The Great Outdoors Provides Plenty of Recreational Opportunities in Tyler
Tyler State Park
Tyler is an outdoors kind of city. With 30 baseball fields, 15 soccer fields, 25 city parks and 15 campgrounds, there are numerous opportunities to get out and about.
The organization SPORTyler ensures that there are plenty of activities taking place at all those fields and parks. SPORTyler was developed in 1990 to attract amateur sporting events to Tyler and promote recreation within the city.
Under the direction of SPORTyler, the city has played host to national junior college sports championships in baseball, basketball, soccer and tennis. Tyler also has held the Texas State Open golf tournament as well as several events put on by the national Amateur Softball Association.
Tyler State Park
For those who like their outdoor activities a bit more secluded, there is Tyler State Park, spread across nearly 1,000 acres just north of the city. The park has a 64-acre lake with a concrete boat-launch ramp, a 13-mile mountain bike trail, an amphitheater, a dining hall with full kitchen and premium campsites.
Summer Camps
Tyler has numerous summer camps to help keep children active during their mid-year break from school. Camp Nation, which is run by All Saints Episcopal School, offers programs ranging from traditional sports activities to “Princess for a Week” for young girls who like to dress up.
Other popular summer camps in Tyler include Pine Cove Christian Camp, Sky Ranch and the Rockin’ C Ranch, which is set on a real working Texas ranch.
A different type of camp can be found at Elite Gymnastics. Created by a former competitive gymnast, Elite Gymnastics attempts to improve self-confidence and self-esteem in children while they learn new skills.
Parks, Lakes and More
But one does not have to find a camp or major state park to have outdoor fun in Tyler. That’s because the city has 25 smaller parks that comprise more than 1,000 acres of land. These parks have playgrounds, athletic fields, walking trails and tennis courts. There also is an amphitheater in Bergfeld Park, which is the site of the annual Tyler Azalea Trail and the Texas Rose Festival arts and craft shows.
And the list goes on. Lake Tyler is a popular fishing spot, while the Faulkner Park Nature Trail offers a 1.25-mile walk through oak and pine forests. There are golf courses for the adults and a skateboard park for children and teens. In fact, if there is something to do outdoors, there is a good chance you can do it in Tyler.
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