Lafayette Park

A Historic Oasis in the City

Found in the heart of Tallahassee, Lafayette Park is a pleasant green refuge that's been part of its namesake neighborhood for decades. Spread across several acres, the park is draped with mature oak trees that cast cooling shadows throughout the grounds. There's something wonderfully intimate about this space - a quiet respite from city life where you can catch your breath and reconnect with nature.

Get Moving

Regardless of whether you're a sports enthusiast or just looking to stretch your legs, Lafayette Park offers several options. The baseball field sits ready for weekend games, while the basketball court and tennis courts invite friendly competition. Our personal favorite is the 0.8-mile fitness trail that meanders through wooded areas, complete with exercise stations that turn a casual walk into a full-body workout. The unpaved path crosses scenic bridges and offers a perfect setting for your morning jog or afternoon stroll.

Kid-Friendly Fun

The playground here is something special. Thoughtfully divided into two sections - one for the little ones and another for older kids - it features multiple slides and play structures that keep children entertained for hours. What's particularly genius is that the entire play area is shaded, a blessing during Florida's sweltering summer months. On especially hot days, kids can cool off at the water spritzer while parents relax nearby. These practical features make Lafayette Park appealing for families.

Community Hub

At the heart of the park stands the Sue Herndon McCollum Community Center, built in 1957 and still used as a community gathering place. Inside you'll find a gymnasium where recreational sports leagues compete, afterschool programs that keep kids engaged, and summer camps that create lasting memories. Clean restrooms are available inside, and there's even a Little Free Library where you can pick up a new read or leave behind a book you've enjoyed.

Unleash Your Creativity

For over half a century, the Lafayette Arts and Crafts Center has been nurturing creative spirits. Take a class in pottery, stained glass, crochet, or drawing - options abound for both kids and adults. The center is well-equipped with multiple classrooms, a pottery lab, and three kilns for firing your ceramic creations.

Perfect for Picnics

Within the park, you'll discover well-maintained picnic tables, some tucked under covered areas, making it ideal for impromptu lunches or planned gatherings. Bringing your four-legged friend along? The park welcomes dogs on leashes, and you'll appreciate the dog cleanup stations with waste bags and trash cans conveniently placed around the grounds.

Natural Beauty

A notable feature of Lafayette Park is its natural setting. The verdant spaces invite you to spread out a blanket, toss a frisbee, or simply lie back and watch clouds drift by. Even on the hottest Florida days, the dense tree canopy provides merciful shade, creating a microclimate that feels refreshingly cool. There's a tranquil atmosphere here that persists despite being located in bustling Midtown Tallahassee.

Finding Your Way

Located near Tallahassee's Midtown area, Lafayette Park is a convenient meeting spot for locals and visitors alike. Note that there are some steep stairs leading down from the parking area, but once you're in the park, the layout is generally accommodating for families with strollers and dog walkers. It's a patch of nature that provides some distance from city life, despite its central location.