Parks
A major part of John Nolan’s design for Venice back in the 1920’s was parks and green space. This ranged from small pocket parks that help make a street more inviting to large parks covering many acres.
This planning for parks is a big part of why I think Venice is so livable thus I wanted to highlight a few of them here. Most of these are on the Island and part of the original plan, None of these are beach front, as those are covered on the beaches page.
This planning for parks is a big part of why I think Venice is so livable thus I wanted to highlight a few of them here. Most of these are on the Island and part of the original plan, None of these are beach front, as those are covered on the beaches page.
Biehl Park
At the base of one of the islands bridges a few years ago this was an unsightly empty lot at the entrance to the island. Today, this park makes a beautiful entrance to the downtown area with a plaza, landscaping, fountain, and a mural of local wildlife.
While not part of the original city plan it pays tribute to it. In the center of the plaza is a monument showing John Nolan’s original master plan for Venice.
While not part of the original city plan it pays tribute to it. In the center of the plaza is a monument showing John Nolan’s original master plan for Venice.
Centennial Park
Located in the heart of the downtown area between West Venice Avenue and West Tampa Avenue, this beautiful park includes an old fashioned Gazebo and ample parking for shoppers enjoying the unique shops in downtown Venice.
With it's central location many entertainment events, festivals and Saturday Markets take place here. On most Friday evenings bands give free concerts at the gazebo which is the center of many events including weddings.
A delightful interactive fountain was recently added for children to play in. There is nice shade nearby and plenty of tables and seating for parents to watch, if they aren't in the fountain playing too!
Centennial park is the ideal place to sit and relax for a bit, while enjoying a day in downtown Venice.
With it's central location many entertainment events, festivals and Saturday Markets take place here. On most Friday evenings bands give free concerts at the gazebo which is the center of many events including weddings.
A delightful interactive fountain was recently added for children to play in. There is nice shade nearby and plenty of tables and seating for parents to watch, if they aren't in the fountain playing too!
Centennial park is the ideal place to sit and relax for a bit, while enjoying a day in downtown Venice.
- Band Gazebo
- Children’s interactive play fountain
- Downtown Parking
- Restrooms
East and West Blalock Parks
East Blalock is Venice's cultural park. Located on Nokomis Avenue this park is home to the Venice Public Library, the Venice Art Center and the Venice Community Center. Many special entertainment events and exhibits are held here. The Triangle Inn (on Nassau Street) housing the Venice Archives and Area Historical Collection, is also located here.
West Blalock Park located across Nassau Street from the Venice Archives and East Blalock Park, offers large grassy areas, trees, sidewalks for walkers and space for special events such as craft shows. It is also home to the Venice arboretum.
West Blalock Park located across Nassau Street from the Venice Archives and East Blalock Park, offers large grassy areas, trees, sidewalks for walkers and space for special events such as craft shows. It is also home to the Venice arboretum.
- Art Center
- Community Center
- Library
- History Archives
- Arboretum
- Gazebo
Fountain Park
An intersection of three streets creates this demur park. Of several such small “pocket” parks created by John Nolan’s street grid plan, this is my favorite.
Nice landscaping including shade trees, a cast iron Italian fountain, and benches enable this tiny park to add a lot of charm and greenery to this intersection and neighborhood of antique shops.
Nice landscaping including shade trees, a cast iron Italian fountain, and benches enable this tiny park to add a lot of charm and greenery to this intersection and neighborhood of antique shops.
Heritage Park
This delightful park runs down the center of West Venice Avenue from Avenida des Parques to Venice Beach. It split’s the east and west bound lanes of Venice Avenue from downtown to the beach. Making the approach to the beach a very inviting tree covered drive.
Heritage park features many historical displays, commemorative plaques to explore as well as beautiful trees and landscaping, benches and a wondering sidewalk.
Given it’s location in the center of Venice Ave. Most people clearly drive by rather than walk through this park. I feel they are missing out and highly encourage a nice leisurely stroll through Heritage park to really enjoy what it has to offer.
There are no restroom facilities or picnic spots, but Venice Beach has these facilities and more across the street from the west end of the park.
Heritage park features many historical displays, commemorative plaques to explore as well as beautiful trees and landscaping, benches and a wondering sidewalk.
Given it’s location in the center of Venice Ave. Most people clearly drive by rather than walk through this park. I feel they are missing out and highly encourage a nice leisurely stroll through Heritage park to really enjoy what it has to offer.
There are no restroom facilities or picnic spots, but Venice Beach has these facilities and more across the street from the west end of the park.
Shamrock Park and Environmental Center
While there are many wonderful parks all around the community this is the only one I am featuring off the island at this point. It’s just too good not to mention.
Located on Shamrock Blvd this park has more than 80 acres for you to get closer to nature in. The environmental center offers guided bird and butterfly walks and educational nature walk tours throughout the year. The park also offers tennis, basketball, biking trails and more.
Located on Shamrock Blvd this park has more than 80 acres for you to get closer to nature in. The environmental center offers guided bird and butterfly walks and educational nature walk tours throughout the year. The park also offers tennis, basketball, biking trails and more.
- Pesticide free playground
- Two outdoor basketball courts
- Environmental center
- Fitness/jogging trail
- Indoor rental/meeting rooms
- Native habitats for endangered plants and animals
- Nature trails
- Picnic areas
- Rest rooms
- Four tennis courts
- Biking trail
Venetian Waterway Park
Eventually the Venetian Waterway Park will run the length of the Intracoastal Waterway from just north of Hatchett Creek Bridge to Caspersen Beach on the west side, and from the Venice Train Depot to Shamrock Park on the east side.
This car free waterside pathway is ideal for strollers, joggers, skaters and bikers. The park is great for those who enjoy fishing, watching boat traffic on the Intercoastal or watching construction, as some places along the pathway are being redeveloped from industrial areas to living, shopping, and recreation areas.
This car free waterside pathway is ideal for strollers, joggers, skaters and bikers. The park is great for those who enjoy fishing, watching boat traffic on the Intercoastal or watching construction, as some places along the pathway are being redeveloped from industrial areas to living, shopping, and recreation areas.
A complete list of more than 30 Venice Parks with maps can be found on the City of Venice website.