enchanted forest elaine gordon park

Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park is not massive in size, but it is a nice quiet place to walk or picnic in the shade of oak trees and forget that you're surrounded by concrete suburbia. Very close to Arch Creek park, Wildlife has a sanctuary here as well. I've seen ibis, squirrels, and others. Most people pass right by it on busy 135th Opa Locka Blvd. As with most of North Miami, I'm sure members of the city and developers would love to get their hands on this land to obliterate this natural area and build condos, etc. Parking and entry are free, as it should be.

A quiet walk through the Enchanted Forest on NE 135th Street refreshes the senses and calms a weary mind. The grass and canal need cleaning, there is garbage in the water. But the kids who visit the park are mostly well-behaved and families are quiet. You can see ibis near the water in the morning. In the afternoon a train passes right next to the park and you can imagine being far away from the city.

We went early in the morning, and the park was empty. It is an enchanting place indeed. The nature trails are short in comparison to other parks, but what it lacks in size, it makes up in quaintness. My kids loved the horses and pony rides. Teenagers volunteer (they appreciate tips) during the day to give kids (ages 2-8) rides on horses or ponies. The lake is filled with turtles and we also got to see a couple of iguanas. The playground is interesting and well kept.