Criswell Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Criswell Park is a popular attraction located in the state of Florida.


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Summary

There are several good reasons to visit this park, including its beautiful scenery, tranquil atmosphere, and diverse range of activities available. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park's walking trails, take a picnic lunch, or simply relax in one of the many shaded areas.

One of the main points of interest in Criswell Park is the large pond located at its center. This pond is home to a variety of aquatic life, including ducks, geese, and fish, and offers visitors a peaceful place to sit and reflect. There are also several benches and picnic tables located around the park, making it easy to find a comfortable spot to relax.

Other interesting features of Criswell Park include its playground, baseball fields, and basketball courts. These amenities make the park a great place for families to spend an afternoon playing and exploring. Additionally, the park is known for its beautiful natural landscaping, which includes a variety of trees, flowers, and shrubs.

One interesting fact about Criswell Park is that it is named after former Mayor J.W. Criswell, who served the city of Lakeland for over 25 years. The park was built in 1961 and has been a beloved community gathering place ever since.

The best time of year to visit Criswell Park is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the park's natural beauty is at its peak. However, the park is open year-round and is always a great place to spend a day outdoors.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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