City & Neighborhood Guides

Parks in Port St. Lucie for Families: Playgrounds, Dog Parks and Courts

By Jordan Jay7 min read
Shaded playground with two children playing on green grass in a city park
In this article

Port St. Lucie has many city parks, and several have playgrounds, dog parks, courts and walking trails. Winterlakes Park, Whispering Pines Park, Woodland Trails Park, McChesney Park and Sportsman's Park are five good ones for families. Each one has a different mix of things to do. This guide tells you what the City of Port St. Lucie says each park offers, so you can pick the right one for your weekend.

If you are thinking about a home at Central Park Townhomes, the parks below show you what family time can look like across the city.

How to Use This List

The list comes from the City of Port St. Lucie's own park pages. You can browse all of them on the city's Parks and Recreation page.

Parks change. A field can close for repairs. A court can get new lights. Check the city's page for a park before you drive there. Hours, rules and features are posted on each park's page.

We are not saying how far each park is from Central Park Townhomes. Ask us, and we will show you a map.

Shaded playground with two children playing on green grass in a city park.png

Winterlakes Park

Winterlakes Park is at 5241 NW Jannebo St. The city page describes a park with a lot going on. It lists:

  • A shaded playground for ages 2 to 12

  • A dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs

  • Two tennis courts and four pickleball courts

  • A covered basketball court

  • Sand volleyball courts

  • Practice baseball and softball fields

  • A soccer field

  • A walking trail

  • A fishing deck and a gazebo by the lake

  • Outdoor fitness stations and picnic areas

Here is a plain way to read that list. A family can bring a toddler, a teenager and a dog, and each one has something to do. You can read more on the Winterlakes Park page.

Whispering Pines Park

Whispering Pines Park is at 800 SW Darwin Blvd. Its full name is Whispering Pines Park Racket and Paddle Center. The name gives away its focus.

The city lists many tennis courts and many pickleball courts. It also lists ball fields, football fields, a large playground, a skating rink and a gym. There are pavilions with picnic tables and grills too.

If your family plays racket sports, this is the park to read about first. See the Whispering Pines page for what is offered.

Woodland Trails Park and Dog Park

Woodland Trails Park is at 1485 SW Calmar Ave. The city lists a playground for ages 2 to 12 with sensory play parts. Sensory play means things that are fun to touch and feel, such as textured panels.

The park also has a dog park, a sidewalk trail network, open recreation fields and picnic areas. It is a good pick if you want a simple outing with a walk, a play area and a spot for the dog.

Details are on the Woodland Trails Park page.

Small dog running on grass in a fenced dog park while the owner watches.png

McChesney Park and Dog Park

McChesney Park is at 1585 SW Cashmere Blvd. It has a fenced playground for ages 2 to 12 and access to a fishing lake. There is also a large pavilion with tables.

The city says it has six lighted soccer fields. Dog owners will notice that the dog park has three separate fenced areas for small, medium and large dogs. Dogs need current licenses and vaccinations. Read the rules on the McChesney Park page before you bring a pet.

Sportsman's Park

Sportsman's Park is at 201 NW Prima Vista Blvd. The city lists baseball and softball fields, basketball courts, a tennis court and pickleball courts. It also has two playgrounds, one for ages 2 to 5 and one for ages 5 to 12.

Youth sports families often like a park with several fields in one place. See the Sportsman's Park page for details.

Picking a Park by Who Is Coming

Not every family wants the same thing. Here is a simple way to choose.

Toddlers and young kids

Look for a playground built for small ages. Sportsman's Park lists a playground for ages 2 to 5. Winterlakes Park has a shaded playground, which helps on hot days. Woodland Trails Park adds sensory play parts.

School-age kids and teens

Look for courts and fields. Winterlakes Park, Whispering Pines Park and Sportsman's Park all list courts. McChesney Park has soccer fields. A park with several choices means nobody gets bored.

Dog owners

Three parks above list dog parks. McChesney Park has three separate fenced areas, sorted by dog size. Winterlakes Park has separate areas for large and small dogs. That matters if you own a small dog and worry about bigger ones.

Adults who want a walk

A trail is the simplest way to get moving. Winterlakes Park and Woodland Trails Park both list trails. Winterlakes Park also has outdoor fitness stations, so you can add a few exercises to the walk.

A Quick Comparison

Park

Playground

Dog park

Courts

Winterlakes Park

Yes

Yes

Tennis, pickleball, basketball

Whispering Pines Park

Yes

Not listed

Tennis, pickleball

Woodland Trails Park

Yes

Yes

Not listed

McChesney Park

Yes

Yes

Not listed

Sportsman's Park

Yes

Not listed

Tennis, pickleball, basketball

"Not listed" means the city page did not list it. It does not mean the park cannot have it. Check the park's page.

Play Close to Home at the Community

The parks above are city parks. Central Park Townhomes also lists its own amenities. The builder describes a ten-acre recreation facility. It has a clubhouse, a pavilion and a restroom building. It also has a resort-style pool with lap lanes and a splash park, dog parks, a playground and tot lot, and pickleball, tennis and sports courts.

The builder has not published opening dates, so call to confirm what is open today. Call 561-704-0091 and we will tell you what we know.

Parks and the Rest of Daily Life

Parks are one piece. Many families also want shops and food nearby. Our guide to The Landing at Tradition covers shopping, Publix and healthcare. Our Tradition living guide covers daily life more widely.

Wondering whether Port St. Lucie fits you overall? We wrote an honest look at the good and the trade-offs in is Port St. Lucie a good place to live. To plan your drives to a park, see getting around Central Park in Port St. Lucie. It names the real roads, like Crosstown Parkway and Verano Parkway.

Family walking together on a paved park trail lined with trees in the afternoon.png

Tips for Visiting Any Park

A few habits make park days easier.

  • Check the park's city page before you go

  • Bring water and sunscreen, since Florida sun is strong

  • Read the dog park rules if you bring a pet

  • Look up the hours, because they can differ by park

  • Plan for lights and field schedules if you are watching a game

Are You Ready to Look at Homes?

If a park day sounds like the life you want, come see the homes. There are two plans, the Glen and the Vale. Both have three bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a one-car garage. Call 561-704-0091 for today's numbers, or Schedule a visit. Ask what incentives are available today.

Common Questions

Which Port St. Lucie parks have dog parks?

The city lists dog parks at Winterlakes Park, Woodland Trails Park and McChesney Park. Check each park's page for rules and requirements.

Which parks have playgrounds for young kids?

Winterlakes Park has a shaded playground for ages 2 to 12. Woodland Trails Park and McChesney Park list playgrounds for ages 2 to 12. Sportsman's Park has one for ages 2 to 5 and one for ages 5 to 12.

Where can I play pickleball or tennis?

Winterlakes Park, Whispering Pines Park and Sportsman's Park list tennis and pickleball courts. Whispering Pines Park is the racket and paddle center.

Where can I find a park with a walking trail?

The city lists a walking trail at Winterlakes Park and a sidewalk trail network at Woodland Trails Park. Look at each park's page for details.

Does Central Park Townhomes have its own amenities?

The builder lists a ten-acre recreation facility with a pool, dog parks, a playground and courts. The builder has not published opening dates, so call to confirm what is open today.

Can I fish at a city park?

The city lists a fishing deck at Winterlakes Park and lake access for fishing at McChesney Park. Check the rules on each park's page before you fish.

How do I find my child's school?

Use the school district's address lookup on the St. Lucie County student assignment page. Check by address, because it depends on the home.

Parks are a big part of family life here, and homes are the other half. Call 561-704-0091 or pick a time to visit, and we will show you what fits.

Related reading: Tradition living guide | Is Port St. Lucie a good place to live | The Landing at Tradition | Getting around Central Park | Central Park Townhomes