As you may have seen from our post last week, Lou and I are getting settled into our new digs. We’ve found the best Publix (it’s two stories!), we experienced WaWa for the first time, and we are starting to learn the lay of the land around this part of town.
Outside of the busy that comes with moving and preparing to start school in just under a week, finding the time to adventure became a priority. This summer series has been so much fun to share with one another and with you as readers! These adventures may not have taken us far out of town, though sometimes I think the best times are had closer to home.
This week, we explored the Navy Federal Recreation Center, and boy were we in for a treat! I’d heard friends chatter about how nice the place was, and I was well aware that Navy Federal had taken over this side of our city. I’ll admit that I doubted how cool the park could actually be.
We set out for some fresh humid air in the middle of the day, to some, this may be considered a mistake. We were willing to face the heat if that meant we could get outside and run off some energy. Upon arrival we took the far entrance into the park, which features a pond on one side and a huge open field of undeveloped land on the other.
Is it just me or do you just want to run, arms wide open, when you see a big grassy field?
There is plenty of parking and walkable paths. Where we came in, there was a large soccer field and a baseball/softball field that we passed while looking for a place to park. Nestled into lush landscaping, plenty of places with shaded coverage, and security to keep the premise safe, we felt free to explore.
Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: 9045 Security Place, Pensacola, FL 32526
Membership: The park is open to the public, though reservations can be made in advance if you’d like to reserve certain areas of the park.
A Quick Review:
At a glance, here is what the Navy Fed Rec has to offer:
- A covered pavilion with restrooms, picnic tables, and a water station
- Multipurpose field
- Basketball courts
- Volleyball court
- Pickleball courts
- Fitness courts
- Yoga lawn
- Informal lawn
We walked around the entire park and explored just about every area we could. The volleyball court is sanded making it more like beach volleyball. The basketball courts had plenty of baskets for multiple games to be played. We were impressed with the stone furniture lining the yoga lawn, even noting that it was almost as comfortable as the couch in our living room!
The geese swimming in the pond were unphased by our excitement. They must be used to seeing people react like we did.
The fitness court was one of the best we’ve seen, with barbells, ropes to climb and sling, medicine balls, pull up bars, and more!
If you plan to play ball, be sure to bring your own. If you melt when it’s hot, you’d best wait until the sun is not sitting in its midday spot. Picnics are permitted and pets on a leash are invited to walk.
We loved the rec center so much that we came back for round two when the sun started to set. The entire park is well lit until closing time at 9 o’clock.
Mak & Lou Rating:
Between the short drive to get there, the large area for all sorts of playing, and all the amenities that come with it, we both rated the Navy Federal Recreation Center a 100 out of 10.
The large field I mentioned earlier on is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to watch the sunset, and I have a feeling that our best memories haven’t been made yet.
If you asked us about this place now that we’ve been, we’d think you were crazy if you said you hadn’t checked it out yet.
Lou and I have thoroughly enjoyed bringing you along our adventures this summer. Our goal with this series was to offer a few free options for you and your family to get out and have more FUN! Life is so much better when we have a little adventure in it.
Exploring with your family doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. You don’t have to go far beyond your neighborhood to soak up quality time with the people you love spending your time with! When it’s all said and done, our kids often forget the money that was spent or the things they are gifted. The memories made and the intention behind them are what stick around for the rest of our days.
So when you find yourself in the weeds of whatever the school years brings, take a moment to refer back to this summer series. The adventures we shared are good year around, and they are intended to inspire you to find fun right here in town!
We wish you all a strong start to your upcoming school year. We can’t wait to share more adventures with you next summer!
Mak & Lou
Mom & Daughter Writing Duo
Local Pulse Pensacola
