Okeeheelee Park facts for kids

Okeeheelee Park is a huge park in West Palm Beach, Florida, United States. It's run by the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department. The park opened in June 1996, after many years of work.

It covers over 1,700 acres (690 ha), which is like 1,300 football fields! The park has two big lakes. You can go boating, fishing, water skiing, and even use radio-controlled boats there.

Fun Activities at Okeeheelee Park

Okeeheelee Park has tons of cool stuff to do. It's a great place for sports and outdoor fun.

Sports and Games

The park offers many sports facilities. You can play on a 27-hole golf course. There are also baseball fields and tennis courts. If you like biking, there's a special BMX biking area.

Trails and Picnics

You can find both a fitness trail and a bike trail here. These trails wind around the lakes. Along the trails, you'll see many pavilions and picnic areas. They are perfect for a break or a meal outdoors.

Pooch Pines Dog Park

Okeeheelee Park has a special area for dogs called Pooch Pines. It has three sections. Two areas are for large dogs, and one is for smaller dogs. The dog park is open during regular park hours. However, it closes from noon to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays for cleaning.

Okeeheelee Nature Center

At the north end of the park, you'll find the Okeeheelee Nature Center. It sits on 90 acres (36 ha) of natural land. The center opened in 1996.

Nature Trails and Gardens

The Nature Center has over 2 miles (3.2 km) of trails. These trails go through a pine forest habitat. You'll see signs that explain the plants and animals. There are also benches to rest on. You can even use special blinds to watch marsh animals. Don't miss the beautiful Butterfly Garden!

Inside the Nature Center

Inside the center, you can see live animals. There are also fun displays you can interact with. A gift shop is available if you want a souvenir. The center also offers educational programs. These programs are for both kids and adults.

The Nature Center is open Wednesday to Friday from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM. On Saturdays, it's open from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The nature trails are open every day from sunrise to sunset.

History of Okeeheelee Park

The land where Okeeheelee Park is now was once used for mining in the 1950s and 1960s. In March 1973, many groups suggested turning the land into a large nature park. About a month later, local leaders agreed to use 900 acres (360 ha) for a park. They also looked at buying more land nearby.

Park Naming and Opening

In July 1973, the county asked for money from the government. They wanted to buy more land for the park. The state of Florida later gave them the money in March 1974. On April 30, the park was officially named Okeeheelee Park. The name "Okeeheelee" comes from the Seminole language. It means "pretty waters."

A special ceremony was held on June 15, 1974, to celebrate the park. Important people like Doyle Conner, who was Florida's Commissioner of Agriculture, attended. Even though the park was dedicated, it took a while to build. The first part of the park was finished in March 1982. This first phase cost about $6 million. It included 954 acres (386 ha) with 12 sports fields. There was also a water ski course, a motocross trail, and picnic areas. Plus, there were 4.5 miles (7.2 km) of nature trails.