-Great Location, This is a very nice park located on Tampa Bay.
-Hole 8 is the Signature Hole
-Long and short tee's (Blue and Red)
-Variety of shots: Blind, Water, technical, Dog Leg, and Long distance.
-Long distance with a variety of lines, a couple of the blue tee's have legit Par 4's requiring a second shot placement. The same could be argued with #3 from the red tees
-#3 offers a risk/reward line. It's a narrow path that requires one to thread a needle at a long distance.
-Alt Pin locations (three per hole)
-Bright Orange Discatcher Baskets.
-The fairways are well manicured and well defined!
-Great Tee signage: Fairway maps, Distance, multiple pin location and a padlocked key ring that tells you what pin position the tee is in! As well as a "Caution, Beware of Discs" sign on the same post.(This course gets an A+ in Tee signage)
-Navigation is very smooth! (*except for the transition from 5 to 6) The course has a nice flow to it. There are arrows on the basket pointing you in the direction to the next basket.
-The course is not immune from park walkers, but it is segregated for the most part. Plus there are signs everywhere warning about discs being thrown all over the course!
-The tees are rubber, but they are wide and surrounded by wooden frames that do make the teepad look attractive and keep them in place. (It's possible concrete might be added in the future.)
-Excellent for beginners, and can be enjoyed by the veteran players as well
-This course is open for the most part, but also has some technical fairways and long distance shots. Some holes are 500+ft (primarily from the long tees)
-Has a great fun factor!

FWIW
-Dog Park
-Boat Ramp
-Shelter Houses

UPDATE: 3/2013 I am removing the "Dense Brush" Con from my review. I was looking at these dense areas this evening, and it's thinned down drastically. So I am now removing it. There are some areas that have some thick brush, but it's nowhere near what it used to be. Odds are good you'll find your disc if you go into the brush.

-Not a quick easy stop for those that may be trying for a quick "add a course to my played list" round. It's 15-20 minutes off the beaten path, and then some. You'll have to traverse through very high traffic areas.

-It is coastal and it's Florida, the bugs are present here. I ran into mosquitoes and some yellow jackets.

-Navigation between 5 and 6 may get first timers turned around. With the brush thinned down, you should be able to find 6 easily. Exit the left side of the fairway.

-Sometimes, 8 you'll see a Kids playing on 8's fairway, while a parent is out fishing in the water. Very common.

-(Not a con, just a heads up if there is a party or reunion going on) I was out on a Saturday and there were a couple of birthday parties happening in the shelter houses. It's not that the baskets are close to the shelter houses; it's just that 7 & 9 are blind shots that are in the near vicinity. You know how kids are, they like to run around aimlessly. You may want to walk up and check to be sure the area is clear before you throw.

When I first heard about this course, I was thinking it was just an open field "pitch & putt" with a great view of the bay. I was wrong! The course has a little bit of everything, Technical woodsy shots, open field, long distance shots, and open field with scattered trees.

Its a balanced course where the fairways are challenging and well thought out. There are no "gimme's" to be found here. I was very impressed and had a great time! One thing to remember, is do not under estimate the Pro tee's. Especially on 3 and 4. These fairways require long distance accuracy, Every so often, I'll try 3 from the longs. I ended up frustated and fishing my disc from the brush. 4 from the longs is a super long dogleg left.

Picnic caters to players of all varieties. The beginner, the casual, the rec, and the pro could all play here and have a good time. The short tee's do well to give the novice a challenge, without demanding a hard shot. The Red Tees have some long distance shots, that are over 400ft. The Blue tees require accurate lines from longer distances. It's not overly technical, but where you lie will definitely determine your up shot. You will also want to choose your line and avoid the rough! It will tear up your legs and try to eat your disc at the same time!

(The following is for you travelers) As nice as this course is, it's way off the beaten path. It does not lend itself to being a convenient stop. You may want to consider that if you are thinking about playing here. It is a fun course to play!

+ Location. You drive through an industrial area, and end up at this very nice park. Hole 8 plays right along side of Tampa Bay. (Thats one big water hazard!).

+ Well groomed and very clean. Mowed grass fairways with trees and patches of rough for obstacles.

+ Two sets of tees and three pin placements.

+ Tee signs. Some of the nicest sinage that I have ever seen on a DG course. They show you what pin position is currently in use, and where they are at. Also there are several signs scattered around the park warning people that they are entering a DG course, and arrow signs on the baskets to send you in the general direction of the next hole.

+ Restrooms, pavillions, and grills make this a great course for a meet up/tournament.

+ Fairly long and challenging for a nine hole course.

+ Brand new baskets.

+ Big hill. Big by Tampa standards. Comes into play on the last few holes.

- The rough is brutally dense and filled with burrs. I recommend bringing your bright orange and pink discs for this one, and spotting on some of the holes.

- Navigation. Not to bad, but I need to note a couple of things. The red tee for hole 4. Keep following the road and you will run into it eventually. Tees for hole 7. Follow the arrow and head back toward the parking lot, its by the blue pavillion.

- Rubber tees. I prefer concrete, but these are ok I guess.

This is a very cool and fun course. The navigation is a little tricky, print the map, use the arrow signs and your intuition, and you'll be fine.

As stated above, the rough is BRUTAL. I went into it looking for an errant disc, and came out tore up, and covered in burrs! Also there were a few mosquitos about.

I played this course on a thursday afternoon, and had the whole course to myself. It was very quiet and peacefull, except for the occasional airplane flying overhead on thier way to Tampa Int.

Overall this is a well concieved course with great views seldom seen on a DG course. Now go play it!

This course is definitely in a little world of it's own, secluded from the city on the tip of the little peninsula that is South Tampa. Some nice views of St. Pete across the bay.

Relatively close to PDQ.

Easily accessible from Pinellas.

Very nice baskets.

Course itself is rather unremarkable. Front nine plays around VERY overgrown areas with some trees but by no means in a wooded area. Back nine is more open and is the more shared area of the park.

I played this course very early morning and the mosquitos were already out in force. I recommend lots of OFF and high socks.

Tee pads are rubber and thus lame.

Not a bad course, but not one that I'm going to rush back to play. If I do go back it will definitely be in the winter time as the skeeters made play and disc-retrieval less than enjoyable at times...

...Hole #8... 'nuff said.

Seriously though, I was very surprised by Picnic Island. I knew from the course photos that were posted that this wasn't exactly Azalea DGC, but I had no idea this course would play this well.

You have a couple of chances to really grip 'n rip, but most of the course plays somewhat technical.

The Florida foliage is left completely wild and untamed. The grass is five feet tall in some places and the saw palmetto, while not prevalent, is still relevant. Watch your drive!

The course is a great walk as well. There is a bit of elevation change (quite a lot for a Florida course) and the course does give a good hike.

Restrooms are right after Hole #1. This is good because you can go before you throw, or if you're playing 18, they're there in the middle of your round.

The scenery here is great; vistas of Tampa Bay and the St. Pete skyline as you look over the bay. We played on a cloudy day with thunderheads off over Old Tampa Bay; very nice.

Navigation isn't too tough; there are directional signs underneath each basket, and the targets themselves are bright orange on top. New Innova disc catchers, too, so they catch real well.

There's a dog park right next to hole #8's basket; so this is nice too.

Two rubber pads per hole. Never played rubber pads before my first round here, but these were pretty nice. #5's tee was damp and traction wasn't an issue at all.

The tee signs are impeccable. Pin placement markers and THREE pin positions per hole. Very nice touch there.

Well... it's nine holes. I'm hearing there's a back nine planned, but that's not in the works yet.

Little bit of trash laying around. I can see trash cans chained to the tee signs being a big plus here, but didn't see any.

No seating on the course except picnic shelters. No problem for me, but others may not like this.

Some may find the overgrowth to be a little problematic, but I don't; if you can't handle the hazard, avoid it.

Wind off of Tampa Bay could be a real issue if you don't have a power driver. Make sure you've got your Force or Firebird out here.

No water fountains on course, so don't forget your water bottle. Sunscreen is a must here on sunny days as well as there's almost no shade whatsoever. And we had a little bit of tick trouble; if you're sensitive, bring bug spray.

I think Picnic Island is a Tampa Bay must-play. The scenery is beyond awesome with the sweeping views of the bay and the course will challenge you with plenty of risk vs. reward shots. Play from the front and back tees for a full 18 and you'll enjoy this little course.

Really want a back nine here. I would have trouble not giving this course a 4.5 or maybe even a 5 if we got a back nine.

Some hole notes:

#2 - Don't let that 510' for Position C fool you... this is NOT a grip 'n rip hole! The pro tee offers one of the most intimidating drives I've ever tried to throw. The basket is around a long, sweeping corner, and your alleyway is 15' high, 30' wide, and the whole right side is O.B. Take your par here.

#4 - Couldn't find the long tee for this one. I don't think they forgot the sign here, just not sure where it was. We didn't bother to look for it, though.

#5 - This drive is fun. Your fairway MIGHT be 12' wide and the basket is around a corner tucked into some real thick, tall grass.

#7 - Besides the saw palmetto right in front of you, this hole is WIDE open. Take a run at this basket with a flick or a power hyzer. Careful where you land though, the hill makes for tricky putting.

#8 - Picnic Island's signature hole. Now I know what we're missing not having #18 at Tocobaga anymore. The hole shoots right along Tampa Bay. The setting is beyond epic, and this is what disc golf in Florida is all about. I can only imagine playing this hole at sunset... wow!

#9 - Great hole to finish. Uphill and blind over a about 10' tall hill, but totally wide open, and the basket is surrounded by a mound to catch errant drives. I flicked this hole (and I can't flick) and had an awesome drive.

Again, please give us nine more holes. This would probably be the second best Tampa Bay course if it was a full 18. I loved it and will definitely be back many times.

Setting of this course is amazing, and is what I have always been looking for in a Florida DGC. Flora is all untamed, and throwing lanes although tight are well defined with good looks for both backhand, and forehand shots. Navigation like others have said is a bit confusing, but the walks between holes were scenic. I imagine this is in part because consideration of 9 more holes is underway. In my opinion 9 more holes would crowd the course, but would vote yes for this idea.

Gravel around baskets sent several great approaches astray. Pads need to be longer, but them being rubber did not bother me. Navigation could have been better how ever this would have taken away from the use if land, and elevation. Beach goers were everywhere on hole 8, even my controlled flick was uncomfortably close to people that had no clue I was throwing.

Thought this course made great use of the land. I played on a Friday around noon. I was the only disc golfer on the course. This is a flickers dream with the exception of 2 holes, which you could flick but not run at the basket. Go play it, and respect it. Perhaps Tampa will continue to out in more courses as a result. Shot -2 first time out from the long pads. Another review stated this course was designed by non-disc golfers, from what I understand this is not the case. By the looks of things this was designed the hardcore player in mind.

FOR RUBBER PADS THEY ARE VERY NICE. SOME NICE, TECHNICAL LINES AND SOME NICE OPEN ONES. WORTH DRIVING UP TO 30 MINUTES FOR. NICE FACILITIES.

ONLY 9 HOLES. THERE IS PLENTY OF ROOM TO PUT 9 MORE. SOME OF THE ALTERNATE PADS ARE BARELY ANY DIFFERENT FROM ONE ANOTHER. NEEDS A WATER FOUNTAIN. THERE MAY HAVE BEEN ONE AND WE JUST DIDNT SEE IT.

ITS SO GREAT TO SEE ALL OF THESE NEW PARKS OPENING IN THE AREA.

Very scenic course with great baskets. The holes are challenging and the layout is great. I really loved the hole that copied the old hole 6 at Tocobaga. While I don't usually care for rubber teepads, these were awesome.

The long walk between holes. I realize this may be eliminated in phase 2...it's very definitely a con right now. Hole 8 was unplayable today...kids on the beach and the swiss family Robinson right in the middle of the fairway.

This is an absolutely gorgeous park and the course matches park. I'd so like to see phase 2 kick in really fast. Once it does, I see this being a premier course in the area!! I will definitely play it again!! I gave it a rating based on the current 9 holes. Phase 2 will give it a solid 4.5!!

The City of Tampa is very excited about their new course. Some invasive species have been dropped, some extra topography has been created and the next phase, (9 more holes) is under consideration)
Good balance and variety were achieved while still utilizing "all natural" fairways. No living trees were cut down in the making of Picnic Island disc golf course.
The restroom near hole #4's parking lot are open every day. The restroom by hole #2, only on weekends. Another is located at the far south end of the park.

The "A" pin positions cater to newer players. "B" positions for advanced level play. "C" pin position primarily for pro-level or showcase play. Some red and blue tees give different looks and angles to the pins.

There are some longer walks between holes, which will (hopefully) be filled in with the completion of phase 2, the next 9. The course was installed by non-disc golfers. Despite instructions to keep the tees flat, several of the tees have an upward tilt, making powerful drives very difficult. The parks department hopes to level them in the near future. Due to PI being a nature park, concrete pads will not be poured at PI.
Weekend play can be challenging on hole #8 due to beach goers who are not yet familiar with disc golf. With time and some gentle nudging, this will eventually become a non-issue.
Before disc golf, the dog park was the only amenity in the north side of PI. Many of the dog walkers still utilize the area where disc golf is now in play. Please keep an eye out for dog walkers and gently remind them that these discs can hurt. Warning signs are being created by the City of Tampa.
Oh, and the cedar trees are very hungry. Do not feed your discs to the cedar trees!

A refreshing change from the typically land-locked courses. Located on a nicely manicured dangling participle jutting into Tampa Bay, Picnic Island dgc features lovely views of the bay and spectacular sunsets. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a school of cavorting porpoises just off shore or possibly a cargo ship setting sail for parts unknown.

Custom orange DISCatchers adorn each green in one of 3 pin positions, and your choice of 2 Rubber 'ChamPadz' tee mats to throw from. Custom tee signs also pretty-up each tee area along with some "Think before you throw signs" that were originally intended to remind people to not litter, but also think about their actual disc golf throws.

Despite being right on the water, there is a pleasantly surprising bit of topography to keep things interesting. The light tree coverage and nearby Tampa Bay also provide some stout breezes to keep you cool while you stare down your intimidating 20 foot putts.
I will bring my rating up to 4-4.5 once the tees have been leveled and the next 9 has been properly completed.

A great variety of both technical and let 'er rip distance holes. A nice mix of distance and left and right turning holes rewards those who can shape shots well and/or throw both backhand and sidearm. Most of the holes felt well thought-out. It's very scenic with hills (for Florida) and a nice view of Tampa Bay along with a beach. The tees are well placed to take advantage of challenging flora. The baskets are brand new and fantastic and the signs are helpful. Each basket has a sign with an arrow pointing to the next hole.

The tees are short, rubber, and prone to sliding (for me anyway). Some of the holes were difficult to find, even with the arrows, and seemed needlessly far from the previous basket. Some of the fairways were close together and some of the driving lines were blind. Basket 7 is close to the parking lot and sooner rather than later a car will be hit. Holes 8 and 9 play along the beach and are in well traveled pedestrian areas, too well-traveled in my opinion. We had to wait on both holes near the beach (8 & 9) for park users to clear.

Overall, a beautiful course with potential and a great addition to the Tampa Bay disc golf scene. Challenging for most players. With some modifications on holes 7-9 and concrete tees this will be even better.

Nice Layout. Good use of grounds for some interesting holes. Nice blend of open and technical holes.

Should have made some holes longer as the space was available. Hole #3 could have been longer. Distance between basket and next tee pad are quite long on some holes.

They have the space to add some shorter holes to the long spaces between holes. Could also just add a few bonus holes for good measure. Overall nice course that I will play again.

The view is awesome! This is Florida Disc golf...cool breezes, beaches and sunshine. There is a challenge for all levels of skill.

Difficult navigation between holes at points.

This is a great course and I will be a regular.

Great course if you are new or even a seasoned player. I was more than impressed with the baskets and the quality of work that went into the design of the course. By far the most scenic course in Tampa and a good start for the City of Tampa to get behind the growing sport of discgolf.

Maintenance needs to be done around the baskets to clean up the shrubs and large sticks coming out of the ground.

If you are traveling to the course recommed you just google map it so you dont get lost.

First, this course is scenic. Gorgeous view. The best part of this course is that it WILL challenge your game. It has length, left turns, right turns, elevation...it will make you a better player. Great potential - long pads, short pads X 3 positions on each hole. One hole has potential to be nearly 600 feet. The players out there are friendly and helpful. So glad to see some great signs with helpful information. There is also plenty of shade in the middle of the course. When you get done, enjoy the beach, ocean and a beautiful park! I thought Maximo was beautiful until I saw this place.

Finding the course is a bit of a challenge (more on that in other thoughts). Navigation on the course is also rough. They have added arrows on the basket and that helps a ton but it takes a little looking around (between 3 & 4) and a few long walks (between 2 & 3). There are a few holes you can't see from the pad (2, 4, 7, 8, 9) so you may want to walk up and see where you are throwing and make sure it is clear. I would add no benches as a negative but it sounds like there are some on the way!

This park is a little hard to find. Make sure you make left at the big pipe over the road. When you get to the second lot, make a right and the first tee pad is at the beginning of the parking lot, not by the water. The pad by the water is hole 8. There are non-golfers in the park so be careful!

-One of the more beautiful courses in the area. At least half the holes have views of the bay, and the 8th hole runs right along the beach.
-Great contrast in the difficulty between the red and blue tees. The reds are pretty easy for most players and very beginner friendly. The blues are longer and several holes give different looks at the basket that make for a greater challenge.
-About as good of terrain usage as you can hope for in the Tampa area. There aren't huge elevation differences, but a few humps and bumps, and the 9th hole is far enough uphill to create a blind tee shot.
-Great tee signs.

-Hole 7 brings the parking lot into play if you overthrow the basket. The tee shot is more or less blind and gusty winds from the bay breeze makes it easy to imagine a shot getting away from someone and hitting a car.
-I imagine it would be easy to lose a disc here (a pet peeve of mine). Several thick pine trees and bushes on the early holes look like they could swallow an errant drive, never to be seen again. Also, the bay runs about 30 feet to the left of the entire 8th fairway, which would be scary for right handed beginners.

I played the course when it was still very new, and in fact, I'm not even sure landscaping work was finished. That said, I'll give it a pass on some rocky patches around a couple of the baskets in hopes that this will be improved before the official opening.

I also had yet to see a map online, so I was a bit worried about getting lost, but I found navigation to be pretty easy. Each tee sign has a map of that hole, and each basket had an arrow pointing to the next tee. There were a couple of long walks between holes and a couple points where I wasn't immediately clear where the arrow was pointing, but in each case, my first guess proved correct.

There are 3 pin positions on each hole, and I only saw the A positions, but it looks like there will be some variety once the baskets get moved around.

All in all, I was impressed with the course and my cons were fairly trivial. There was good shot variety and even the shorter holes had their challenges.