Cliff Stephens Park

Temporary Closure

As of April 9, the city’s consultant has recently inspected the structure and recommended that it remain closed until a more detailed structural analysis can be completed. The bridge will remain closed while this evaluation is performed. The city is currently coordinating with the consultant to complete the analysis, and additional information will be shared once the assessment is finalized.

Image of the lake at Cliff Stephens park

901 Fairwood Ave.

Adopted by the Disc Golf Club of Tampa Bay, Cliff Stephens is a large 44- acre park with a well-known disc golf course, paved walking trails and boardwalks surrounded by tranquil lakes and wildlife.

For the anglers, the park has a small boat launch for electric motors and paddle boats and several docks from which to fish.

Park & Facility Rules

It is the responsibility of each person to conduct recreational activities in such a manner so as to prevent injury or loss of life to any person; therefore, it is necessary to prescribe rules and regulations to govern recreational activities in the park areas and on public beaches.

Park hours vary. When the park is closed, please leave the park.
Alcoholic drinks or other intoxicants are not permitted.
Always be respectful to other park visitors, park property and facilities.
Help keep our parks beautiful by disposing of trash properly in the trash and recycling bins. If you see litter, lend a hand and toss it in a bin.
Smoking is not allowed.
Trees, wood, plants, sand, soil, rocks or flowers cannot be removed from the park or beach.
Dogs must be kept on a leash, be under constant physical control and cannot be tied to trees or plants. Excluding service animals, pets are not permitted on public bathing beaches, public pools and swimming areas. Domestic animals are not allowed at athletic fields and complexes when a programmed event or activity is occurring.
Park fountains and bathroom sinks may not be used for bathing.
Do not feed wildlife.
No soliciting.
Fishing is permitted in all parks, except those designated with signage not allowing fishing.
Fires are only permitted for grilling food in established picnic grills.
No potentially dangerous organized activity such as football, baseball, softball, horseshoes, tennis, volleyball, badminton, or any other organized activity involving thrown or otherwise propelled objects such as balls, stones, arrows, javelins, shuttlecocks, frisbees, model aircraft or roller skates on any public bathing beach or park property, except in areas set aside for that purpose. Informal activities involving the casual throwing of balls, including but not limited to footballs, baseballs, tennis balls, volleyballs, and shuttlecocks or Frisbees shall be permitted unless such activity creates a threat of physical injury to any person.
No golf or use of golf balls inside a park or beach.
No amplified sound.
Vehicles are only permitted in designated parking areas or roadways.
Photographs taken by Clearwater city staff during programs and events are often used in city publications. If you do not wish to have your or a family member’s picture taken, please let the photographer know in advance.

For a full list of rules, read the Clearwater Code of Ordinances.

The city of Clearwater assumes no responsibility for personal injury or loss of personal property while visitors use city facilities or participate in recreation activities. Be aware of safety factors regarding your own physical limitations and use common sense when participating in leisure activities. If you notice a safety hazard or potential risk, please notify staff or call (727) 562-4800.

If someone is not following these rules or acting in a way that is creating danger for park users or damaging park property, please contact the Clearwater Police Department non-emergency line at (727) 562-4242. In an emergency, always call 911.

Metal Detector Rules

The use of Metal Detectors is permitted in City Parks during normal operating hours as outlined in Sec. 22.24 City of Clearwater code of Ordinances.
Parents or guardians are responsible for monitoring and appropriately guiding their child/minor/ward.
Metal detector use is prohibited from contributing to trailblazing and shall not occur in any restricted or unimproved areas, including but not limited to construction zones, wetlands, environmentally sensitive areas, archaeological sites, areas of historical significance, or inside any building or structure.
Immediately report all discoveries of archaeological or human remains to the Florida Division of Historical Resources at (850) 245-6444 (https://dos.fl.gov/historical/).
While employing a metal detector, the surrounding environment shall not be disturbed. The cutting and/or removal of vegetation and/or any structure is prohibited. Structure means any object anchored to the ground, constructed or installed by humankind, including signs, buildings, parking lots, garages, carports, flagpoles, stoops and utility buildings (Note: All buildings are structures, but, not all structures are buildings).
Minor excavations on the beach and park land is permissible provided such minor in nature and are immediately refilled and no safety hazards to the public are created.
City staff may restrict, redirect or prohibit the use of metal detectors for any reason at any time.
All Clearwater Park Usage guidelines must be followed. Violation of Park Usage guidelines shall result in expulsion from the City-owned property and may result in additional action by the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Individuals using metal detectors shall employ common courtesy at all times vis-à-vis other park users and staff.
City Staff have the final say and decision in all matters.