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South County Regional Park Wins National Award

For immediate release: May 20, 2010
Contact: Debbie Thatcher, (561) 966-6649

Palm Beach County’s South County Regional Park west of Boca Raton gained national recognition as the recipient of this year’s prestigious National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) Park and Recreation Facility Award.

NACPRO is an affiliate of both the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

This award program recognizes and honors excellence in recreation and park facilities and is designed to focus national attention on the very best of facility design. The award is designed to showcase and encourage outstanding efforts in planning, design, construction, and benefits to the community.

“We’re very proud to receive national recognition for this exceptional park, but the real winners are Palm Beach County’s residents,” said Palm Beach County Commission Chair Burt Aaronson. “We can all take pride in receiving this award. After all, it sets an example for the rest of the country of what can happen when residents and local officials work together to address the needs of the community.”

South County Regional Park got its start during South Florida’s population explosion 35 years ago. The new park was slated to be the primary provider of recreation services for that vast, growing region. Over the years, Palm Beach County worked closely with the West Boca Community Council to ensure the park would reflect the recreational needs of western county residents.

Today, South County Regional Park encompasses 848 acres. Sunset Cove, an outdoor amphitheater with spectacular lakeside views, offers 4th of July celebrations, live theater, and national acts such as Zac Brown and Willie Nelson. Affordable Coconut Cove Waterpark, Daggerwing Nature Center, athletic fields, a racquet center, and Canine Cove Dog Park ensure there’s something for everyone.

The park also includes accessible playgrounds, a bike trail, a freshwater boat ramp, picnic opportunities, and more. A nationally-renowned waterski school draws athletes from all over the world. South County Regional Park, ideally suited for large crowds, has also become a popular location for walk-a-thons and other community fund-raising events.

With the completion this fall of Osprey Point, a new 27-hole golf course enrolled in the Audubon International Classic Signature Golf Course program, this extraordinary regional park begun in 1975 is a tribute to all who helped make it a reality.

For more information about South County Regional Park, located at 11200 Park Access Road (or) 12551 Glades Road, west of Boca Raton, as well as other parks and leisure opportunities available through the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, please visit www.pbcparks.com.

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