When it comes to low-cost family amusement, Collier County has an embarrassment of riches. There are dozens of public parks dotted around the county, and between the extensive facilities and unique programming offered, there truly is something for everyone.

In fact, our local parks are so impressive that Collier County was awarded the prestigious 2010 Florida Recreation and Park Association Agency Excellence Award. “With the economy slowdown, we are innovating and going more with fewer resources,” says Barry Williams, director of Collier County Parks and Recreation. “We strive every day to meet, and exceed, the needs of our residents and the community by developing new programs, incorporating the suggestions of our residents, and with the expertise of an incredible staff.”

Below we’ve highlighted seven of these impressive parks you won’t want to miss out on!

Fleischmann Park
Located just south of Coastland Center Mall on Fleischmann Boulevard, Fleischmann Park offers a wealth of activities for children of all ages.

Boasting a huge range of lighted athletic facilities – racquetball courts, baseball fields, volleyball and basketball courts, and a lighted football field and practice field – there’s plenty of space in this fifteen-acre lot to enjoy a day of fun. Plus the new playground (divided into two age-appropriate zones) with sunshades and a fun water splash zone help your little ones to beat the Florida heat any time of the year. And don’t forget about the community center, complete with meeting rooms, a fully equipped game room and two dance studios. Check the center’s calendar for the many classes offered, including gymnastics, martial arts, and dance.

Fleischmann also offers numerous summer, holiday and after school camps to keep your children busy with fun filled activities while they are out of classes.

Cambier Park
Located in the heart of Olde Naples at 601 Park Street, just off Fifth Avenue South, Cambier Park has been embraced by children and adults alike.

While the fully staffed, public tennis facility is an immediate perk for those wishing to brush up their skills, it’s perhaps the Bandshell and Norris Community Center that are the most well received features.

The Bandshell was renovated in 2001 to include stage and rehearsal areas and state-of-the-art sound system, which regularly is used for free live jazz and big band concerts throughout the year.

The Norris Community Center also provides an assortment of acting, dance, and foreign language classes. Stroll through the art gallery to see what students both young and old have been creating and don’t forget to check in with the resident Gulfshore Playhouse to see what performance they are putting on next.

The extensive wooden playground at Cambier Park is a favorite of area children, and is appropriate both for toddlers and older children. It’s also a short walk to Fifth Avenue for ice cream, coffee or lunch.

Freedom Park
Situated at 1515 Golden Gate Parkway, this newest addition to Collier County was originally erected to honor the heroes of the 9/11 attacks. The 50-acre plot includes a five-acre lake and nearly 3,500 feet of boardwalk throughout. Take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the sights or participate in one of the educational programs offered there.

North Collier Regional Park
One of the largest and most unique parks in Collier County, North Collier Regional Park (NCRP) is located at 15000 Livingston Road, just south of Immokalee Road.

This isn’t just your average park. North Collier comes complete with its very own water theme park. Sun ‘N Fun Lagoon offers a variety of pools, a lazy river, raging water slides, and a full-service concession stand.

Lily Green, a player for the Naples Sharks Under-11 A team, particular likes this feature. “I love NCRP because I can go from a soccer game to the water slides. How cool is that!” she says.

For the younger enthusiasts, NCRP provides the “Can U Dig It?” playground.

At “Can U Dig It?”, children get a completely interactive experience with innovative swings,  swirling squiggly poles, boulder climbing, and a covered fossil dig. The modern design and colorful equipment keep the imagination flowing as playtime extends long into the day.

The RecPlex Fitness Center is a favorite among parents. Admittance to this 6,000 square foot exercise facility comes with a small fee, but offers extensive equipment, a gymnasium and, most importantly, babysitting services. So you can slip in a workout on your own before gearing up to entertain and delight your little ones at one of NCRP’s other amazing outlets.

NCRP also offers an annual Child Safety Fair each October, which features Safety Town and the Safety Kids, as well as a Walk for the Way each September. Proceeds benefit the United Way of Collier County.

Sugden Regional Park
If you’re looking for a fresh water experience, Sugden Regional Park is sure to be your destination. Located at 4285 Avalon Drive, just off U.S. 41, boasts one of the county’s only fresh water beaches.

Overlooking a pristine 60-acre lake, Sugden offers paddle boat rentals, a playground, picnic areas, and plenty of walking paths. The park also offers both sailing and skiing lessons for school-aged children and up.

And don’t forget to stop in each July to celebrate National Parks & Recreation Month with Sugden’s annual Ice Cream Social.

East Naples Community Park
East Naples Community Park is a hub of activity with its various sports and fitness programs. But what really sets this park apart is the Velocity Skate Park, which is one of the top-rated skate parks in the Florida.

Located at 3500 Thomasson Drive off U.S. 41, Velocity Skate Park is a magnet for skaters. With a bowl, a 10-foot half pipe, 9-foot hipe transfer, 9-foot flat bank, two 3-foot box grinds, two 4x3 pyramids, and three grind rails – just to name a few – your amateur skaters will be on their way to pros in no time. Just $10 secures a yearly membership.

Golden Gate Community Center
If BMX is more your child’s style, then you’ll definitely want to take a trip to the Golden Gate Community Center, which features “Wheels”, Collier County’s only BMX track.

Wheels provide a National Bicycle League (NBL) sanctioned BMX track, as well as a pro shop. Kids can brush up on their skills through one of the many regular camps and clinics, so they can look sharp during the dozens of competitions the park showcases throughout the year. They also can gain inspiration while viewing one of the NBL Friday Night BMX races, offered to any rider competing at a local, state, regional, or national level.

For more information on all Collier County parks, visit www.colliergov.net.