Exploring the World with Pokémon Go: Kewannee Park
After exploring a nearby trail, I found Kewannee Park. I had no idea what an incredible experience awaited me when I arrived.
Kewannee Park is split into several areas. Though I didn’t realize that when I first arrived. Before I explored here, Florida had recently received some much needed rain. Several parts of the park were flooded or showed signs of extra water recently. The rainfall had been pretty severe so there were a few locations that I couldn’t visit.
But even with the flooding, there was plenty to see and do in that first section. My biggest gripe with the park is the tiny parking lot. There isn’t enough of it to service the several people that could use this green space at the same time.
From playgrounds and basketball courts, workout areas, and simple green spaces, there is a whole lot to do here. While exciting on its own what I found next was even more remarkable. After visiting as many places as I have, it takes something special to stand out. This place fits that description perfectly.
Reclaimed by Nature:
Before I got the best part of Kewannee Park, I went through a little transition spot. The flooding was really bad in this area. Or at least that is what I initially thought. Thinking back on it, I’m pretty sure the area below the wooden walkway has been reclaimed by the swamp land. Otherwise there would be no need for the bridge to be elevated.
Makes me wonder how recently this happened. Has that park bench been there a long time? How recently could the green area around it be used for recreation activities. Nature always wins in the end, but its a bit humbling to see it in action.
Into the Swamp:
The next section of Kewannee Park was my favorite. Boardwalks through the swampland of Florida offer rare glimpses of what this land used to look like before we burned it all down and built shopping malls. Sorry my inner George Carlin came out for a moment.
Anyway, I love these walks into nature. Even if I was getting swarmed by bugs the entire time and had humidity bearing down my back the whole time. These are just features that Floridians learn to put up with for the nice winter weather.
Its mind boggling to me how many animals were nearby that I couldn’t see. Swamps are massive ecosystems filled with countless organisms and because its not ideal for human habitation, they go about their business relatively undisturbed.
Swamps get a bad reputation in general. Seen as places of evil in fantasy and reality due to disease and dangerous animals through most of human history. Its a shame that we view such locations in the negative when they are such amazing places if you can get past the mosquitos. These areas are also vital to the overall health of the world since they help with water. There is lots we can still learn from marshes and swamps.
A Back Entrance:
After passing a side exit that leads to a trail I’ll be exploring in a future blog post, I dived back into the swamps within Kewannee Park and finished this exciting adventure. I’m glad that there are trails that pass through this place. It means I have multiple reasons to return here.
As I am having better days, I have the energy to enjoy myself when I find such a location. Its been a long time since I have been able to feel excitement at all. That I got to spend my time at such an amazing park is an extra bonus.
For those of you living in Central Florida that want to explore something off the beaten path, look no further than here. This park will suit your many needs. I can’t wait to come back.
Pokémon Go:
Naturally a park with as much to see and do as Kewannee Park is a prime spot for Pokémon Go right? Absolutely in his case. There are tons of Pokestops and gyms in the main park area. And you can see the path I took through the swamps too since Pokestops dot the trail.
With nonstop spawns as I explored this place, I highly recommend Kewannee Park. Its great as far as Pokémon Go is concerned and with its unique features, there is something for everyone here. Don’t pass up this one.
Despite how far it appears I walked, I only hatched one egg. But that egg was a Litten and I was pleased. Since this fire starter was just added to the game, I’m in need of its candy. In fact, this hatch gave me half of the candy you see in the picture.
Wrap Up:
I might have forgotten to take a picture of Sandile while I was here, but I didn’t forget to smile. After so many weeks feeling horrible, it was nice to feel genuine happiness. I can’t state enough how much I enjoyed my time here. Can’t wait to come back.