Lake WorthWhere The Tropics Begin |
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SPORTS AND RECREATION
Baseball
Americas 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
tomorrows hot baseball card.
Spring Training baseball is as close to the game as you can get without a
uniform. Floridas only duel-team Spring Training facility will open
its doors this March and welcome two of baseballs 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 Miamis 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 Marlins 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 NBAs newest gems, the Miami Heat, is only an hour away by
car, bus or Tri-Rail. For the latest information on South Floridas
favorite hoopsters, call 305-577-4328.
Miami Hurricanes
Dont 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! Whats the most common leisure suggestion in South Florida?
"Lets go to the beach," is the easy answer.
The tougher question is which beach? Yes, we know, its all one beach.
But Palm Beach County residents and regular visitors alike all have their
favorite spots. South Floridas warm climate, clear sky and beautiful
shores make it one of Americas hottest vacation spots. Palm Beach
Countys waters offer fantastic snorkeling and award-winning scuba
diving.
The areas 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, youll find our beaches relaxing and enjoyable.
Naming all of them is a tough task, so well recommend a few here. Plus
well 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 areas
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. Croquets 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 Countys 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 its 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 Floridas 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 NFLs 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 everyones 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 golfs 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
Clubs 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 Floridas 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. Dont miss the energy of this game and
dont let anyone tell you Floridians dont 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
Americas 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. Bradleys 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 Beachs 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 Parks 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 Floridas 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 Beachs Department of
Leisure Services, 835-7035.
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Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
Priding itself as a watersports enthusiasts 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 Gulfstreams 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 areas premier professional tennis events is the Delray Beach
Tennis Championship. This womens 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 youre looking for a competitive ski course, Okeeheelee Park has
it. Heres 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