Is there one hidden somewhere in Jax? Preferably with trees and the river but I'm not toooo picky. :)
Help me out if you know. Thanks!
Address for GPS would be helpful as well.
The biggest park I have run in is Westside Regional Park (it's named something different now). It's west of Roosevelt across from NAS Jax. It's good for a 30-40 minute run.
Otherwise, the riverwalk is great for running as long as the sun is low in the sky.
Yeah, I've done the riverwalk a few times - the bridges.
Westside Regional Park is now the Tillie Fowler Memorial Park.
For walking, Memorial Park in Riverside is good because you can go round and round and round and round..
Lots of people jog the Northbank Riverwalk or Riverside Ave then up and over the Acosta Bridge.
Riverside-Avondale is the nicest walk in Jacksonville if you are closeby. There are parks within, but cycling on the lesser traveled streets is a lovely journey.
Closer to the river is best, IMO.
Quote from: buckethead on September 10, 2009, 01:23:28 PM
Riverside-Avondale is the nicest walk in Jacksonville if you are closeby. There are parks within, but cycling on the lesser traveled streets is a lovely journey.
Closer to the river is best, IMO.
We did that the other night actually - getting ready for the Avondale 5K. I did notice a park in the middle there.
You could try Blue Cypress Park.
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/588856463_Jwx28-M.jpg)
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-jul-blue-cypress-park-and-golf-course
Great thanks for the replies! Keep them coming!!! :)
Alpine Groves in St John’s County is a great park right on the St John’s river. It is very shaded and has a mile-and-a-quarter nature trail. It used to be an orange grove farm and the county is restoring several of the buildings from the 1800s. They also just added a fishing pier.
http://www.co.st-johns.fl.us/BCC/Land_Management/LAMP/FLct_agp.aspx
The nature trails at UNF get my vote.
I ran there this past May after not visiting for years.
It is a truly surreal experience to drive out J. Turner Butler and exit on that ungodly centrifugal cluster**k ramp,
and then to park and find yourself running on the trail past the cypress trees and creeks
a few minutes later.
Quote from: billy on September 10, 2009, 03:16:43 PM
The nature trails at UNF get my vote.
I ran there this past May after not visiting for years.
It is a truly surreal experience to drive out J. Turner Butler and exit on that ungodly centrifugal cluster**k ramp,
and then to park and find yourself running on the trail past the cypress trees and creeks
a few minutes later.
I've heard about this one but how do I get there - exactly? Is there a website/link/map or anything?
JTB to 9A, get off on St Johns Bluff, turn right into the country club entrance to UNF, can't miss it. Stay on the main road until just before the first light and then turn into the small parking lot on the right. Proceed into the trees.
I love the UNF trails in the winter, but I have had bad experiences with the bugs in warmer weather. If you run the yellow trail, you run through swampy pine forest, past 2 lakes, on a boardwalk for a quarter to half mile, through the burned out brush/pine area, it's unreal.
Back in high school we used to start at UNF and then run through the tree farms over to Costco/Black Creek. Not so much anymore.
I've only lived here for six months so I'm trying to find all the good places to go. Thanks!
I was in high school when UNF and the trails opened.
J. Turner Butler stopped midway to the Intracoastal.
Regarding UNF, I could not find a water fountain near or at the parking area the last time I was there.
Baldwin rail trail if you're up for a REALLY long run (I like to take the bike on it):
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/north/trails/jacksonville_baldwin.htm
To get an idea about how long it is fire up google maps/earth and switch to satellite view, then follow it west.
For a really refreshing 20 minute walk, try Castaway Island Park Nature Trail. It is not only beautiful walking near the edge of the salt marshes and the island hammock with big pines, there is something to do. The city paved the trail to look like a... well... a trail. Hidden all along the trail are animal tracks, you'll follow the track for some time with the challenge to "name the animal" then come to a marker of one of the local critters which belongs to the track in question. It repeats over and over until you can ID about 20 salt marsh animals. It isn't super long, 10-20 minutes but well worth the effort. Shady parking, water, restrooms, tables, conference center, canoe launch and pier into the San Pablo River. Really a remarkable tiny pocket park. Located on the river, off of San Pablo Road, between Beach Bl and Atlantic Av.
If you like history, try this one on for size:
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-mar-camp-milton-historic-preserve
http://www.campmilton.com/gallery.htm
The cool part of Milton is that it backs up to the Baldwin-Jax rail trail. If your from the north, it's a wake up call to yesterday, if your from the South, it's a spiritual journey!
OCKLAWAHA
DEO VINDICE!
Quote from: buckethead on September 10, 2009, 01:23:28 PM
Riverside-Avondale is the nicest walk in Jacksonville if you are closeby. There are parks within, but cycling on the lesser traveled streets is a lovely journey.
Closer to the river is best, IMO.
Agreed, but personally I perfer running on Jax beach, or somewhere off it at night. Soft sand offers great resistance, closer to the water if you cant stand that. Nice breeze, good view of the water with and moonlight. Can always run a little in the water for added fun. Rarely anyone around to bump into.
Thats how I trained anyway, and how I now run.
(http://www.freewebs.com/rockyfilms/apollo%20and%20rocky%20running.jpg)
Quote from: coredumped on September 10, 2009, 06:21:49 PM
Baldwin rail trail if you're up for a REALLY long run (I like to take the bike on it):
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/north/trails/jacksonville_baldwin.htm
To get an idea about how long it is fire up google maps/earth and switch to satellite view, then follow it west.
That is a pretty long route...probably best suited for biking versus running. Someone mentioned Westside Regional (I guess now Tillie Fowler across from NAS Jax). I live not too far from there and the rumor (and I think there have been a few arrests) is that it is a gay cruising venue.
:o any other rumors I should know about?! I don't wanna be arrested for looking hot in my running shorts!
Quote from: DavidWilliams on September 10, 2009, 09:24:58 PM
That is a pretty long route...probably best suited for biking versus running. Someone mentioned Westside Regional (I guess now Tillie Fowler across from NAS Jax). I live not too far from there and the rumor (and I think there have been a few arrests) is that it is a gay cruising venue.
If it is a gay cruising venue, it must be slim picking. When I have been out there on my bike I have only seen a couple of other people. Then again, I am straight and there are a lot of woods, so maybe that is where the whole gay-dar thing comes in handy.
As far as the Baldwin trail, I try and get out there and ride at least once a week, and I always see somebody running/walking. It is nice because there are only a few road crossings, and the path is marked at half mile increments to allow you to track your distance and pace. You can also park at different spots to change the scenery, since I am sure most people do not want to run the full thing.
^^ Are you sure? That doesn't seem like the ideal setting for 'gay cruising'. It is very sparsely populated and back in the woods there is a bunch of evidence of shotgun firing. Not to stereotype, but I didn't think shotguns would attract gay cruisers.
My vote would be River Rd in Orange Park. It's right along the river and it's got some nice houses to look at. It's behind Moosehaven on 17. You can park in the area behind the OP kennel club.
Nice view.
Per the Times Union:
latest update: Friday, January 30, 2009 at 11:48 AM EDT
News anchor among those arrested in sting
By TIA MITCHELL
The Times-Union
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Darryl Tardy, a Jacksonville television news anchor, was one of seven men arrested Thursday during a police investigation of men soliciting sex at a Westside park.Tardy, 33, was also arrested in June 2000 at a Rochester, N.Y., park and charged with public lewdness during a similar undercover sting, according to a story reported by WHEC TV-10 at that time.
Tardy is an investigative reporter for First Coast News, news partner of The Times-Union and The St. Augustine Record. In addition to his reporting duties, he also anchors the Good Morning Jacksonville Show on Saturday morning.Station news director Mike McCormick would not comment on whether Tardy would be hosting the show as scheduled this morning. He also would not comment on Tardy's employment status.
Tardy joined First Coast News in November 2000 after serving as a reporter, anchor and host of a talk show for R News, a cable news station in Rochester.
TV-10, Rochester's NBC affiliate, reported that Tardy was arrested in Durand-Eastman Park along with several others on June 28, 2000. The station said those arrested were accused of having sex in the park.
McCormick said Friday he had no knowledge of Tardy's previous arrest.
On Thursday, Tardy was arrested and charged with offering for or engaging in prostitution. He was released on his on own recognizance from the Duval County jail Friday afternoon. A person who answered the phone at his home said he was not available, and the message was not returned.
Jacksonville vice detective Tommy Herrington was walking down a trail in the woods at Westside Regional Park Thursday when he passed another man, according to an arrest report. The man began touching himself suggestively and looking at the detective.
After a brief conversation, the man said to the officer, "You're a cop, aren't ya," the police report said. The officer said he wasn't.
The man asked the officer to prove he wasn't a cop, the report said.
Herrington asked if that meant exposing himself, and the man nodded his head yes. When the detective refused to expose himself, the man wouldn't talk with him anymore.
Tardy's attorney, Earl M. Johnson Jr., released the following statement Friday: "Mr. Tardy is obviously concerned about his arrest yesterday and greatly appreciates the outpouring of support that he has received from the community. Mr. Tardy is innocent of the charges and he expects to be fully exonerated."
In addition to Tardy, who lives in the 1300 block of Menna Street, the other men arrested in the Jacksonville sting are: Homer Keith Agnew, 52, of Daytona Beach; Kevin Daniel Blower, 26, of the 4800 block of Wallingford Place; Robert Allen Carte, 31, of the 3900 block of Herschel Street; Christopher Kenneth Lee, 42, of Orange Park; Ted Austin Ramirez, 38, of Palatka; and Joe Mac Wilson, 49, of Orange Park.
The men were all taken into custody between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. and charged with offering for or engaging in prostitution. Florida's prostitution laws make it a crime for people to ask for sexual favors or offer to perform sex acts, regardless of whether money is exchanged.
The second-degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
Jacksonville police have arrested more than 50 men at Westside Regional Park this year, and most were accused of trying to pick up men for anonymous sex. Officers have made similar arrests at other public places, but not as many as at the Westside park.
Maybe things have changed with the name change to Tillie Fowler Memorial Park. I've taken my dogs out for walks there a number of times over the past couple of years and have only seen families with kids and school buses taking students to the nature center. At least during the mornings, it's very quiet and peaceful. A great place for walking or trail running.
Has anyone else yelled "Adrianne!!!!!!!!!!" after getting to the top of the observation tower at Westside Regional??
River Road in Orange Park is very nice, in San Marco as well.
Question: Has there ever been a 5K in Springfield? ( pursuit by JSO does not count).
Quote from: thelakelander on September 10, 2009, 09:07:00 PM
(http://www.freewebs.com/rockyfilms/apollo%20and%20rocky%20running.jpg)
HEY! I run barefoot I dont wear those knee highs :P
Quote from: billy on September 11, 2009, 02:23:30 PM
River Road in Orange Park is very nice, in San Marco as well.
Question: Has there ever been a 5K in Springfield? ( pursuit by JSO does not count).
If I said Springfield, I meant Avondale. I'm new. :P
I love to walk in San Marco.
Quote from: DavidWilliams on September 11, 2009, 10:31:57 AM
Per the Times Union:
I can't help but LOL - one of the guy's last names!
Quote from: DavidWilliams on September 10, 2009, 09:24:58 PM
That is a pretty long route...probably best suited for biking versus running. Someone mentioned Westside Regional (I guess now Tillie Fowler across from NAS Jax). I live not too far from there and the rumor (and I think there have been a few arrests) is that it is a gay cruising venue.
Gives new meaning to the terms "sex on the beach" or a "romp in the forest" now, doesn't it? Who doesn't like getting it on in the great outdoors, regardless of what flavor you prefer?
I've seen plenty of hardcore fornicating when jogging down the Riverwalk, and nobody ever got arrested. I feel sorry for the guy in the article whose last name was "Blower" lol.... that's hilarious.
QuoteIf I said Springfield, I meant Avondale. I'm new. :)
I love to walk in San Marco.
There's a 5K run in Avondale on St. John's Avenue on September 19th @ 6:00 PM and a 1 mile "Fun Run" at 5:30. Check out this link for a race calendar:
http://www.1stplacesports.com/calendar.html
You can then search for runs and races, register, see your results, etc.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on September 11, 2009, 10:11:10 AM
^^ Are you sure? That doesn't seem like the ideal setting for 'gay cruising'. It is very sparsely populated and back in the woods there is a bunch of evidence of shotgun firing. Not to stereotype, but I didn't think shotguns would attract gay cruisers.
The Baldwin Trail passes near WW Sporting Clays. Shot gun firing is away from the trail and through the woods. Not a problem. The gay cruisers were at West Side Regional aka Tilley Fowler park. Different part of town. Of course there is an archery "sporting clay" style range in TF Park. They could get "stuck" there.
Lot's of runners can be found on San Jose between Hendricks/San Marco - Lakewood -Beauclerc. Then, down Beauclerc to Forest Circle, and on to Scott Mill and down Mandarin Road. Most of this has a paved trail/path although for some reason many runners seem to prefer to run in the road! The paved path ends at Walter Jones Park and County Dock, both of which are on the river, and serve as a good start/end point. Much of this route is used in several 5k's and marathons.
Overstreet, the evidence I was talking about was the signs in the woods that have been blasted to shreds by shotgun, or other, fire. I am familiar with both parks. I should have expressed that this was Unauthorized shotgun fire.
Did anyone mention District 2 Regional Park, in Arlington? On McCormick That place is huge and has a trail that meanders thru a nice wooded area. It also has a Frisbee golf course and retention ponds. If you don't have any Frisbees handy I know for a fact at least a half dozen of mine are at the bottom of those retention ponds.
Thanks for all the great ideas. :)