Enjoy Nature, Sunsets, and More at John Chesnut Park

In Central Florida west of Tampa lies a county named Pinellas. And in north Pinellas County lies the county’s largest lake, Lake Tarpon. Now, on the east bank of the lake, occupying several hundred acres, tucked in among single family homes and strip centers, you’ll find John Chesnut Park. An oasis for the residents and animals of the East Lake corridor and on important piece in Brooker Creek’s hydrology.

To be fair, much of the East Lake area – despite all the homes and condos – prides itself on being nature-friendly. Large swaths of conservation lands back up to manicured golf courses and back yards. Deer sightings are common. John Chesnut Park simply adds another dimension to this lovely area.

John Chesnut Park is one of my favorite parks in Pinellas County, right alongside others like Wall Springs Park, Brooker Creek Preserve, and Weedon Island Nature Preserve. Run by the county, the park truly offers something to delight everyone in your family – a boat ramp with direct access to Lake Tarpon, grassy fields for impromptu ball games, playgrounds, picnic pavilions, a dog park, and miles of nature trails and boardwalks. Wandering through the park, I’ve seen deer, alligators, numerous breeds of birds, squirrels, and turtles.

Who was John Chesnut?

John Chesnut, Sr was a Pinellas County Commissioner from 1937 to 1953. Commissioner Chesnut believed that residents should have easy access to local park lands and worked tirelessly to that end. He organized the Pinellas County Park Board and played a role in other local builds, including the Belleair Beach Causeway and first Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

History of John Chesnut Park

The US Army Corps of Engineers built the 255-acre park. Opened in 1979 as Brooker Creek Park and was renamed in 1987 in honor of John Chesnut, Sr. The park is ever-growing with many new trails and boardwalks added in the north part of the park in the last year or so.

Environmentally, Lake Tarpon which borders the east side of the park, is the largest freshwater lake in the Tampa Bay area. It is also the last lake in the Brooker Creek system. Brooker Creek’s headwaters flow from Hillsborough County. A number of creeks flow through swamps and uplands before they become a single stream that empties into Lake Tarpon.

Historically, Lake Tarpon was connected to the Gulf of Mexico at Spring Bayou in Tarpon Springs via a 118-foot deep sinkhole on the northwest side of the lake. Seawater flowed into the lake at high tide, making it more brackish than freshwater. The Army Corps of Engineers built an outflow canal to Old Tampa Bay, dammed off the sinkhole, and installed flood gates which close during high tide. The lake is now completely fresh. It is often rated one of the top ten bass fishing lakes in Florida.

Things to Do at John Chesnut Park

Chesnut Park encompasses 255 acres of various ecosystems. There are wetlands, hardwood hammocks, and lakes. Among these varied terrains, park-goers can enjoy a variety of activities.

• walking/hiking on nature trails
• 2 playgrounds
• open fields for soccer, baseball, or football
• sand volleyball court
• boating and kayaking
• fishing
• wildlife viewing
• picnics
• dog park
• photography
• nature study

What to Know Before You Go to John Chesnut Park

John Chesnut Park opens year-round from 7:00 AM to sunset. There is no cost of admission and all of the parking is free EXCEPT for the boat ramp parking lot. Boat ramp fees apply, and these are charged by pay station in the one parking lot. Vehicles with trailers cost $6, and vehicles without trailers cost $2.

How to Get to John Chesnut Park

From Tampa, head west on Tampa Road to East Lake Road. Turn north and continue onto McMullen-Booth Road when they merge. John Chesnut Park will be on the left.

Picnic

The park has 13 picnic shelters with grills. These can be used on a first-come basis; however, it’s recommended to reserve one if you have a large gathering or party to celebrate.

Special Events at John Chesnut Park

Several special events are held at John Chesnut Park each year. Some of those include a Mother’s Day 5K and Cruisin’ the Park car show.

Concessions

The park does not have a concession stand or any food offerings. Please bring your own food and drinks when visiting.

John Chesnut Park Map