Fred B. Hartnett Ponce Circle Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fred B.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Hartnett Ponce Circle Park is a beautiful park located in the city of Coral Gables, Florida. The park is named after Fred B. Hartnett, a former city commissioner and mayor of Coral Gables. The park covers an area of 10 acres and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

One of the main reasons to visit Fred B. Hartnett Ponce Circle Park is its beautiful landscape and design. The park features a large circular fountain with a water feature and surrounding benches, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The park also has several walking paths, a playground, and a picnic area, making it a perfect spot for a family outing or a picnic with friends.

In addition to its natural beauty, Fred B. Hartnett Ponce Circle Park also has several points of interest to see. The park is home to the Coral Gables War Memorial, which honors the men and women who have served in the military. The park also has a statue of George Merrick, the founder of Coral Gables, which serves as a tribute to his contributions to the community.

Interesting facts about the park include that it was originally designed in the 1920s by famed landscape architect William Lyman Phillips. The park has also been featured in several movies and TV shows, including the popular TV series "Miami Vice."

The best time of year to visit Fred B. Hartnett Ponce Circle Park is during the winter months when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities. However, the park is open year-round and can be enjoyed during any season.

In conclusion, Fred B. Hartnett Ponce Circle Park is a must-visit destination in Coral Gables, Florida. Its beautiful landscape, points of interest, interesting history, and accessibility make it an ideal spot for a day trip, picnic, or family outing.

       

Weather Forecast

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.
Related References