On Saturday, April 2, park partners and nonprofits will present the Inaugural 7 Creeks Fest and the community is invited to celebrate and explore the 7 Creeks Recreation Area. Timucuan Parks Foundation, North Florida Land Trust, the City of Jacksonville, Florida State Parks, the National Park Service and Visit Jacksonville have organized the free family-friendly event which will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with activities planned throughout the day.
 
Guests can enjoy a variety of nature activities in the 7 Creeks Recreation Area that will include visits to Betz-Tiger Point Preserve, Bogey Creek Preserve, Cedar Point Preserve, Cedar Point (National Park Service), and Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park. There will be guided nature hikes at the various parks, a fishing clinic for kids (registration required), kayaking and canoeing, yoga, arts and crafts, and more.
 
Betz-Tiger Point Preserve at 13990 Pumpkin Hill Road will serve as the Fest Welcome Hub where guests can pick up the day’s event schedule and map, visit exhibitor tables, enjoy live music and purchase food from the food trucks, as well as participate in nature activities. Visitors are encouraged to bring a camp chair or blanket for this location, as well as reusable water bottles. Guests are also welcome to bring their own picnic lunch.
 
Visitors can drive between the parks to take part in the nature activities in each location and participate in the Bingo Scavenger Hunt and the Geocache Challenge that cover the entire 7 Creeks area. For a full list of activities, visit 7creeksfest.org.
 
Timucuan Parks Foundation is currently looking for sponsors, exhibitors and volunteers to help with the event. Those interested in sponsorships can email fest@timucuanparks.org or visit the 7 Creeks Fest website to register and learn more about becoming an exhibitor or volunteer.
 
The 7 Creeks Recreation Area is 5,600 acres of contiguous parklands in northeast Jacksonville that are linked by trails and waterways. The collection of seven parks features more than 30 miles of trails on thousands of connected acres of public lands perfect for biking, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, fishing and more, offering many opportunities for improving physical and mental health. The outdoors destination was made possible by the partnership of park agencies and supportive nonprofits working together to expand access and recreational opportunities for park visitors: the City of Jacksonville’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department (JaxParks), Florida Park Service (FPS), National Park Service (NPS), North Florida Land Trust (NFLT), Timucuan Parks Foundation (TPF) and Visit Jacksonville.
 
About Timucuan Parks Foundation
Timucuan Parks Foundation is a nonprofit organization that preserves, promotes and enhances Jacksonville’s natural areas through community engagement, education and enjoyment. The foundation originated in 1999 with the Preservation Project Jacksonville, Inc. to identify and assist in acquiring the most vulnerable and environmentally sensitive lands in Duval County. The acquisition of lands created the largest urban park system in the United States. TPF works with its park partners, including the National Park Service, Florida State Parks and the City of Jacksonville, and other community partners to promote environmental stewardship, the health benefits of the parks and preserves, and an appreciation for Jacksonville’s special outdoor spaces. For more information, visit timucuanparks.org or follow @timucuanparks.  
 
About North Florida Land Trust
North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life by protecting North Florida's irreplaceable natural environment. Founded in 1999, NFLT has preserved tens of thousands of acres of land through the donation or purchase of land as well as conservation easements.  NFLT is funded largely by private and corporate contributions and works closely with willing landowners and public agencies at all levels of government, not-for-profit partners, and foundations. For more information, visitnflt.org.
 
About Parks, Recreation and Community Services
The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) serves diverse populations of all ages and abilities through recreation activities and programs, conservation and marine resources, sports and entertainment, senior services, social services, disabled services, and extension services serving approximately 900,000 residents in Duval County. PRCS offers over 400 parks and recreational spaces. For more information about The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, visit COJ.net/departments/parks-and-recreation.
 
About Florida State Parks
The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of four National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first four-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005, 2013 and 2019 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association. Florida’s 175 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies, and foster community pride. With nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches, and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. For more information, visit FloridaStateParks.org.
 
About National Park Service
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at NPS.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
 
About Visit Jacksonville
Visit Jacksonville is a Destinations International accredited Destination Marketing Organization contracted by the Duval County Tourist Development Council (TDC) to champion business and leisure tourism growth in Jacksonville. For a closer look at all there is to see and do in Jacksonville, go to VisitJacksonville.com or contact 800-733-2668.