Florida Park Florida Park residents enjoy their annual neighborhood picnic in the spring. Florida Park is an active neighborhood with a mixture of longtime and new residents, many of whom are affiliated with the University of Florida. The 200-acre neighborhood extends from NW 13th Street (which leads directly to UF) to NW 23rd Street and from NW 8th Avenue to NW 16th Avenue. The original property, a loblolly pine plantation, became the focus of residential development in the late 1940s through the 1950s as a result of the University's tremendous post-war growth. Homes are primarily brick or block, with large lots. There are also notable fieldstone houses, log cabins, and contemporary designs. Common home features include oak plank, parquet and mosaic tile floors, cypress paneling, fireplaces, sunrooms, and terraces. Some homes overlook natural areas along the neighborhood's meandering Hogtown and Rattlesnake Creeks.  Children and adults enjoy the kids station at the Florida Park annual picnic. A thick canopy of mature live oaks and other heritage trees shades homes and the streets where neighbors walk, run, skate, and bicycle. Neighbors enjoy a sense of community reinforced by daily friendly exchanges and regular social gatherings. J. J. Finley Elementary School, Westwood Middle School, and Gainesville High School, which are among the most highly regarded (and rated) public schools in town, are all within walking distance.  Gainesville High is home to the University of Cambridge AICE Program.  The neighborhood is conveniently located near UF and downtown, which are centers of employment, education, healthcare, political and cultural events, entertainment, athletics, and public activity. Florida Park is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Gainesville and is ideal for UF faculty, staff and families.