Wall Springs Park on the Pinellas Trail - Senior Travel Tales and Tips

“A Hidden Gem on the Pinellas Trail”

How long have you lived in an area? Do you know its history? Many of us settle into a new area for a job, schooling, or activities. Yet, we are often busy with our lives and don’t take the time to learn about the area in which we live. We have lived in Pinellas County Florida for over 26 years now. For many years we were frequent visitors to the Olde Schoolhouse Restaurant, off Alternate US 19 south of Tarpon Springs. Originally, the Olde Schoolhouse was the built in 1910 as Wall Springs Schoolhouse and later renamed the Palm Harbor Schoolhouse. Years later the Schoolhouse was converted to the Olde Schoolhouse Restaurant and served northern Pinellas County for many years.

It was while dining at the Olde Schoolhouse, that we learned the history of both Palm Harbor and Wall Springs. Around 1910, a Company called Southern Land Development, began platting the area that was then known as Bay St. Joseph. With more residents moving in houses were being planned for those new residents. This attracted a Canadian company eager to supply homes for the expected new arrivals. The area was renamed Palm Harbor. They also built schools and Wall Springs School was one of those first constructed. Learning the history of the area and the Olde Schoolhouse’s early beginnings, we became curious about Wall Springs that had been a healing spa for many years. Rumor had it was closed and that the Pinellas County was taking it over. In the meantime, the Olde Schoolhouse Restaurant closed and along with it any information for us about Wall Springs.

A few years ago, on a morning bike ride along the Pinellas Trail from Palm Harbor toward Tarpon Springs, we spot a huge sign: WALL SPRINGS! Wow! It is open! Immediately, we park our bikes to explore this “hidden and lesser known park.” First stop is the “Spring.” Surrounded by a boardwalk, we look into this deep spring to see the image of a lady’s face. Despite attempts to get a clear picture of the “Spring”, the sunlight and clouds overhead reflect in our photos. Walking around the “Spring” and crossing the boardwalk that goes over a large pond, we peer down into the clear spring fed lake. Wow! Crabs are everywhere! It is fun watching them crawl along the bottom of the lake. Amazing to see so many in one place.

Storyboards provide the history of Wall Springs and have old photos. Charles F. Wall, purchased the property in and around the springs in 1884. It was named “Wall Springs” for the Wall family. In 1927, the property was sold to Harry W. Davis. Under Davis’ ownership, the spring became known as “Health Springs” and was used as a health spa. A subsequent purchase by the Cullen family in 1948, the spring name changed back to “Wall Springs.” The spring and the adjoining pond were used as a spa and bathing area until the mid-1960’s. Then Wall Springs was closed. Then in 1988 Pinellas County began acquiring the Wall Springs property of the spring and surrounding area. Acquisition of additional property continued and today Wall Springs Park is 210 acres.

THE SPRINGS
Facts & Information on the Spring:

The source of the spring is the Upper Floridian Aquifer
The flow varies from zero during drought to a high of 7,405 gallons per minute
During periods of high rainfall, as much as 10.7 million gallons of water can flow from the spring in 1 day
The average water flow is 2,917 gallons per minute or about 4.2 million gallons per day
The spring water temperature remains at a nearly constant 74 degrees
Swimming is not allowed in the spring because of the danger to the ecosystem
Volunteers did a major clean-up of the springs in 2016

THE PARK

Following paths through a forest in the Wall Springs Park is a walk through a Florida scene. Crossing boardwalks and wide sidewalks we enjoy the scenic setting. Along the 1.1 mile walkway, we spot various boardwalks that lead to fishing piers opening out into the Gulf of Mexico. There are several Pavilions with picnic tables that are great for a family gathering in this natural wooded setting. Basically, the park is on a peninsula that juts out into the Gulf of Mexico.

The Artful Benches

A unique "FISH" bench! — A unique “FISH” bench!

Additionally, a lot of personality is added with the many benches along the Park’s walkway. UNIQUE! What is it? Each bench is a most unusual design. See end of article for pictures of the benches. Maybe you will recognize each animal.

The Observation Tower

Today as we stroll the Park, we thrill at the massive 35-foot observation tower. It’s handicap accessible, too. We opt to walk the ramps to the top and take the steps down. Actually, the ramps create an exciting experience as each level brings a new view.

View out to the Gulf of Mexico from Observation Tower

Plus it is an impressive structure that leads to views high above the treetops. The panoramic views out over the Gulf of Mexico are absolutely spectacular and serene.

The Playground and Butterfly Garden

Additionally, as we explore Wall Springs Park, we are impressed with the barrier-free playgrounds. Even better is the playgrounds have a sail-type covering providing plenty of shade.

A new addition to Wall Springs is their Butterfly Garden. Here there are many plants that attract butterflies. It is fun watching the butterflies flitter from plant to plant. Hard to get a picture of one on our visit. The Butterfly Garden is by the Playground. Be sure to check it out.

The boardwalk leas out to s fishing pier.

For those wanting a good parking area in North Pinellas County for biking, walking or rollerblading the Pinellas Trail, Wall Springs Park is a great option. It has a large parking lot that is safe. The Pinellas Trail is alongside the park for heading north to Tarpon Springs or south to Palm Harbor and Dunedin.

We highly recommend a visit to Wall Springs Park. While it isn’t as large as other parks in the county, its history and setting along the Gulf of Mexico makes it a unique and enjoyable park to visit. Be sure to also see articles on other favorite parks and walks along the Pinellas Trail of John Chestnut Park and Dunedin Causeway/Pinellas Trail.
(Check out pictures of benches after the Amenities.)

Amenities: