Shepard Park, Stuart

Shepard Park in Stuart has a lovely location right on the intercoastal waterway. Here, a boardwalk over the water amongst the mangrove plants has pretty views of the bridge curving over liquid blue. At sunset you can sit on a bench and watch the peachy colors over the water. There are plenty of picnic tables under large trees, and a playground under tall coconut trees. The playground has a huge blue shade canopy making it perfect for hot days. White sand makes the swings area a fun place to dig and play. There are baby swings and regular swings too. Near the playground you can walk over to the canal and watch the fishermen zooming by.

If you walk 0.3 miles north along the streets you will come to Gilbert's Coffee Bar, a perfect spot to hang out on a patio with views of the harbor. From there you can walk the Healthy Trail for a mile on a boardwalk along the waterfront. It is wonderful!
For a lovely park with a splash pad, river beach, and children's museum, check out Indian Riverside Park in Jensen Beach. Another nice park is Sandsprit Park, with a playground and water views of myriad shades of blue and green.
For a one-mile walk through forest to the river check out Kiplinger Nature Park, a nine minute drive south.

Directions

Shepard Park is located at 600 SW Ocean Blvd, Stuart FL 34994. From Highway 95, exit at Kanner Hwy and head toward the ocean for 6 miles. Turn left on US Highway 1 and go half a mile. Turn left on SW Ocean Blvd and follow it to the end where there is an entrance to the park. There is free parking, and restrooms.

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