Lake Tarpon Outfall Canal • Northeastern Pinellas County, north of Safety Harbor

About Lake Tarpon Outfall Canal

The canal and its water-control structure were completed in 1971 to help regulate flooding around Lake Tarpon and the lower sections of Brooker Creek. The structure prevents salt water from entering Lake Tarpon during high tides and protects the lake’s freshwater ecology. The District donated 46 acres to the city of Oldsmar for the development of public recreational facilities and leased an additional 75 acres to enable the city to expand passive recreation to part of Canal Park.

Recreational Opportunities

Canal Park

3120 Tampa Road

This sprawling 46-acre, state-of-the-art sports complex is home to Oldsmar Little League baseball and softball programs, the Oldsmar Falcons youth football and cheerleading program and the Oldsmar youth soccer program. It is also the home of the Oldsmar Leisure Services men’s and coed softball leagues. The park features softball and baseball fields, batting cages, football/soccer fields, boardwalk, BMX track and playground.

Sheffield Park

1923 Cutty Bay Court

A newly renovated 12-acre neighborhood park located on the western edge of Harbor Palms Nature Park that features two tennis courts, a playground, two basketball courts, three picnic shelters, restrooms and baseball/softball fields.

Harbor Palms Nature Park

1820 Mapleleaf Boulevard

A 35-acre park bordering the Lake Tarpon Outfall Canal and the northernmost tip of Tampa Bay. Popular with walking enthusiasts, this park offers a beautiful view of plant and animal life. With entrances from both Harbor Palms and Bayside Meadows subdivisions, this park features a floating fishing dock, nature trail and a boardwalk.

Bicycling

Allowed on paved park road.
BMX track located in Canal Park. Contact City of Oldsmar Leisure Services Department for hours and rules.
Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear helmets.

Boating and Paddling

Access north of water-control structure in the freshwater portion of canal is via Lake Tarpon. Public boat ramps located at Anderson and John Chesnut Sr. county parks.
Access south of water-control structure in saltwater portion of canal is from Safety Harbor.

Fishing

Boat fishing available in canal upstream and downstream of water-control structure.
Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for license requirements.

Hiking

Unmarked trails available along canal.

Picnic Facilities

Single-table picnic shelters at Canal Park with ADA facilities.

Access and Parking

Vehicles use Tampa Road (SR 584) to Canal Park.
Primary access to canal is by boat from Lake Tarpon or Safety Harbor. Access to canal from adjacent land is very limited due to development.
ADA access and facilities available.