Philippe Park — Attraction in Safety Harbor

To beautiful Philippe Park:

Thank you for being my place of peace. Thank you for being there for me in my darkest hours, being the park that soothes my soul. From the family of dolphins, with the little baby, that swim right up to the shore wall, so close I can touch them! To the elusive, almost mystical manatees that come out of no where and snort their big old snouts into the beautiful Florida air and disappear back underneath the calm serene waters. To the birds and squirrels with no fear, knowing most of us humans are good (and have food), to the beautiful couple sitting on a bench and stopping time in a moment of pure love. All the way to the elderly couple walking and finding a nice spot to just sit and be in the moment. Married 54 years. To the hammocks full of readers, immersed in a different world, traveling the depths of a great book. To the Indian mound, still possessing the spirit and vibrations of ancient Tocobaga Indians, in tune and alive in love with the divine spirit of nature. To any and all that make this park so very special. I honor you and thank you, from the bottom of my heart. For you are what makes the world go round, and worth a spin. You are the hope and the reason for our existence. I come to this park to reconnect, to the birds and bees and trees. I walk my little route, climb that mound and soak in the perfection of earth and water. I smell the smells, walk out on the pier by the boat slip, I soak. I soak in the sun and wind. The smells and sounds of salt water and nature, in harmony and alive. It is here that anyone can be reminded that life is worth living, and is so very beautiful. We have come so far, as a species, far away from the truth. Who we are, and more so what life truly is. Coming to Philippe Park, you will be reminded. You will be acknowledged by God. You will see dolphins and fish and manatees and plants and nature! I love this park so much. I don’t know where I would be without this park. There has never been a place in my life that fills me with the love and peace that Philippe Park gifts me. I love Florida so much, and this park is true Florida in every way. May it last forever, a...

The park has plenty of parking alongside the road that cuts through the length of it. I was surprised that there are no trails but several goat paths and a couple of walkways. Walking on the seawall provides wonderful views over the Bay with Life oaks that are decorated with Spanish Moss and Palmettos that add lushness in the foreground. Stairs are leading to the top of the mound and at some point an oak stretched a branch over the stairs creating a scene that could have served Tolkien as an inspiration. The walk alongside the road was a bit boring towards the southern terminus but for entertainment I got inundated by no-see-ums. Towards the center of the park I heard an owl and following a dirt road to the west quickly saw a great horned owl in a pine. A naturalist had her eyes fixed on the bird and explained that the young owl couple was probably discussing dinner plans. I learned a lot about the owls in the park, got some tips on where I should take my dog and to make my visit even better, I stumbled on a sizable gopher tortoise that surprised me when it took off much faster than I had expected. I had to deduct a star because of the road that dominates the experience. I should add a star for the...

Generations of family gatherings here, a special place in my heart ❤ Also great for a quick visit, to connect with nature.. Breathe. Take a walk. Look up at the beautiful canopy of old oaks and note the various wildlife skittering amongst the branches. Climb the beautiful curving stone stairway to the top of the indian mound, discover a breathtaking view of the water and the park itself. Then the dirt path where you feel embraced by old Florida.. oaks, palms and brush inhabited by butterflies, birds and squirrels that cross your path as you make your way to the beach area. A few sandy openings with benches and random sightings of dolphins, cranes, horseshoe and hermit crabs.. on a good day a sandbar that ensures a squishy fun adventure out further, to add to your feeling of distance from the monotony of everyday. On the way back be sure to note the openings on the tree trunks. Owls, woodpeckers and even lizards, busy in their day, may peek out at you. All too often we get distracted. Here, only take out the phone to take pictures. So you can recall your visit. No matter how many times I've come l always find something to...