since its inception, Apalachee Regional Park has become a significant driver of sports tourism in the area, generating substantial economic impact through the events it hosts.