Gilbert Park — Attraction in Mount Dora

I have been going to this park since I was about 9 yrs old. I'm currently 23, no kids, and still play on the playground. You might be wondering why the heck would an adult with no kids go to a childs' playground. I will go into detail at the bottom part of this review. But that can be if you care to know. My official review is that Gilbert park is one of the best parks ever. It has a playground, grilling/pavilion areas for family functions, plenty of sidewalk/nature paths to walk/ explore, a mini lighthouse, docks to fish on, or a boat loading area to take your boat onto the pond/lake (not sure what it qualifies as, gonna be honest). This area has a beautiful balance of nature and activities. Plenty of tall trees but not overdone to where you can't see the sky. It's clean and well kept. I do, however, recommend you to stay away from bathrooms if you have a fear of spiders, such as I do 😬 also beware the water is infested with Gators 🙃 all-in-all a 10/10 experience and love this place to death.

So, yes, I do indeed play on the playground. However, listen, my childhood was rough and this place held the best memories for me. I go on my mother's anniversary and would be birthday with my 3 younger sisters. The youngest being 16. We usually visit at night when no one is around so no one thinks we're weird for going onto the playground. Also, they've updated it a few times since I was little and it's bigger and better. We go to feel close with my mom, to reflect, or to find comfort. It's our safe place. Thank you for reading this far. Hope you can grow nice memories here as well ❤️ Have a...

Super cute park with all the amenities. They seemed to have recently renovated the play area and it looks great. There is a new school swing set with various options, a baby swing, a couple of regular swings and a couple of disc swings, like a modern tire swing almost. The jungle gym matches the swing set in options as there a several different low hanging pieces for play as well as a fairly tall rope climbing apparatus. There is also an old school castle themed place area for what looked like younger kids and a pirate ship for a focus on 4-10 year olds. For the older kids/parents there is an open field area, hammocks, and a relaxing, yet small walking trail. There is a full male/female bathroom building with water fountain. Several picnic tables and bbqs scattered throughout, a couple of 15 minute parking dropoff zones and a few large gazebo setups for reserving for parties, each equipped with a bbq station under a separate smaller tin roof. Beautifully done, popular little park in mount Dora with a small creek running through near the lake. Peaceful, shaded and accommodating, for the most part with ample parking. The only possible downside is that there doesn't seem to be any special needs accessible swings but overall they have...

The playground is a good place to bring your little one. I took Mallory, my 8 year old stepdaughter there today, and it was packed with other kids to play with. Being a social creature, she was playing with another little girl within 30 seconds. I'm not kidding! The pirate ship they have was being put to good use, as well as the rope climbing setup. There are benches and picnic tables scattered about, some in nice shady locations. I like to get some reading in while she plays, but always keep her in sight, or at least within earshot. It's very safe, and there are parents everywhere keeping watch over the kids. There is a public restroom close by, and a short walk takes you to the lighthouse, or out on a nature walk. My wife and I have spent a few quiet nights sitting out by the lighthouse looking out over the water as well. It's a great place to go for many reasons...nature hikes, picnics, the lake, the playground. If you're in Mt Dora, it should be a...