Ancient Oaks Preserve / Weldon B. Lewis Park

Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Print
frog on a plant - Ancient Oaks Preserve sign - St. Lucie County, Florida
frog on a plant - Ancient Oaks Preserve - St. Lucie County, Florida

Location

4650 Oleander Ave
Fort Pierce, FL 34982
772-462-1522
View Google Maps

Amenities

  • Baseball / Softball
  • Birding
  • Hiking Trails
  • Picnic Tables
  • Playground
  • Restroom
  • Soccer / Football
  • Rental Available

The Ancient Oaks Preserve and Weldon B. Lewis Park, located at 4650 Oleander Avenue in Fort Pierce, Florida, spans 51 acres and offers a blend of recreational amenities and natural habitats.

The 13-acre park features a baseball/softball field, a soccer/football field, a playground, picnic tables, restrooms, and rental pavilions. Adjacent to it, the 38-acre Ancient Oaks Preserve features a boardwalk that leads to a one-mile self-guided interpretive trail through native ecosystems.

This area is ideal for sports, family outings, nature walks, birdwatching, and environmental education. The preserve's trail allows visitors to enjoy the area's natural beauty and observe local wildlife.

The preserve and park are open daily from 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM. For more information or facility rentals, please contact us at 772-462-1522.

This area is conveniently located in a central part of the county, just minutes from both U.S. 1 and I-95 via the Midway Road exit. Look for the entrance sign and parking area just off Oleander.

Driving Directions

This preserve and park is located just south of the intersection of Oleander Avenue and Midway Road. If you're coming from the Fort Pierce area, simply head south on U.S. 1, turn right onto Midway Road, then turn left onto Oleander Avenue. The park entrance will be on your right.

From Port St. Lucie or the southern part of the county, take U.S. 1 north to Midway Road, turn left, then take another left onto Oleander Avenue. The entrance to the park and preserve will be on your right shortly after turning.

Park Information

This park is named for former, well-respected County Administrator Weldon B. Lewis, whose 21-year career was devoted to enriching the quality of life for county residents. Here you will find 13 acres of multi-purpose fields, a playground and a 38-acre preserve that includes a one-mile, self-guided, interpretive nature trail. Rentals: athletic fields and pavilion.

Additional Information

  • Trails: One mile self-guiding interpretive trail winds through the hammock, identifying the most common species.
  • Habitat: Mature hydric hammock with several large, old live oaks, laurel oaks, slash pines and cabbage palms.
  • Commonly seen wildlife: Squirrels, red-bellied woodpeckers, pileated woodpeckers and cardinals.

Historical Interest

The active use area is named after the late Weldon B. Lewis. Mr. Lewis was born on December 8, 1924, in West Palm Beach, Florida. He was a decorated U.S. Army Veteran of World War II, a recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, who had served in the European Theater with the 78th Infantry Division. In 1968, Mr. Lewis became St. Lucie County Administrator and held that position for twenty-one (21) years when he retired on May 13, 1989. This park is named after Weldon B. Lewis as a token of appreciation and gratitude for his commitment, not only as a recognized and respected County Administrator, but also as a great gentleman and friend to so many.