All Hillsborough County parks, preserves, recreation centers, and boat ramps will close Monday, Oct. 7, to allow staff to focus on the emergency response to Hurricane Milton.
All parks programming, including after-school programs, also will be closed Monday.
John B. Sargeant Park canoe rentals are now opened.
John B. Sargeant Sr. Conservation Park is part of the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve and is best known for boating access to the Hillsborough River. Downriver, the Hillsborough River State Canoe Trail winds through a jungle of hardwood trees, lilies, and wading birds and is popular for both new and experienced paddlers. Upstream, the river widens to flow through the broad hardwood swamp known as the Seventeen Runs.
The site was formerly known as Flint Creek Park and was renamed in 1989 in memory of John B. Sargeant, Sr., who served as a member of the Hillsborough River Basin Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
Park activities and features include a small boat ramp, picnicking, boardwalk, and fishing.
Limited canoe rentals are also available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 8AM and Noon. Canoe rentals are $25 for four hours, for onsite use only. To rent a canoe, visit the Conservation Parks Administrative Office at 13173 North US Hwy 301, Thonotosassa. You will receive a rental ticket there to be redeemed on site at John B Sargeant Park. There is no shuttle service for canoe rentals at this time.