Ballard Park Field Trip

Perhaps you're a visitor that wants to get in a little exercise while you're here, or the kids just need to get somewhere where they can run around and make noise. Or maybe you're a local, like myself, that wants to meet some friends for lunch but you don't want to sit inside. Ballard Park is the perfect spot.

The 10-acre Ballard Park is one of the City of Melbourne's Community Parks. It is located off US #1, between the Melbourne and Eau Gallie Causeways - we'll tell you how to get there in the Just the Facts section at the end of this post. It's right on the Indian River Lagoon and the Eau Gallie River, and that means it gets great breezes - I've been there on some pretty hot days, but those breezes keep it just about perfect.

Ballard Park has a little bit of everything - little pavilions, big pavilions, a fenced children's playground, basketball, racquetball, and lighted tennis courts, a boat ramp, shaded benches for ruminating, really clean bathrooms, and best of all - plenty of room for everybody! Dogs are allowed, but they must be on leashes (and pick up after them, of course). The slideshow in the right-hand column will give you an idea of the amenities.

What I like about Ballard Park is that there are folks coming and going, but it doesn't seem busy or crowded. This is a great place to unwind, read a book, talk with a friend, have a picnic.

Just the Facts

Ballard Park

"BIG PICTURE" LOCATION: Central Brevard, Mainland, Melbourne

WHEN TO GO: Seven days a week, 7 a.m. until 9 p.m.

HOW TO GET THERE: From US #l, turn east on Thomas Barbour Drive. Follow Thomas Barbour Drive for 0.3 mile to the Park entrance. (Thomas Barbour Drive is about 3 miles north of Hwy 192.) Luckily, there is a very handy sign at the intersection of US #l and Thomas Barbour Drive - you'll not only know the time and temperature, you'll easily see where to turn!

If you need to head south when you leave the Park, don't try to cut across US #l. Instead, turn left on Coral Drive (the street right before US #l) and follow it to Ballard Drive, where there's a stoplight. (Google map)

WHERE TO PARK: There is plenty of parking available.

WHAT TO WEAR: This is Florida - wear sunscreen and a hat unless you're going to be under a pavilion the entire time. Otherwise, wear whatever suits your planned activity.

PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS: There are no constraints to enjoying some aspect of the Park that I can think of. The bathrooms are very nice!

HOW LONG TO STAY: Stay as long as you wish (as long as you leave by 9 P.M).

WHAT TO DO: Bike, boat, play racquetball or basketball, play tennis, let the kids play on the playground while you sit at a nice covered pavilion, have a picnic, read a book, watch the boats in the river, walk the dog, or do nothing at all!

BRING MONEY? No money needed

WHERE TO EAT AFTERWARDS: At the stoplight at US #l and Ballard Drive (to the south of Thomas Barbour), you'll find Nature's Market, a health food store with takeout food. For the other end of the spectrum, try Del's Tasty Freeze, to the south of the stoplight on the west side of the street.

HOW TO HELP: As always, don't litter, and don't speed through the neighborhood or the park.

REFERENCE LINKS:

City of Melbourne Community Parks

Melbourne, Florida