John Stretch Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John H Stretch Memorial Park |
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Participants enjoy a game of cricket on the field at John Stretch Park
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| Type | County park |
| Location | 47225 US 27, Palm Beach County, Florida |
| Nearest city | Lake Harbor, Florida |
| Established | Dedicated in 1970 |
John Stretch Park is a small park located right next to a road. You can find it on the south side of Lake Okeechobee in Florida. This park is a great spot for families and friends to enjoy the outdoors.
It offers many things to do, like having a picnic or playing sports. There are also clean restrooms available for visitors. Best of all, you don't need to pay to enter the park!
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What Can You Do at John Stretch Park?
John Stretch Park has a big, open grassy area. This field is perfect for playing games like soccer or cricket. You can also find an outdoor basketball court if you like shooting hoops.
If you enjoy being on the water, the park has a special ramp. This ramp lets you launch your boat directly into Lake Okeechobee. It's a great way to explore the lake.
Exploring the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail
The park is also a starting point for the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail. This trail is a long path that goes all the way around Lake Okeechobee. You can walk, bike, or even rollerblade on this trail. It's a fun way to see the lake and its surroundings.
Protecting the Lake: Dikes and Locks
One side of John Stretch Park is next to a very tall wall. This wall is called a dike, and it's about twenty feet high. The dike helps to hold back the water of Lake Okeechobee. It protects the land around the lake from floods.
At one end of the park, you can see special machines built into this dike. These machines are part of a system that controls the water. They help to prevent flooding and manage the lake's water levels.
How a Lock Works
Next to the flood control machines, there is a lock. A lock is like a water elevator for boats. It helps boats move safely between the lake and other waterways.
Here's how it works:
- A boat enters a small chamber in the lock.
- Gates close on both sides of the chamber.
- Water is either added to or removed from the chamber. This changes the water level inside.
- Once the water level matches the new area, the gates open.
- The boat can then move out into the lake or the canal.
This system is very important for both flood control and boat travel.
A Look at Old Machines
John Stretch Park also has some interesting old equipment on display. You can see several large diesel engines, along with big valves and pipes. These machines were once used as part of the flood control system.
They show how engineers used to manage the water levels in Lake Okeechobee. It's like a small outdoor museum of old technology.
Who Was John H. Stretch?
The park is named after a man called John H. Stretch. There is a special sign in the park that tells his story. John H. Stretch worked for the flood control district from 1963 to 1970.
He was in charge of recreation and conservation for the area. This means he helped make sure people could enjoy the outdoors. He also worked to protect nature and its resources. The park is a way to remember his important work.
