Plan for Moccasin Lake Park Set

Moccasin Lake Park’s office and interpretive center could see renovation.

An Environmental Explorers’ Zone with a natural playground area featuring education components geared to the park’s multiple ecosystems could also come there.

Those ideas are part of the Moccasin Lake Nature Park vision plan that outlines the mission, goals and objectives for the park for the next 10 years.

The recently unveiled plan was developed from resident input at a community open house and online survey. Stakeholders would like to maintain the park's natural appeal:

The vision for Moccasin Lake Nature Park is to preserve in perpetuity its natural ecosystems for present and future generations.

The nearly 51-acre park was created as a borrow pit that provided fill for the railroad overpass that was built as part of US 19. It opened in 1982 as an environmental and education center. Its buildings were constructed as energy efficient and hurricane resistant.

The park features nature trails and wildlife encounters. It hosts events like drum circles, fireside concerts and morning bird walks. The park serves six ecosystems including swamp hardwood, transitional pine flatwoods, palmetto thicket and oak hammock.

The vision set objectives for a 10-year time frame. The plan also depends on available funding from either the city general fund or grant resources.

Related Coverage:

Sign up for the free Clearwater Patch email newsletter to stay connected to your community.