Exploring the World with Pokémon Go: Sylvan Lake Park
I got a chance to explore Sylvan Lake Park at long last. I had put off checking this large complex out for almost a year.
Sylvan Lake Park has a lot to see and do. Even compared to normal large parks, this one has a lot to impress. When I first got here almost a year ago and realized the sheer scope of what I had found, I left to plan for an adventure that until now, never actually happened.
As for what I found, take a look at the above photos. The light was a bit funky since I arrived right as the sun peeked over the horizon. But that didn’t take away from the adventure. And as a plus, the photo quality improved as I explored.
The first section of the park featured tennis courts and a building that was both a rec center and a training area. At least according to the signs. I didn’t go in. Usually my blog covers outdoor areas.
Credit to Park Workers
Sylvan Lake Park may have many sections, but without the work of the crews that maintain this park, none of it would look like this. In fact the park wouldn’t function at all.
I noticed that all the maintenance crew vehicles and buildings were all clustered in a small area. Normally parks tend to keep these places spread out as to not take away from what is being maintained. I’m actually glad that this park breaks from the norm. That gives me a chance to thank all the talented people who make these parks pretty every day and keep these greenspaces available.
I also found a map that shows the entire park. By this point of my walk, I realized just how little of Sylvan Lake Park I had seen. Its truly a massive and diverse complex. I’m glad I found it.
Fun for the Little Ones
Like many parks, Sylvan Lake Park has a kids section. Unlike many of those parks, this greenspace went all out with kids art. I felt a bit nostalgic seeing painted sidewalks in the likeness of chalk from when I was a kid. With signs everywhere too in several languages in fact it really felt both old and new.
Too many people I feel think that to appeal to children and families means minimal effort and doing what has always worked in the past. I’m glad to see this park try something new by utilizing that past.
Naturally there were swings and other places for children to play. I didn’t get good pictures of it because they were in use. But take my word for it. There is something for everyone. All ages included at Sylvan Lake Park.
Places to Rest and Run Around
Beyond the kids park, Sylvan Lake Park offers plenty of open greenspace and pavilions alike. I missed a little bit of a trail that takes people through all the different sections of the park, at this point I made it my mission to explore the rest of it.
There were several different activities to choose from, between Horseshoes, Volleyball, to even simple catch. Green spaces are best when they have several different ways to be enjoyed. Parks should be for everyone to make use of while letting others do the same.
The fact that this park was relatively empty when I visited does not show the place how it truly is. I imagine that later in the day, with weather being optimal, that this park is visited by lots of people daily.
Soccer Fields
Everything up till now has simply been a warmup for Sylvan Lake Park. There is a lot to do at this park, but not all activities are equal even in a well thought out space like this one. Much of this park is devoted to one sport above all others. And that is why roughly 2/3 of this park is designed for Soccer. Football that is for all the non American readers.
I didn’t get to explore much of this entire section of the park. I only could look in from the outside. Several signs in the above pictures might hint at why. But I won’t leave you hanging. The fields were being maintained in real time. I saw lot of sprinklers active and countless signs warning to stay off the grass.
What a terrible visitor I would be if I broke the rule intentionally. Accidentally is different of course. Sometimes you get off the beaten path and find yourself somewhere you shouldn’t be. No accidents this time though. I want this space to remain as amazing as it can be. So I’ll follow rules more carefully to that end.
The Trail
Speaking of the end, here is the final segment of Sylvan Lake Park. Except it isn’t. I found the park so large that I skipped a whole section. And I intend an entire adventure just for that one part. There is a reason I saved it for its own adventure. Look forward to it.
Oh right. Let’s talk about this section. The trail moved away from the Soccer Fields and became its own thing for a little bit. Trees closed up and gave plenty of shade. Real important in Florida. I can tell that when its summer time this place probably heats up really fast. Which explains the shaded gazebos and forest trail.
I saw benches and spots off to the side of the trail to rest. Even though I go on long hikes, lots of people don’t enjoy that and so when they do go on walks, benches help to make the experience more positive. As do plenty of features to look at along the way. This park is amazing. If you are in the Sanford area of Central Florida, definitely come and check this place out.
Pokémon Go
I have made Sylvan Lake Park out to be an amazing place in the real world, but how does it measure up in Pokémon Go. Rather than ramble on and follow the formulas of all those content writers chasing SEO and clout, take a look at the picture above and you tell me if this is a place worth checking out in Pokémon Go.
In case it isn’t obvious, several gyms and Pokestops all around the trail and attractions marks a good park. And there were so many spawns that I couldn’t catch them all fast enough to have it clear for an image. This park is just a little short of being an optimal community day location. A great park for a visit when you are by yourself and want to explore something different.
There are at least two routes at this park. On that travels halfway and another that is a grand tour through everything. I imagine there are other routes I missed.
I got mostly forest and open park related biomes. No suprises there. A shame I didn’t get any water related biomes, but if you look at the above image and notice the big lake in the section I didn’t spin stops, you should know that there is more excitement to come when I explore the back half of Sylvan Lake Park.
Eggs and More
I actually hatched a second egg while exploring Sylvan Lake Park. Unfortunately I didn’t get a picture of it. Or remember what it was. Since this was a park and not a trail, there are less eggs. Comes with the territory of a much shorter distance.
Don’t be fooled by the low number of Pokémon caught by incense. Sylvan Lake Park had so many spawns that I didn’t have a chance to catch more of what popped up. Especially when something much rarer spawned outside the incense. If you wanna catch a lot of stuff and have plenty of places to replenish items, this is a spot to do just that.
I know I know, I promised Zygarde. Since I’m trying to level to 47, I need to max out three Pokémon. And I got two of them already. Dragonite was one of my first perfect Pokémon caught that is really strong in competitive. So I had to max it.
Wrap Up
Here I am in the sun with it blasting in my face. Hard to smile in that situation. But I still tried. Also I’m wearing a hot pink shirt. Got it from running a race. Anyway pointless writing aside, I had a good time being outside again other than for work. These walks through parks and down trails really help with stress. As I get older I’m finding that I’ll be doing this a lot more if I can ever retire. Who knows if that will ever happen though.
Look forward to next time. I have a whole section of Sylvan Lake Park that I skipped so it could be showcased all by itself. Look forward to it. Hopefully soon.