5 /5 ellen partal: This is a beautiful park with an easy walk loop trail. Some of it is paved some is packed shell, I think. It is very well maintained. The path is 8 feet wide allowing for easy passing should you be riding a bike or people are walking multiple dogs. The trail also has exercise stations along the way, including things for kids to do as well. A couple of little bridges, a small playground, 2 covered pavilions for parties and the lake with a viewing station. That about sums up the Conservatory on paper. The devil is in the details though. The 10-acre lake is sparkling with dozens of turtles, birds, fish, and alligators, including little baby gators. The pier on the lake is right by the mail entrance and has two picnic benches and is large enough to handle different groups of people without crowding there is also a water spigot with bowls for thirsty dogs. It is quiet and peaceful and a great place to sit and ponder.
The larger of the two covered pavilions is just a little further down the path connected with a view of the playground and play area. There are bathrooms and water fountains here as well. Another doggy water fountain is also here as well as poop bags and garbage. The path itself winds through part of a 55-acre nature preserve with a second entrance about connected. Because it is heavily wooded you cant see the parking from the trails, peoples voices are muted and so it seems much less crowded than it really is I think. All of the people we met were friendly, considerate and the dogs were all on leashes and well behaved. It is not a long path but looping around isnt redundant as it is teaming with birds and other wildlife and my dog at least thinks it smells amazing. He loves it there. My grandson loves the pier and th exercise stations. I love the peace here. A hidden gem for sure.
