City of Punta Gorda, FL
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Located at 400 W. Retta Esplanade in historic Punta Gorda, Gilchrist Park contains 11 acres stretched along the waterfront between the downtown and Fishermen's Village.
Gilchrist Park provides sweeping views of the Charlotte Harbor. Park amenities include a large playground; basketball, tennis and pickleball courts; fishing pier, gazebo, picnic pavilions, and lost of open green space..
Smaller events including weddings, craft shows and impromptu concerts are held in the park as well.
The park is named for Governor Albert Gilchrist, a real estate broker, surveyor, and political leader and one of the founding fathers of the City. Governor Gilchrist was well loved in Punta Gorda with a lifetime of public service first on City Council, then in the State Legislature culminating as Governor of Florida from 1909 to 1913. Always a community benefactor, Governor Gilchirst in his will established a $5,000 endowment to the City for the provision of ice cream to all the children of Punta Gorda on Halloween. This tradition continues annually with the assistance of many community partners.
Also located within the park is the Bayfront Center operated by the YMCA of Charlotte County. This facility hosts YMCA programs including a sailing center. This waterfront facility is also available for event rental through the YMCA.
400 W. Retta Esplanade
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
- 11 acres along Charlotte Harbor
- Basketball court
- Connection to Punta Gorda Pathways
- Connection to Laishley Park
- Gardens
- Gazebo
- Fishing pier
- Parking
- Restrooms
- Playground
- Shelters & picnic tables
- Small beach
- Sidewalk for walking, jogging and biking
- Tennis courts
- 4 Pickleball courts- Open 8 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. View the extensive Pickleball Committee Report at Pickleball_Committee_Report-PRINT_COPY
Gilchrist Park is available to rent for private events or for public events & festivals!
PARK RENTAL & EVENTS
326 WEST MARION AVENUE
PUNTA GORDA, FL 33950
ParkRental@CityofPuntaGordaFL.com
(941) 575-3367
Other City Parks & Facilities
Cooper Street Recreation Center
- Address:650 Mary Street
Punta Gorda, FL 33950 - Phone:(941) 639-3034
Categories:- Recreational Areas
- Address:650 Mary Street
The Cooper Street Recreation Center contains approximately 3 acres and serves the youth of Punta Gorda. As one of the City’s most intensively developed parks, Cooper Street offers a variety of educational support; cultural stimulation and recreational challenges to the City’s youth. Recent upgrades through CDBG funding provided new playground equipment replacing the 20 year old outdated equipment. The new equipment improves the facility dramatically making it a safer and more user friendly center.