Cool off on a hot summer’s day

Looking for a place to take a dip in a spring and grill a few dogs and burgers? Head over to the newly renovated Pitt and Sylvan Springs and enjoy a day nestled in nature along Econfina Creek.

Located along State Road 20 in Bay County, this public recreation area recently went through major restoration by Northwest Florida Water Management District. The endeavor was the first phase of the District’s Econfina Springs Complex – Spring Restoration and Protection Project.

The project for the 10-acre park was a long process, with initial planning beginning in 2006. Heavily eroded creek banks were restored with root balls and water friendly trees such as wax myrtle and Carolina willow were placed to prevent future erosion.

The main park area improvements include easier access to Pitt Spring, three pavilions with picnic tables, grills, and boardwalk trails through the park to the Sylvan Springs over look area. There you can easily view the tiny spring boils bubble up through the limestone.

Colorful interpretive signs educate the nature lover on the boardwalk trails. An improved canoe dock on Econfina Creek was added, along with a tube launch dock near Sylvan Spring run confluence to the creek. Depending on the water levels, these dock areas can be tricky to access by canoe or kayak. There is also a lovely wooded walking trail that connects Pitt/Sylvan spring to Williford Spring recreation area.

The park is open from sunrise to sunset. There are no lifeguards on duty. No pets allowed except service dogs. There is ADA access to most of the park and an environmentally friendly self-composting rest room facility has been installed as well.

There are no kayak, canoe or tube rentals available at the recreation area, however there is a rental livery located off of Strickland Road: Click here for info.

Entrance to the park can be made from either State Road 20 or Strickland Road. ::MAP::

Location: Washington County–Lat. 30° 25’ 58.68” N., Long. 85° 32’ 47.14” W.