2026-11-09 · 5 min read · Pace
Where Are the Parks and Trails in Pace and Milton, FL?
Where are the parks and trails in Pace and Milton?
In Pace, start with Benny Russell Park on Spencer Field Road, with a splash pad, a multipurpose trail and picnic pavilions, and Floridatown Park, with a boat ramp on the water. In Milton, Carpenter's Park and Russell Harber Landing Park sit across the Blackwater River from each other, the Old River Trail starts at Russell Harber Landing, and the paved Blackwater Heritage State Trail runs through town. Hours and seasonal features change, so check before you go.
Vivian Corwin is a bilingual Realtor and Military Relocation Professional with IXL Real Estate Florida in Pensacola, FL, helping military and relocating families buy and sell homes across Pensacola, Pace, Milton, Gulf Breeze, and Navarre.
What's at Benny Russell Park in Pace?
A Santa Rosa County park at 5417 West Spencer Field Road. An expansion added:
- A splash pad with a restroom
- A playground
- A fitness court
- A multipurpose trail
- A sports field
- Picnic pavilions, which can be reserved through Santa Rosa County
The splash pad is seasonal, so check the county's schedule.
What's at Floridatown Park in Pace?
A county park at 3900 Floridatown Road with a boat ramp. In 2021, a Born Learning Trail was added there, a short play-and-learn path rather than a hiking trail.
What's along the river in Milton?
- Carpenter's Park. On a bend in the Blackwater River, with picnic pavilions, a splash pad and a canoe and kayak launch.
- Russell Harber Landing Park. Across the river from Carpenter's Park, with two boat ramps, a floating dock and picnic areas.
- Old River Trail. About half a mile from Russell Harber Landing Park to Whiting Park, maintained by the City of Milton with the Northwest Florida Water Management District.
- Milton Riverwalk. Along the river in the historic downtown.
What about longer trails?
The Blackwater Heritage State Trail is a paved state trail through Milton, with more than nine paved miles when you count the trail managed by NAS Whiting Field at its north end. My post on the outdoors in Milton covers it and the Blackwater River.
How do I plan a park day, step by step?
- Pick land or water. Trails and splash pads, or a boat ramp and launch.
- Check the season. Splash pads run seasonally.
- Reserve a pavilion if you need one. Through Santa Rosa County.
- Go early in summer. The heat builds fast.
What mistakes do newcomers make with local parks?
- Showing up for the splash pad off-season. Check the schedule.
- Assuming a pavilion is open. Some are reserved.
- Treating every trail as a hike. Some are short paths.
- Skipping the weather check. Summer storms come up fast.
What if parks matter in my home search?
Here's an example of how I lay out the steps. It shows the process, and it isn't a real client's story.
- Your routine. Which parks and trails you'd use, and how often.
- The drive. From each home you're considering.
- The trade-offs. Pace and Milton differ in lots, price and schools.
My pages on Pace and Milton cover each town, and my post on choosing between Pace, Milton and Cantonment helps you compare.
Quick answers about parks in Pace and Milton
Where is Benny Russell Park?
At 5417 West Spencer Field Road in Pace.
Does Pace have a splash pad?
Yes. Benny Russell Park has a seasonal splash pad with a restroom.
Where can I launch a kayak in Milton?
Carpenter's Park has a canoe and kayak launch, and Russell Harber Landing Park has boat ramps and a floating dock.
How long is the Old River Trail?
About half a mile, from Russell Harber Landing Park to Whiting Park.
Looking at homes in Pace or Milton?
Vivian Corwin is a bilingual Realtor and Military Relocation Professional with IXL Real Estate Florida in Pensacola, FL, helping military and relocating families buy and sell homes across Pensacola, Pace, Milton, Gulf Breeze, and Navarre. Let's talk about your goals and your timeline. I'll walk you through it before you decide anything.