Northwood Community Park

Castle Playground

The crown jewel of this park has to be its massive children's playground featuring a cinder block castle structure. It's no wonder locals have nicknamed it "Castle Park" - this whimsical play space sparks imagination and adventure for kids of all ages.

The castle itself comes complete with a bridge, stairs, and a fireman's pole, giving little explorers multiple paths to conquer their kingdom. Beyond the castle walls, you'll come across four separate play sets alongside eight swings (four bucket-style for the tiny tots and four regular ones for bigger kids) plus a tire swing for those seeking a different kind of thrill.

There's also a sand area with sand play equipment where budding architects can build to their heart's content. Just a heads-up if you're bringing very young children - the castle's design with its walls can sometimes make keeping track of energetic toddlers a bit challenging.

Sports and Recreation

Whether you're a serious athlete or just looking to move your body, Northwood Community Park offers several options. The park is home to Winslow Field (named after resident Chuck Winslow back in 1982), which hosts regular PONY baseball games.

Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the basketball courts, tennis courts, and handball zone. There's also a generous open field for soccer that sees plenty of action on weekends.

A dirt track circles the entire park, making for a pleasant walking or jogging route. It's a popular spot for regular exercisers, creating a friendly atmosphere where you might start recognizing familiar faces after a few visits.

History and Features

Dating back to 1980, this park was built where a citrus packing facility once stood and covers an impressive 19 acres.

The park is also home to the Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial, a thoughtful tribute to fallen soldiers that adds a touch of reverence to the recreational space.

Layout and Amenities

Paved pathways meander through grassy areas, creating natural routes for walking and jogging. The grounds are well-maintained, with a thoughtful mix of open spaces and seating areas where parents can relax while keeping an eye on playing children.

The clean restrooms are a definite plus, and the newer water bottle refill station shows the park is keeping up with the times.

Planning a gathering? The park offers two large picnic shelters with BBQ grills that you can reserve ahead of time. Additional picnic tables are scattered around the grounds, including some kid-sized tables right next to the adult picnic areas - a nice touch for family outings.

The community center houses extra restrooms and is a hub for local activities. With plenty of parking available, you won't have to circle around looking for a spot, even during busy sports weekends.

At its heart, Northwood Community Park functions as a recreational space and a community hub where memories are made, whether you're celebrating a birthday, gathering for a family picnic, or simply enjoying a beautiful day outdoors.