Lake Worth

Where The Tropics Begin


Visitor's Information

SPORTS AND RECREATION



Baseball

America’s favorite past-time begins right here in Palm Beach County. The rites of spring — Spring Training, that is — is the stuff of dreams. Careers begin right here in Spring Training camp where thousands of fans can get an early look at their favorite veterans or predict tomorrow’s hot baseball card.

Spring Training baseball is as close to the game as you can get without a uniform. Florida’s only duel-team Spring Training facility will open its doors this March and welcome two of baseball’s premier teams — The Montreal Expos and St. Louis Cardinals.

The new Roger Dean Stadium Complex in Jupiter features a main diamond with seating for 7,000 fans plus 12 practice fields. The fan-friendly facility includes an open air concourse, a party deck, berm seating as well as the traditional ballpark elements.

Roger Dean Stadium, named after longtime Palm Beach County businessman Roger Dean, is located on Donald Ross Road, one-half mile east of I-95 in Jupiter. For information, call 775-1818 or 888-44-PITCH.

The stadium is only a part of the ambiance. Before or after the game, fans may stroll around the quaint shops, enjoy dinner at a fine restaurant, or even play 18 holes of golf, all within walking distance of the stadium. Even apartments and townhouses will be available a long throw away from the ballpark.

Hammerheads
Speaking of Roger Dean Stadium, the park is also the summer home of the newly named Jupiter Hammerheads, the Montreal Expos’ Florida State Class A minor league affiliate from April through August. The former Expos, which won the 1991 Florida State League Championship, made winning a tradition. During the past six years, the team has posted the best overall record in the Florida State League. Individual game tickets, seasonal passes and value books are available at the stadium box office. Discount memberships, like the Knothole Gang Club for children 14 and under and the Hall of Fame Club for seniors, are available. For more information, call 684-6801.

Florida Marlins
It was inevitable that Florida would give birth to its own Big League baseball team. After all, South Florida had been the "spawning grounds" for future MVPs for decades with its spring training programs.

The 1997 World Series champs Florida Marlins, playing down the coast a bit in Miami’s Pro Player Stadium, has been a huge hit since the team hit the field five years ago. Sellout crowds are still typical and support for the "home" team is the envy of the Marlin’s National League Eastern Division. For a complete schedule of the games and ticket information, call 800-930-7800.
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Basketball

Miami Heat
One of the NBA’s newest gems, the Miami Heat, is only an hour away by car, bus or Tri-Rail. For the latest information on South Florida’s favorite hoopsters, call 305-577-4328.

Miami Hurricanes
Don’t miss your chance to see the unpredictable and exciting college games played in the style of the University of Miami Hurricanes. Call the auditorium at 305-284-2263 for dates and ticket information.
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Beaches

Quick! What’s the most common leisure suggestion in South Florida? "Let’s go to the beach," is the easy answer.

The tougher question is which beach? Yes, we know, it’s all one beach. But Palm Beach County residents and regular visitors alike all have their favorite spots. South Florida’s warm climate, clear sky and beautiful shores make it one of America’s hottest vacation spots. Palm Beach County’s waters offer fantastic snorkeling and award-winning scuba diving.

The area’s sandy beaches are a playground to visitors and residents of all ages. Exotic tropical fish, brightly colored coral reefs and cool coastal breezes can be found along our coast. Whether picnicking, motor boating or simply sunbathing, you’ll find our beaches relaxing and enjoyable.

Naming all of them is a tough task, so we’ll recommend a few here. Plus we’ll throw in some marinas and parks, too.

Municipal Beaches


County Beaches


State Beach
(Not a complete listing)

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, 561-627-6097. 10900 SR 703, North Palm Beach. I-95 to Blue Heron Blvd. east over Intracoastal bridge, north park, just south of Lost Tree Village. A park with 1.8 miles of secluded ocean swimming, snorkeling, fishing from both Intracoastal and ocean and nature trails.
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Bicycle / Motorcross

Okeeheelee Bicycle Motocross (BMX)
Located in Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach, this track is open to all members of the national Bicycle League. Membership in the National Bicycle League is open to all bicycle enthusiasts. For practice and race schedules, call 791-2610.
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Boating

South Florida, with its many beautiful waterways, has been called the Venice of America. From relaxing canoe trips and scenic tours through the area’s Intracoastal Waterway to high-powered motorboats, the Palm Beaches have it all. For information on the most popular marinas and boat ramps, check out the Beaches, Marinas and Parks section of this guide.
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Croquet

United States Croquet Association Croquet is taken very seriously in Palm Beach County. With some 250 clubs in the United States, 16 of them are located in West Palm Beach. Croquet’s governing body, the United States Croquet Association is located at the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens. In addition, the national croquet championship is played here each year. For more information, call 627-3999.
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Equestrian

Equestrian Trails
Palm Beach County is unquestionably the equestrian capital of America. There are numerous horseback riding facilities throughout the Palm Beaches. Palm Beach County’s Equestrian Trails are open seven days a week. With 13 miles of Scenic paths, the Equestrian Trails are located on Forest Hill Boulevard, east of the Florida Turnpike overpass, directly across from Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach. Call 966-6600.
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Fishing

Enthusiasts have plenty to choose from where the fishing calendar is virtually year round. Whether it’s saltwater or freshwater, species diversity is one of the most impressive aspects Palm Beach County has to offer. Annual highlights of the season include winter sail fishing, spring blue marlin action and kingfish runs, summer offshore fishing for dolphin and wahoo and spectacular surf and coastal fishing during the fall mullet run.

Florida Game and Freshwater Commission:
In the Palm Beaches, both saltwater and freshwater fishing enthusiasts may enjoy their hobby practically all year around. Lake Okeechobee and other freshwater lakes and canal systems provide outstanding Big Bass opportunities and also produce catfish, shell cracker and bluegill. Information about freshwater fishing rules, regulations and licenses can be obtained through the Florida Game and Freshwater Commission office at 640-6100.

Florida Marine Patrol:
With the warm Gulfstream current, the Palm Beaches are known for some of the best blue water fishing found in the world. Marlin, tuna, sailfish and wahoo frequent South Florida’s offshore waters. A recreational saltwater fishing license is required for residents and visitors. Licenses are available at most local tackle shops. Please note the size and bag limits on certain fish. For information and guidelines, call the Florida Marine Patrol at 624-6935.
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Fitness

Palm Beach County offers numerous parks and health facilities for running, exercising and weight lifting. Many parks have trails offering safe passage for runners and cyclists and miles of beaches that are ideal for jogging. Many area hotels have health clubs on site or available nearby.
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Football

Miami Dolphins
Will Coach Jimmy Johnson bring the NFL’s Miami Dolphins back to Super Bowl stature? Be in that number at Joe Robbie Stadium in northern Dade County and find out first hand. The stadium is only one hour away from the Palm Beaches and fans can always count on plenty of excitement with Coach Johnson calling the shots and everyone’s all-star Quarterback Dan Marino passing the ball. Call 305-620-2578 or 800-255-3094 for information.
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Golf

Palm Beach County is the proud home of the Professional Golfers Association located near PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens. The county often hosts golf’s legendary touring pros for major tournaments, and accommodates amateur golfers. Palm Beach County has so many golf courses that folks quit counting them ages ago (more than 150). Many courses are open to the public such as the new Okeeheelee Public Golf Course with 27 championship holes, driving range, putting greens, lessons, leagues and tournament plays.

Aberdeen Golf and Country Club
Private, 8251 Aberdeen Drive, Boynton Beach, 734-8511. Eighteen holes, par 72, championship yardage: 7,094.

BallenIsles Country Club
Private, 100 BallenIsles Circle, Palm Beach Gardens, 622-0220. Fifty-four holes, par 72, yardage: east 7,096, north 6,629, south 6,659. Grand Tennis Center and residences from $200,000 to $2 million.

Binks Forest Country Club
400 Binks Forest Drive, Wellington, 795-0028.

Emerald Dunes Golf Course
Resort/public, 2100 Emerald Dunes Drive, West Palm Beach, 684-4653. Eighteen holes, par 72, yardage: 7,006. On-site golf pro, driving range, lessons, golf school, club rentals.

Ibis Golf and Country Club, Inc.
Private, 8850 Ibis Boulevard, West Palm Beach, 624-8900. Fifty-four signature holes, par 72. Fourteen-plus-acre practice facility with double sided driving range, putting, chipping and pitching areas. Total 8,800-square-foot Bath & Tennis Club includes pro shop and full fitness center. Ten Hydro courts for night play.

Ironhorse Golf & Country Club
Private, 8055 Ironhorse Boulevard, West Palm Beach, 624-5550. On-site golf and tennis pro lessons. Eighteen holes, par 72, yardage: 6,825.

Old Marsh Golf Club
Private, 7500 Old Marsh Road, Palm Beach Gardens, 627-4605. Eighteen holes, par 72, yardage: 6,914.

Okeeheelee Golf Course
Public, 1200 Country Club Way, West Palm Beach, 964-4653. Twenty-seven holes, par 36, yardage: 3,300-3,500.

Palm Beach National Country Club
Private, 7500 St. Andrews Road, Lake Worth, 965-0044.

Palm Beach Polo and Country Club
Private, 13198 Forest Hill Boulevard, West Palm Beach, 798-7000. This is a 2,200-acre internationally acclaimed resort community. Resort condominiums are available for daily, weekly or monthly rentals. Offers members and guests 45 holes of championship golf, 24 tennis courts, 10 polo fields, horseback riding, squash, croquet, swimming pools, fitness center, meeting and banquet facilities and a variety of restaurants.

PGA National
Private, 300 Avenue of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, 627-3000.

Village Golf Club
Public, 122 Country Club Drive, Royal Palm Beach, 793-1400. Par 72, yardage: 7,000. Pro shop, club rentals, PGA professional instructors, seven tennis courts.

West Palm Beach Municipal Country Club
Public, 7001 Parker Avenue, West Palm Beach, 582-2019.

Winston Trails Golf Club
Public, 6101 Winston Trails Boulevard, Lake Worth, 439-3700.

Wycliffe Golf & Country Club
Private, 4150 Wycliffe Country Club Boulevard, Lake Worth, 642-3300. Two 18-hole courses. Yardage: 6,891 East Course, 6,201 West Course. On-site golf pro, driving range, lessons, club rentals, tennis, cabana club. Residences from $110,900 to over $400,000. Private Equity Club.
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Greyhound Racing

The Palm Beach Kennel Club
Beginning its inaugural season on February 17, 1932, the Palm Beach Kennel Club’s current grandstands were built in 1962 and seat 4,300. As the sixth largest spectator sport in America, greyhound racing offers fun and excitement for people of all ages. Pari-mutuel wagering, where fans wager against one another, not the track, adds to the fun. Visitors may also enjoy the simulcasting of other races and the friendly card room. The Kennel Club plays an important civic role in the community by sponsoring charity and scholarship days. The track is located at the corner of Belvedere Road and Congress Avenue, directly across from the Palm Beach International Airport. For schedule information, call 683-2222.
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Hockey

Florida Panthers
South Florida’s new NHL expansion team hit the ice in 1996 winning both games and fans. The Panthers made history with the best record of any professional expansion team. Don’t miss the energy of this game and don’t let anyone tell you Floridians don’t know about ice. Call 577-4328 for schedule.
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Hunting

If hunting is your sport, there are several wildlife management areas in Palm Beach County where rabbit, quail and deer may be hunted in season. The Lake Okeechobee area offers winter hunting for duck and other water fowl.
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In-Line Skating

America’s hottest craze has also taken Florida by storm. Rollerblades, or in-line skates, are as common in the Palm Beaches as bare feet. Want to try in-line skating? Here are some of the top places in Palm Beach County to test your ability to whirl and twirl on wheels.

Okeeheelee Park
Forest Hill Boulevard just east of the Turnpike. Smooth sidewalks and road throughout.

John Prince Park
Smooth sidewalks and road throughout.

Flagler Drive
Currie Park south to Forest Hill.

The Lake Trail
Palm Beach from E.R. Bradley’s Saloon north to the Sailfish Club.

The Lake Trail South
Ocean Drive in Manalapan north through South Palm Beach and Lake Worth to Sloans Curve.

Vista Center
Okeechobee Boulevard just west of the Turnpike. Well lighted for skates and workouts.

Delray Beach
A1A-Atlantic Boulevard to South Hillsboro Boulevard in Pompano Beach. For intermediate and advanced skaters due to a bridge.

Military Trail & Congress Avenue
West of Boynton Beach, Delray Beach and Boca Raton. Miles of new sidewalks, perfect for long distance speed skates.

Quantum Park, Boynton Beach
For more information about these and other spots, contact Star Spangled Skates, 659-5656.


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Marinas

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Parks & Recreation Facilities

The City of West Palm Beach’s Department of Leisure Service maintains 33 parks. The department sponsors various activities throughout the year including athletic leagues, tournaments, arts and crafts classes, karate and yoga. Comprehensive programs are also available for after school care and the handicapped.

For complete information on any of these services, or for information on classes, athletic leagues or renting facilities, call the Department of Leisure at 835-7025 or pick up an issue of their brochure.

In addition the communities of Palm Beach County also have many parks for picnicking and other activities for all ages. Be sure to check with the local municipal government for locations and other information.

Municipal Parks


County Parks


State & National Parks

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Motorsports

Moroso Motorsports Park
17047 Bee Line Highway, Palm Gardens, 622-1400. Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! Moroso has a variety of events including road racing, drag racing, motorcycles, air shows, concerts, festivals and car shows. It is host to more than 505 events each season. Since auto racing has been recognized as the number one spectator sport in the U.S., it comes as no surprise that Moroso Motorsports Park’s events draw an estimated 500,000 people. The 200-acre facility boasts a 2.25-mile, 10-turn road course, an NHRA-sanctioned quarter mile state-of-the-art drag strip, permanent rest rooms, concession stands, a skid pad and gas pumps. In addition to the myriad of motorsports events, the park is also used for parties, defensive driving schools, festivals and corporate ride-n-drives.
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Offshore Racing

Grand Prix Festival, Inc.
Palm Beach County Offshore Grand Prix Festival features the super fast boats. Call 848-0751 or 800-327-3248.
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Polo

Palm Beach Polo and Country Club:
This regal Sport of Kings requires extraordinary athletic talent and an extremely well-trained horse operating as a team. The ancient sport provides plenty of fast-paced action. Tournaments such as the $100,000 world cup bring large crowds to the famous Palm Beach Polo and Country Club in Wellington. This secluded, 2,200-acre internationally acclaimed residential community has played host to many international celebrities including the Prince and Princess of Wales. The Championship Polo season runs from December through April. During the last two seasons, the U.S. Open was hosted by the Wellington Club. Tournaments are held each Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets may be obtained at the stadium box office. For schedule information, call 793-1440.
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Running

Triathlon Club:
South Florida’s flat terrain is the ideal training area for runners. The Triathlon Club of the Palm Beaches holds two annual events in the county. Call 845-0651. In addition, the Gold Coast Runners host numerous events throughout the year. Call the City of West Palm Beach’s Department of Leisure Services, 835-7035.
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Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Priding itself as a watersports enthusiast’s paradise, South Florida offers some of the very best diving, snorkeling and swimming opportunities in the world. In 1995, the Palm Beaches were chosen by readers of Scuba Diving magazine as having the best drift dives in the United States. In drift diving, the Gulfstream’s steady north current eliminates the long and often tiresome swim back to the boat at the end of each dive.

The Princess Ann ship wreck, located off the coast of Palm Beach, was also rated as one of the five best wreck dives in the world. More than 20 U.S. Coast Guard-certified dive boats operate in the area, making the Palm Beaches an easily accessible playground to all divers.

Water temperatures are comfortable all year round. Over a mile of reef lines, crevices and wrecks offer adventure and a spectacular array of tropical fish of every size and color.

For more information call the Coastal Scuba Center, 2001 10th Avenue in Lake Worth, 547-0022 or Dixie Divers, 1401 South Military Trail, West Palm Beach, 466-3388. Exceptional snorkeling sites are available within the protected swimming areas of the following central beaches: Gulfstream Park in Gulfstream, R.G. Kreusler Park in Palm Beach and Ocean Reef Park on Singer Island.
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Swimming

Swimmers flock to pools at area parks and clubs such as Lake Lytal Park, Lake Worth Municipal Beach Pool, Aquacrest, North Palm Beach Country Club, North County Aquatic Center and the Palm Beach Gardens Community Center. A new Aquatics Center is planned for Royal Palm Beach.
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Palm Beach County Sports Commission

The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is gaining a strong reputation as a player in the world of sports. A private not-for-profit organization started in 1985 with a goal to promote sports by bringing activities and events to Palm Beach County, the Sports Commission has rapidly built a reputation as a leader in the sports movement. It has established itself as a driving presence in both Palm Beach County and South Florida. bringing an increasing number of sporting events into the area. Its direction has resulted in the recognition of sports as a major economic indicator for tourism and the local business community. To find out how you can get involved, call 233-1015.
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Tennis

More than 1,100 tennis courts can be found throughout the Palm Beaches. Many are lighted for night play. Public and private facilities in the county host tournaments, clinics and lessons for players of every age and skill level. One of the area’s premier professional tennis events is the Delray Beach Tennis Championship. This women’s tournament is held annually. Private facilities in the area include BallenIsles Country Club, Ibis Country Club, Palm Beach Polo and Country Club, PGA National Club and Wycliffe Golf and Country Club. Public tennis courts are available at no charge from sunrise to 11 p.m. through the municipal and county park system on a first-come, first served basis. Here are just a few facilities:

John Prince Park
2700 6th Avenue, South Lake Worth.

Lake Lytal Park
3645 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach. (See Beaches and Parks section for additional listings.)
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Water Skiing

If you’re looking for a competitive ski course, Okeeheelee Park has it. Here’s where the United States National Water Skiing championships are held in August. Since only AWSA-approved ski boats are allowed, a ski permit is necessary. Call 966-6631, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for information.
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Water Sports

Water sports are a year-round activity in the Palm Beaches. The ocean, intracoastal waterway and many lakes and canals in the county provide a variety of venues for boating and instruction for all skill levels is available in nearly every water sport, including water skiing, wind surfing and para-sailing. Sailboats, powerboats, canoes/kayaks can be rented at a number of parks and marinas and boat owners can take advantage of launching ramps and docks at many local parks, Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach is the new home of the Junior Olympic Paddling Program for the U.S. Canoe and Kayak Olympic Team.
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For more information
Visit the City of Lake Worth's Website
www.LakeWorth.org


Information was obtained from local area sites, including but not limited to palmbeaches.com, lakeworth.org, westplambeach.com and is beleived to be reliable. Please report any errors to webmaster@lakeworthcity.com
Revised 09/27/98 LakeWorthCity.com