Westridge Open Space Area

The West Ridge Open Preserve is part of the Pine Island Ridge, the highest natural elevation in Broward County. This area is 20 feet above sea level. The southern tip of the ridge was a canoe landing for Native Americans over 5,000 years ago and along the ridge there are several archaeological sites. This area was occupied by both the Tequesta and Seminoles. During the 1950's this area was cleared for cattle. Davie has since tried to restore some of the tree canopy.

There is no dedicated parking to this preserve. You just have to pull off the side of the road. The preserve is paved with an exercise path that you can bike, jog, or walk. The cool thing about this preserve is that there is a couple of natural hills, a rare thing to see in flat Florida. Along the trail are benches and a number of protected burrowing owls nests although I didn't see any of the little guys home.

At both ends of Westridge Open Space Preserve, the trail connects to Pine Island Ridge Natural Area. You can walk all the way to the back of Tree Tops Park or go from Westridge Preserve along Nob Hill Road to Bergeron Park. The Pine Island Ridge Trail is popular with horseback riders so watch where you step. I love how you can go on to other hikes from this area. If you have not explored the Pine Island Ridge yet you are missing out on one of the most natural and nature filled parts of Davie.

Really part of Pine Island Ridge, the Westridge Open Space Preserve is a "passive" small park. There are a few recreational trails where one can walk, jog, bike. There are some shaded areas to chill or picnic. There are also many owl nests that have been relocated from other areas. I like to call it the "owl sanctuary".

I have passed this place on Nob Hill hundreds of times and never noticed it. There is no parking. Visitors just park on the grass. I would say many of the visitors who enjoy this area probably come from the housing developments that surround the preserve.

I enjoy adding the Westridge Ooen Preserve as past of my walks. When Broward County Parks were closed due to Covid-19, it was really crowded. It was a nice little piece of green that was always open when the parks were closed. Now it's pretty empty, and a nice place to stroll and enjoy a bit of nature.

Want to walk or bike some of the only natural "hills" in Broward County? Then go to Westridge. Protected from development by the Town of Davie in the late 1980s, this portIon of the historic Pine Island Ridge is just wide open space.

A narrow paved trail travels up and across the ridges. I estimate it's only about 1/2 mile in total length within the park. It's more like a sidewalk than a trail actually. The trail continues outside the park as well, but I haven't walked that part.

Westridge includes some beautiful live oak groves as well as bald cypress. Keep an eye out for burrowing owls! Their nests are roped off throughout the park. If you're lucky, you'll also get to see people horseback riding.

Westridge is definitely just about preserving this beautiful ridge for public enjoyment. There is no playground or other amenities for active entertainment. There are some benches along the trails for sitting.

There is no designated parking for Westridge that I know of. Most people walk, bike or horse ride to get there. If you come by car, you just pull off northbound Nob Hill Road and park on the shoulder.

This is a real nice area for a walk; has a short trail with benches and an area with nice tree canopy. There is not a lot but if a nice walk in semi nature it's a good place.