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Among the joys of Florida's Paradise Coast is that we can glide seamlessly from the chic coastal vibe of shopping, dining and gallery hopping to the deep and silent wilderness. But one needn't go all the way to the outback for a breath of pure nature. Just slip into one of our shady urban parks. Cambier Park, with its meandering sidewalks, park benches and picnic tables, colorful play structures and more is just steps from Naples' 5th Avenue South. Take a park break at Marco Island's Mackle Park, or at North Collier Regional Park, adjacent to the Sun-N-Fun Lagoon water park and the Golisano Children's Museum of Naples (C'mon). The newest jewel in our crown is Baker Park on the banks of the Gordon River which connects to the Gordon River Greenway. Ann Olesky Park at Lake Trafford collierparks.com u 6001 Lake Trafford Rd., Immokalee, 239-252-4000 The only natural freshwater lake this side of Lake Okeechobee. This 1,500- acre lake is known for freshwater fishing either from the 200-ft. pier at the park or by boat, and is a haven for photographers, birders and nature lovers. The lake has the highest density alligator population of any freshwater lake in Florida. Take an airboat ride out of Lake Trafford Marina with Airboats & Alligators. FREE q Baker Park collierparks.com u 10 Riverside Circle, Naples, 239-213-7120 Baker Park is a beautiful riverfront park along the Gordon River in downtown Naples. The park includes a kayak launch, boat launch, pedestrian bridge over the river, an outdoor fitness facility, a sunrise terrace overlooking the river, pathways dotted with picnic shelters and playgrounds, and a community building. FREE q g Cambier Park & Norris Center naplesgov.com u 755 8th St. S., Naples, 239-213-3058 Theatrical performances, art displays, classes and recreational rooms. Other amenities include band shell, tennis, shuffleboard, bocce and an open play area. FREE q Caracara Prairie Preserve Trail colliergov.net u Caracara Prairie Preserve Trail, Immokalee, 239-252-2957 Home to crested caracaras, sandhill cranes and many more bird and animal species. Due to the presence of cattle, dogs are not allowed on this trail. Park at the CREW Cypress Dome Trails entrance then hike one mile through the CREW Dome Trails to reach the Caracara Prairie Preserve red trail. q V CREW Bird Rookery Swamp Trail crewtrust.org u 1295 Shady Hollow Blvd. W., Naples, 239-657-2253 The Bird Rookery Swamp Trail offers 12 miles of hiking and biking trails, including an 1,800-ft. boardwalk with wheelchair accessibility. FREE q g V CREW Cypress Dome Trails & Caracara Preserve crewtrust.org u 3980 Corkscrew Rd., Immokalee, 239-657-2253 The CREW Cypress Dome Trails (also known as Gate 5) offer six miles of well-marked loop trails through pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, wet prairie, popash slough, and two beautiful cypress domes. These trails are popular for hiking, biking, running and horseback riding. Leashed dogs are allowed. FREE q V CREW Marsh Trail crewtrust.org u 4600 CR 850, Immokalee, 239-657-2253 The CREW Marsh Hiking Trails (also known as Gate 1) offer 5.5 miles of marked loop trails through pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, along the edge of a sawgrass marsh, and through a popash slough. Observation deck and tower, two boardwalks, benches along trails, picnic tables located 0.7 miles from trailhead. FREE q V Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park collierparks.com u 11565 E. Tamiami Trl., Naples, 239- 793-4414 Listed as one of the top 10 birding sites in Southwest Florida, it's home to more than 160 species of birds. Aquatics complex, ball fields, restrooms, play- ground and picnic areas. FREE q g V Fleischmann Park naplesgov.com u 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples, 239-213-3020 Lighted racquetball, volleyball, basketball, pickleball courts and game fields. Playground, water splash area, game room, skate park and restrooms. FREE q g Frank E. Mackle Jr. Community Park cityofmarcoisland.com u 1361 Andalusia Ter., Marco Island, 239-642-0575 Walking and biking paths around a scenic lake, picnic area, soccer fields and all-new playground and spray park facility. FREE q g Fred W. Coyle Freedom Park collierparks.com u 1515 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples, 239-252-4062 50 acres with 5-acre lake good for bass fishing and approximately 3,500 feet of boardwalk winding through the lake, ponds, wetlands and forest hammocks. FREE q Golden Gate Community Park and Aquatic Center collierparks.com u 3300 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples, 239-353-7128 Large pool, kids' pool and water slide, lighted tennis, racquetball, basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard area, playground, restrooms and fitness center. q g Gordon River Greenway gordonrivergreenway.org u 1596 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples, 239-262-0015 A scenic, paved nature trail with boardwalks and water access along the Gordon River in the heart of Naples. FREE q g Margood Harbor Park u 325 Pear Tree Ave., Goodland, 239-252-4000 This 2.5-acre park features the Margood History and Community Center, a pedestrian walkway, open-air pavilions, bocce ball and sand volley ball courts, horseshoes, playground and a canoe and kayak launch. q l The Naples Preserve naplesgov.com u U.S. 41 N. at Fleischmann Blvd., Naples, 239-261-4290 This unique green space in the heart of Naples has a short elevated boardwalk through a gopher tortoise habitats, a butterfly garden, picnic area and a full schedule of fascinating lectures. FREE North Collier Regional Park collierparks.com u 15000 Livingston Rd., Naples, 239-252-4000 Large facilities for tournament soccer and softball, fitness center and gymnasium. The Sun-N-Fun Lagoon water park offers refreshing fun for families. FREE q g AD ON PAGE 35 Pelican Bay Park collierparks.com u 764 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples, 239-598-3025 Lighted clay tennis, racquetball and basketball courts, bocce courts, lighted tot lot, softball field and soccer field. FREE Pepper Ranch Preserve collierparks.com u 6315 Pepper Ranch Rd., Immokalee, 239-657-1999 2,512-acre Pepper Ranch Preserve offers hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails and a campground. Open to the public on all Fridays and on non-hunt Saturdays and Sundays from November- June. FREE q V Sugden Regional Park collierparks.com u 4284 Avalon Dr., Naples, 239-252-4000 Playground, open play area, picnic areas, amphitheater, pavilions, paved fitness trail, 60-acre lake and swimming beach. FREE q g V Veterans Community Park Marco Island cityofmarcoisland.com u 901 Park Avenue, Marco Island, 239-389-3917 Provides a soccer field, football fields, baseball field, tennis, bocce, basket- ball, racquetball, volleyball courts, fitness center and dog park. FREE q Veterans Community Park Naples collierparks.com u 1895 Veterans Park Dr., Naples, 239-566-2367 Provides a soccer field, football fields, a baseball field, tennis, bocce, basketball, racquetball and volleyball court. Fitness center and dog park. FREE q g Vineyards Community Park collierparks.com u 6231 Arbor Blvd., Naples, 239-353-9669 Community center, lighted softball fields, tennis and basketball courts, soccer fields, racquetball, picnic shelters, amphitheater, concession and restrooms. FREE q g URBAN PARKS