This area was mined in the late 1960s. Small boats can be launched during most of the year from the lake's earthen ramp just north of Lake Parker. The swamp was transformed into a recreational lake in 1965 as part of American Cyanamid's mining and reclamation of 1,300 acres along State Road 33 between Lake Parker and Interstate-4. Even though the land is still owned by American Cyanamid, it is open to the public with no admission fee. The park offers a wide-variety of activities including fishing, strolling, canoeing, and paddle boating.
Visitors can also jog and exercise on the health course.
Camping space is available to scouting and youth groups by reservation. The park is located east of, and adjacent to, the Bartow Civic Center on Broadway Avenue and Mann Road in Bartow. This 1,105-acre park features convenient boat ramps that offer easy access to the water for fishing and boating. The park also has free picnicking and hiking areas, with overnight camping spaces available for a nominal fee. The park is located along Turkey Creek Road, one mile south of State Highway 60.