About Brevard County Parks and Recreation

Mission Statement

Located on Florida's Space Coast, the mission statement of the Brevard County Parks and Recreation Department is to enhance the quality of life by providing many types and levels of service that reflect the interest and values of citizens and visitors.

Core Value 1: A Sense of Community

Brevard County Parks and Recreation is a local government agency in East Central Florida, USA. It serves the nearly 640,000 residents of Brevard County including the following municipalities and communities: Aurantia, Barefoot Bay, Canaveral Groves, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Eau Gallie, Floridana Beach, Georgianna, Grant-Valkaria, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Malabar, Melbourne, Melbourne Beach, Melbourne Shores, Melbourne Village, Merritt Island, Micco, Mims, Patrick Space Force Base, Palm Bay, Palm Shores, Pineda, Port St. John, Rockledge, Satellite Beach, Scottsmoor, Sharpes, South Patrick, Suntree, Titusville, Viera, as well as local visitors from Orlando, Daytona, Vero Beach and tourists from outside the state.

Brevard County is a popular tourism site with points of interest including the Brevard Zoo, the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, Canaveral National Seashore, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Port Canaveral, the Space Coast Stadium, Patrick Space Force Base (PSFB), and Kennedy Space Center (KSC) -- with many parks well suited for viewing space vehicle launches. Any resident or tourist visiting Brevard will find that Brevard County parks offer a rich opportunity for leisure activity and environmental education.

Core Value 2: Achievement

Of the many parks and facilities available throughout the county, those that the Department manages include 114 parks, 3 campgrounds, 3 nature centers, 3 education centers, 78 beach access sites, 10 school athletic sites, and more than 16,500 managed acres of Environmentally Endangered Lands sanctuaries and conservation areas. The Parks and Recreation Department's website offers residents and visitors a place to discover the unique features and recreational opportunities available throughout our parks.

Core Value 3: Respect for Nature

Extending 72 miles along Florida's Atlantic coast and inland up to 20 miles to the St. Johns River, Brevard County is represented by a wide variety of natural resources, vegetation, and wildlife species. Three predominant geographic features create distinct environments: the Indian River Lagoon, the coastal ridge with its pine and oak forests, and the St. Johns River valley with its wet and dry prairies. The most renowned is the Indian River Lagoon surrounding Merritt Island and separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a barrier peninsula. This lagoon is America's most diverse estuary system with more than 4,300 kinds of plants and animals. From the vast savannas of the St. Johns to the dunes and maritime hammocks along the coast, from open pine lands to hardwood oak forests, Brevard County's park system preserves Florida's natural features to be experienced and appreciated, while providing access to a variety of recreational opportunities.

Many county parks in Brevard preserve the sensitive ecosystem and include endangered lands and threatened species. Educational programs at nature centers focus on awareness of the outdoors and preservation of the environment which includes the unique Indian River Lagoon, the St. Johns River, lakes, wetlands, maritime hammocks and scrub. Specific parks are a haven for bird watching and provide a sanctuary for many bird communities including the osprey, eagle, egret, pelican, and various wildlife including sea turtles and manatees.

Core Value 4: Good Health

Recreational opportunities on Florida's beautiful Space Coast range from nature preserves to state-of-the-art athletic facilities and active community centers. Features that inspire both active and quiet pursuits include wildlife sanctuaries, beaches, rivers, lakes, boat ramps, nature centers, trails, cultural sites, an aquatic center, playgrounds, event/picnic pavilions, and a variety of sports facilities.

Additionally, for those who love the outdoors, Brevard County's parks provide venues for community and regional activities including camping at three unique campgrounds; horse trails; fishing and boating--with access to the waterways by boat ramps at many parks; beach and lake swimming and various venues for water sports including sailing, windsurfing, surfing, rowing, catamaran, canoe, and kayak.

Facilities for other active sports include softball, tennis, volleyball, horseshoes, shuffleboard, and there are many soccer and Little League ballfields. Picnic pavilions and playgrounds are available at various parks for more passive enjoyment.