Freedom Park Nature Preserve Naples, FL

Overview
The Freedom Park Nature Preserve is an area near Naples, FL with paved trails, ponds, and boardwalk. There are many loops and if you cover every possible trail, you can reach about 3 miles. If you simply walk around the outer loop, you might reach about 1.4 miles total. The Eastern loop has a bit more shade but it is shorter than the Western loop. It's best to start on the southwest corner of the parking area where you will find a trail map.


Walk
Start at the southwest corner of the parking lot and look for 3 signs near the beginning of the paved trail. Walk to the west and within about 200 feet you will see the Collier County Freedom Memorial Wall. There is a stone wall that looks like an American Flag, a few flags behind it, and a brick path going around the wall. There are circular stones on the ground for all 50 states, and many bricks are engraved with the names of donors, some of which were World War 2 veterans, Vietnam veterans, etc. There are 3 benches on the north side of the wall which notate the World Trade Center, Shanksville, PA, and the US Pentagon, with a count of the number of deaths at each location. It is important to know the history of how this tragic event occurred and remember that there is true evil in the World.Continue west and north along the various loops in the nature reserve. There are a few ponds with boardwalks that cross in a few areas. Catch and release fishing is allowed in this area. There are a few shelters in the park with a few picnic tables. There are also several benches in various areas along the path. There is no swimming allowed and why would anyone want to here, as there could be alligators and snakes in the water? Along some of the boardwalk areas, especially on the east side of the park, there are some mangrove areas. You will find more shade on that side of the park since the trees are taller and thicker in this area. Along the boardwalk, several billboards provide information about the nature in this area.

Resource
Fred W. Coyle Freedom Park

2024-03-07 Mike_W