Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park-Boca Raton

On March 28, 1977, Palm Beach County acquired the property that is now known as Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park through land dedications made by two developers. In addition to its original 816 acres, the property has been expanded to include 872 acres through the acquisition of additional outparcels. While it is not in Boca Raton it is near Boca Raton. Infact, it’s nly about 4 miles away from the border of the city. This park was first developed in 1996, and the most recent phase of construction was completed in 2008 – the Sunset Cove Amphitheater. This park was funded through a combination of grants, impact fees, ad valorem funding, bond proceeds, and the sale of 52 acres of surplus land to the school district.

 

This park was previously known as South County Regional Park but was renamed Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park on November 20, 2012. From 1992 to 2012, Burt Aaronson served as a Palm Beach County Commissioner for District 5. Aaronson successfully established countless projects throughout the county and contributed to their success. Aside from founding the Palm Beach County International Film Festival, he was actively involved in supporting the Special Olympics and the Club Managers Association of America Therapeutic Recreation Complex. Additionally, he advocated for the wide range of recreational and cultural amenities found throughout District 5 and installed illuminated street signs to ensure resident safety. In his first campaign for office, Aaronson ran on a platform of environmental improvement and played a crucial role in the county’s decision to not move forward with the Site One landfill.

 

Among the park’s main attractions is Coconut Cove Water Park. Located within the large Burt Aaronson Regional Park, it features ballfields, playgrounds, pavilions, and the Daggerwing Nature Center. This waterpark is open for a limited time during the spring and summer and closes soon after school starts in the fall. There are several slides, a lazy river, a water playground, and a lap pool in the water park. An on-site snack bar, restrooms, and lockers are also available. The facility also has private rooms to rent for birthday parties or other private events. You can not bring food or drink in, but you are allowed to leave and come back.

 

The public can also use adult softball and baseball fields by obtaining a ballfield permit on weekdays, weekends, and holidays. During regular park hours, basketball courts are available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis on select fields with lights. There are lighted courts available from sunrise to 9:00 p.m. If another player is waiting, it is better to limit court time to one hour.

 

For those interested in enjoying nature while getting some exercise, there are miles of both paved and off-road bike paths throughout the park that can be accessed via any of the main entrances. True, single-track, off-road bicycle trails are also open for public use at three locations. Riders are required to use appropriate types of equipment, including a sturdy, fat-tire bicycle, and a mandatory helmet and water bottle are recommended. These trails are maintained by members of Florida Off-Road Cycling Enthusiasts.

 

The launch of canoes, kayaks, and other non-motorized vessels is permitted along any shoreline unless the shoreline is closed for a special event or for private use when it can be carried without requiring a trailer.

 

There are various places and parks you can explore in the area, including Lake Ida, Lake Osborne, and the C-18 canal. In any of these areas, you can fish with a valid Florida Freshwater Fishing or Saltwater Fishing License. You are also welcome to spend quality time by having a picnic under the natural shade of trees with stunning views. Benches and picnic tables are available throughout the park.

 

The park is also home to the Osprey Point Golf Course which was named the World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Course by the World Golf Awards in 2016. It is one of the top public golf courses in the state of Florida. Featuring 27 holes spread out in three nine-hole courses, Osprey Point can be played in multiple 18-hole experiences. It provides a serene setting that makes golfers feel a sense of “getting away from it all” during their round of golf. The Platinum Paspalum turf presents a lush playing surface from tee to green.

 

It even hosts many events, programs, and activities throughout the year such as yoga classes, fishing clinics, bird watching, star gazing, movie nights, concerts, and more. Every month, the park hosts full-moon hikes, kayak tours, bird watching, and more. They have also hosted different tournaments such as tennis, softball, soccer, and fishing tournaments. In 2015, they are awarded the Florida Recreation and Park Association’s Program of Excellence Award for their programs that promote health, fitness, and fun. In addition, Aaronson South County Regional Park offers a wide range of cultural programs such as art classes, writing workshops, and dance performances. It is open to all ages from children to seniors and registration must be made in advance.

 

The park also features a variety of natural habitats such as pine flat woods, mangroves, and hardwood hammocks. There are several trails to explore and take in the various landscapes throughout the park. The park is home to many different species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that can be observed while walking through the trails. An additional service provided by this park is its facility rental services which include meeting rooms and pavilions available at reasonable rates. They also offer free Wi-Fi in some areas so visitors can stay connected while enjoying their visit to the park.

 

With such a wide variety of recreational activities and programs, Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park is an ideal place to spend quality time with family and friends for a day away from Boca Raton. It is an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors while getting some exercise and learning about nature. Whether you’re looking for a stroll, a challenging bike ride, or a relaxing round of golf, this park has it all. So come out and enjoy everything that the Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park has to offer. The park is open 7 days a week from 6:00 am – 11 pm with no admission fee. There is also free parking throughout the park but they do charge $2/hour after 4 hours of parking.