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Optimist Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 507 Google reviews · Running trail in Milton, Florida · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Optimist Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Spacious park featuring baseball and soccer fields as well as a dog park, track and playground.
What runners say about Optimist Park
“I like going here to let my pup socialize, it's clean and so far everyone has been friendly.”
Located behind Big Lots Shopping Center in Milton,FL. Just off Hwy. 90 and minuets from downtown Milton and Blackwater River, close to Pace and Bagdad. My kids love this place. Plenty of places to play and climb. There is a large walking area good for skating. Lots of shades seating for parents.
Nice, kind of hidden, little park with a walking track, dog park and children's play equipment. A hidden gem.
Definitely serves it's purpose. Nicely laid out dog-freindly area and a great little spot for younger kids to play as well. It's great that they've started using the padded turf on play yards. There is a nice flat little walking track surrounding a field goal but nothing more in the area for physical activity.
I like going here to let my pup socialize, it's clean and so far everyone has been friendly. Could use a couple more shaded benches.
Trail conditions & character
“Definitely a great place for a child's birthday party even has a dog park with obstacle courses for your doggies too.”
“Bathrooms and playground close by with jogging track across street.”
“The only improvements I can think of is a water fountain and a larger parking lot.”
Plan your run at Optimist Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitesantarosa.fl.gov
- Phone(850) 983-1858
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Milton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Old River Trail
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Blackwater Heritage Trail State Park
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