Ralph Carter Park

Honoring a Local Leader

Situated in Palm Coast, Florida, Ralph Carter Park spans a cozy 13.1 acres right next to Rymfire Elementary School. The park bears the name of former City Council Member Ralph Carter, who dedicated six years of service to the city from 1999 to 2005.

Sports & Recreation Spaces

If you're into team sports, you'll appreciate the lighted multi-purpose fields that host everything from soccer matches to flag football games. Fair warning: these fields are local favorites, drawing nearly 500 booking requests yearly, so they can get pretty lively during game days!

For the wheels and tricks crowd, there's a mini skate park with several ramps. While the skating area gets props from boarders, it's admittedly modest - some regulars wish it had more features like boxes, ledges, and rails to help them level up their skills.

Hoop dreams happen on the lighted basketball court, which attracts players across age groups for friendly games and shootarounds.

Kid-Friendly Play Zone

The playground area is a definite highlight for families. Thoughtfully designed with shaded canopies, it offers welcome relief from Florida's sunshine. Little ones can explore two play sets featuring multiple slides, plus fun interactive elements like an electronic drum game, xylophone, and a climbing tunnel.

The soft artificial turf underfoot makes tumbles less worrisome for parents. Though the equipment especially hits the mark for the under-5 crowd, older kids can still find entertaining challenges here too.

Relaxation Options

Need some gentle exercise or just want to stretch your legs? The 0.4-mile walking trail loops around the park's edge, well-suited for a quick jog or walking your four-legged friend.

The covered picnic areas come equipped with tables and barbecue grills, making this spot ideal for family get-togethers or casual outdoor meals. Even when the park is bustling, you can usually snag a table and grill for your gathering.

Practical Amenities

You'll find clean restrooms with running water, but like many public facilities, cleanliness can vary depending on when you visit. Drinking fountains are scattered throughout the grounds, so you can stay hydrated during your activities.

The park is fully fenced for added peace of mind, especially if you're bringing young children. There's plenty of parking available in the designated lot, but it might be tough to find a spot during tournaments or big games. With good lighting throughout, the park remains usable even as evening sets in.

Community Responsive Updates

Responding to neighborhood feedback, Ralph Carter Park has recently made several thoughtful improvements. These include adjusting the lighting with better angles and longer bulb visors, plus adding "No Parking" signs along Rymfire Drive to help with traffic management.

The park's hours have been tweaked, and they're continuously reviewing sports programs to balance the needs of both park users and nearby residents.