McElroy Park, officially named Lula M. McElroy Park, maximizes its three acres to offer fun for all ages. If you're visiting the beach, it is only about a block west of the beach in Daytona Beach Shores. It has a children's playground, picnic tables, table/chair pavilion, grills, tennis and pickle ball courts, a basketball hoop, walking track, free library and outdoor gym.
Parking at McElroy Park
There is a parking lot west of the children's playground and another east of the outdoor gym.
Best and Worst Times to Go to McElroy Park
The park is open sunrise to sunset. If you have preschoolers, the best time to go is before school lets out. The playground can get pretty rowdy once the big kids show up.
Admission to McElroy Park
Admission is free.
Must See/Do at McElroy Park
Exercise at the outdoor gym (no muscle heads here) or get some cardio time on the walking track. Young imaginations will love the main street village playground, complete with police station, city hall, fire station and schoolhouse. Take a pretend ride in the blue car (a hat-tip to the historic "bluebird" speed setting race car). Grab a sub from Publix (next door) and have a picnic at the tree shaded picnic tables west of the parking lots.
Other Places to Visit Near McElroy Park
East of the walking track, up the stairs, you will see the court of flags and the race car monument, the Otto Schulze "Bluebird" Memorial. At the end of Van Avenue, across South Peninsula visit Sunset Park, a riverfront park open only to foot traffic.
Insider Tip to Visitors to McElroy Park
The tables under the pavilion double as checkerboards, so bring along some checkers and a friend. The tables and chairs at the pavilion are very nicely made. Expect to be comfortable. Take a book (or leave one) at the free library beside the pavilion. Well-maintained restrooms and water fountains are located at the top of the stairs, east of the walking track and west of the tennis courts.
Author's bio: Edie Schmidt is a freelance writer in Central Florida. She loves to ride in the bluebird car at McElory Park. Follow her blog.