Frank Pate Park is a centrally located park that’s become as much of a mainstay as the park’s honoree, Mayor Frank Pate, Jr. was. Right on the water and with lots of family-friendly amenities, this local park is a true gem.
The biggest features at Frank Pate Park are the boat launch and pier. The launch measures four boats wide has a central dock and carries a relatively gradual gradient into well-protected water. This is simply one of the most convenient and easiest places to launch in the area.
The pier juts out over less-protected water, making it a great place to watch sunsets, fish, or simply gaze across St. Joseph Bay. You can easily see the peninsula on the other side in all but the most inclement weather.
More on land, the park offers several family-friendly amenities. Swings and a state-of-the-art playground give young children space to blow off some energy, and older kids and adults can play on the lit tennis courts. Public restrooms, a covered pavilion, picnic tables and benches provide all of the other amenities you need.
Whether you want to launch a boat or have a picnic meal, Frank Pate Park is a gem and local favorite. Drive or walk over, depending on where you are in town, and you’re bound to enjoy a few hours here.
A few of our favorite features at Frank Pate Park include:
Boat Launch
With space to launch four boats at a time, the boat launch is rarely fully used. You can almost always find open space to immediately put your craft into or take it out of the water, and the setup couldn’t be easier. From launching and tying up to parking the trailer, the launch is perfectly designed to be convenient.
Pier
Jutting out over the bay, the Pier is one of Port St. Joe’s most photographed locations. Come here after dinner for a romantic evening, early morning to fish, or any other time of the day just to admire the water.
Pirate Ship Playground
You don’t need to launch a boat for kids to pretend they’re at sea. The Pirate Ship Playground has a gangplank to balance on, portholes to look out, and two slides for speedy escapes. Masts, sails, and a full boat-like design naturally spark the imagination.
Tennis Courts
If you’re an avid tennis player, it doesn’t get any better than playing a set by the sea. Don’t worry if your games take you to dusk, for the lights will automatically come on.
Covered Pavillion
The Covered Pavilion has a few picnic tables and is centrally located to everything. It’s a great place for a meal or just to set up camp as you explore the rest of the park.
Insider Tip:
– While there are docks at the boat launch, there’s not really a place to tie up your boat for several hours. Instead, plan on using the launch as an access point to the bay and gulf, and anchor or tie up elsewhere when you’re ready to cut the engine for a while.