Spending a Day at Kelly Park/Rock Springs in Apopka, Florida

Kelly Park is located in Apopka, Florida. Apopka is a tiny community located just outside of Orlando. Apopka is actually close enough to Orlando that most residents consider it to be a suburb of the city. Public transportation can get you from downtown orlando to the city of Apopka, this should attest to the proximity of the two communities.

Upon driving onto the property of Kelly Park, one will first notice the well maintained grounds. At the beginning of the park the beautiful grounds are sprinkled with picnic tables and adjoining barbeque grills. If you don't feel like cooking there is a concession stand that offers the usual summer-time park foods such as hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, etc. However, it is probably best to bring your own food as concession prices are as steep as usual. Plus, nothing says Florida summer-time fun like freshly grilled foods served on paper plates, paired with cold Publix brand drinks, followed by a lazy tube trip down a crystal clear body of alligator infested water (just kidding, they are there, but you'd probably have a better chance at winning the jackpot Powerball prize than being attacked by an alligator at Kelly Park).

The main feature at Kelly Park is the freely flowing, natural spring. The spring is outfitted with a mini sandy beach area in which children build sand castles and wade in the shallow water. Adults and experienced swimmers can be found frolicking in the deeper waters. One of the most popular activities at Kelly Park is winding around the spring in tubes which can be rented for a modest fee. The spring is shaped like a semi circle. The largest part of the spring is the most heavily populated, but it winds around a more densely forested area and ends at a decked bridge upon which people can disembark if they so choose. The tradition is to flow freely around the spring with the current's insistent pull from beginning to end.

The spring can also be followed on foot by a bridged pathway which eventually gives way to wooded walking trails. Along the walking trail routes, one can become informed about the various wildlife that inhabit the area through the posted pictorial info guides. The animals which call Kelly Park home include, deer, foxes, owls, turtles, various snakes, bobcat, bear, and yes, alligator - just in case you forget that you're in Florida.... There have been alligator attacks in the past, so one should use caution when swimming in the spring. Basically, you will be fine if you stay away from areas that are roped off from swimmers.

There are pavillions which can be rented for around $50. The pavilions are spacious and clean, and there are electrical outlets and barbeque grills assigned to each one. This setting is the perfect place to throw a child's birthday party as there is a shallow wading area and playground. The next time you are planing a family get together, and you live near the Orlando area, be sure to check out all of the fun activities at Kelly Park.

*Kelly Park is located at 400 E Kelly Park Road in Apopka, Florida.