In 1970, a Florida water district built a dike and control structure on a former phosphate mining site to create a 700-acre reservoir; the reclaimed park now draws about 500,000 visitors a year

Phosphate mining reshaped the land near Plant City, Florida, during the 1960s, leaving a former industrial site that would later become a public recreation area. The American Cyanamid Company donated most of the property to the Southwest Florida Water Management District in 1969. The following year, the District built a dike and control structure to impound water and establish a 700-acre reservoir. According to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Edward Medard Park and Reservoir attracts about 500,000 visitors annually, with the reservoir serving as its main attraction. The development brought together two public functions of water management and outdoor recreation. The park is managed by Hillsborough County, while the dam is operated by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The property's earlier use is still visible in parts of its terrain, including the hills left by mining and later planted with oak trees.How the reservoir became a public attraction Hillsborough County came to an agreement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District in 1972 to develop the site as one of the county's largest regional parks. At that time, the site was known as Pleasant Grove Reservoir Park until 1978, when its name was changed to honour Edward Medard, a member of the District's governing board.By retaining water in the former mining area, this infrastructure established the lake that underpins the park's recreational activities. Nevertheless, according to the District, the reservoir’s flood-control contribution is quite limited, and it’s more suited to handling smaller storms. This distinction is critical because the whole point of creating the reservoir was arguably to reclaim the mine site rather than provide full protection against major floods. The surrounding hills also point to the site’s history. According to a 2020 FOX 13 report, the park’s hilly area reflects remnants of the phosphate mine, and park rangers planted oak trees there more than 40 years earlier.Trails, fishing and recreational facilities The reservoir consists of only one part of what the park has to offer for recreational activities. Hillsborough County has a three-mile trail that leads through pine flatwoods and hardwood hammocks, and it is often frequented by hikers, equestrians, and birdwatchers. When visitors bring their own horses, they utilise the equestrian route since the county does not provide rentals.As per the FOX 13 report, the stocked reservoirs are rife with striped bass, crappie, tilapia, and catfish, as well as largemouth bass and bluegill, which has made fishing another established activity. In addition, Alligators also inhabit the reservoir, making their presence relevant to people fishing or spending time near the water. Additional facilities include a disc golf course, camping areas, picnic shelters, a playground, and a beach volleyball court, while a boardwalk fishing pier leads towards an observation tower overlooking the reservoir. These amenities allow visitors to use the park for activities that do not depend on boating or fishing, and provide places to walk, gather, or observe the surrounding landscape.According to Hillsborough County, entry costs $2 per vehicle, covering up to eight people, and a separate $5 fee applies for boat launch, while camping and some rentals cost additional charges. The opening varies based on season: in spring and summer, the park operates from 8 am to 7 pm, while during autumn and winter, its opening hours are from 8 am to 6 pm. The reservoir remains central to the park’s activities, while the dam continues to serve a water-management role.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.