Message from Commissioner Burt Aaronson

Summer is nearly half over.  I hope you are all staying cool as we wait for September to bring us more comfortable weather.  I want to take a moment to share two exciting grand openings that we had here in District 5 during July.

I knew that residents were eagerly anticipating the opening of the new County Library on Hagen Ranch Road.  I was not prepared for the tremendous attendance at the July 11th Grand Opening.  Staff estimates that there were    people on the site when the ribbon cutting ceremony signaled that the library was open for business.  Later that day, I visited the library a second time.  The parking lot was full and cars were still streaming in.  Patrons are now enjoying this new larger facility which is more than double the size of the old West Atlantic Avenue Branch.  It is located in a natural setting with scenic water views, an abundance of natural lighting and comfortable seating areas throughout the building.  There are more than 50 computers in the adult, teen and children’s areas for public use.  Free wireless access is available throughout the library.  There are also three meeting rooms – a large room accommodating 225 people, a smaller conference room accommodating 50 people and a room for children’s programming with space for 50.  The current selection of books, CDs and DVDs totals approximately 82,000 and there is room for the collection to grow to 150,000.

On July 26th, I hosted the “unleashing ceremony” at Canine Cove.  Again, I was amazed at the number of people and dogs who came to see and enjoy the County’s newest dog park located at South County Regional Park.  Staff advised that about 800 people (with who knows how many dogs) attended the event.  The dog park features separate areas for large and small dogs.  In addition, there are three gazebos and 34 benches for dog owners to enjoy.  Other amenities include three drinking fountains with attached pet fountains, a pet washing station large enough to accommodate two dogs and 15 pet stations with plastic bags and waste receptacles.  New picnic facilities and a large, colorful new boundless playground are located next door.  The playground also includes a shaded gazebo, benches and a drinking fountain.  Canine Cove and the new playground can be reached from the park’s Glades Road exit and are located next to the Sunset Cove Amphitheater.

I am pleased that the County can offer these new facilities and I urge you to visit them when you have the opportunity.  You will not be disappointed.

As always, I invite your comments on any issue of interest to you.  As your Commissioner, I am here to help you.  You may write me at 301 N. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, 33401 or call my staff at 276-1310 or toll free at 877-930-2205.  You can also email me at baaronso@pbcgov.com.