George Kennedy Memorial Park in Edgewater, Florida Gets a Make-Over

George Kennedy Memorial Park in Edgewater, Florida recently received a complete make-over. There is an addition of a water fountain where the defunct tennis court used to be, a gazebo on the opposite side of the entrance, and a newly paved road and landscape. There is still boat ramp access and the fishing pier, but everything is made-over to look more elegant, with newly planted trees as well.

The area of Edgewater Florida, a sleepy little coastal community next to New Smyrna Beach, has become popular in recent years not only as a retirement community, but as a place to raise a family. There is a big high school in the area of New Smyrna Beach, and Edgewater is in close proximity to Daytona Beach and area attractions. With the current residents and influx of new people, parks have become a popular alternative to the beach, because the parks of Edgewater are both uniquely scenic and local. People also like to walk their dogs at the parks in Edgewater, when allowed. Some parks in Edgewater may allow dogs to walk in the future where it was previously prohibited, possibly including George Kennedy Memorial Park. This is something under discussion at the moment among town officials.

This park is host to the annual fireworks event, and is the meeting and starting point of various charitable marathons. The park is located directly on the picturesque Indian River; where boats can pull directly in and out at the wide boat ramp. There may be size restrictions to keep in mind and licenses when accessing the boat ramp.
The waterways along the Indian River have speed safety zones; for the slow areas are designated manatee zones, and boaters and jet skiers have to be careful around these gentle giants. The manatees may not be visible to the naked eye, but their backs are exposed to the boat blades; and they become scared for life by careless boaters who didn't abide by manatee speed laws and went too fast. The manatee is a giant, lumbering creature, vegetarian by nature, which feeds off the vegetation in and around the park embankment, so it is best to abide by the speed limit in manatee zones to avoid hitting one.

Edgewater Florida has a most diverse ecosystem, most evident at this park. There are estuaries; where pelicans and various species of birds nest a few feet out from the edge of the sea wall, on the boat launch side. To the right is a nice spot to sit on the dock and fish, and the view is spectacular. All types of sailboats pass by. The park is located right across the street from the Edgewater Police Department and City Hall. The park is easily found on Riverside Drive; a fantastic residential road with grand homes lined with hundred year-old twisted oaks and palm trees that bend to the Indian River in the direction of the sea.