Explore what’s new at 4 South Florida parks: There’s a beachside learning trail, observation pier and more

Kari Barnett, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
·6 min read

This Saturday, May 18, is the 14th annual Kids to Park Day, designed to encourage families to explore and connect with the outdoors at local, state and national parks as well as on public lands.

And South Florida has some beautiful parks to choose from. What’s more, four parks in Broward and Palm Beach counties are getting even better, with new amenities — everything from updated sports courts to boardwalks to a canoe and kayak trail — helping to promote the mental and physical benefits of spending time outside.

Of course, the National Park Trust probably didn’t consider our steamy South Florida situation when choosing the third Saturday of May for its annual day of play.

It’s been hot lately, really hot, and it looks like above-normal temps are here to stay. So if you do venture out, be sure to take precautions. Go early in the morning or in the evening, if possible. Bring plenty of water, take breaks in the shade, and always wear a hat and sunscreen.

Some local cities are tailoring their Kids to Park Day activities to beat the heat with free swimming, water games and refreshments. For events near you, visit parktrust.org.

At Biscayne National Park in Homestead, children can meet Nature Cat from the PBS KIDS animated series, watch an episode, practice fishing and help keep the park clean. They will be rewarded with junior ranger badges, magnifying glasses and Nature Cat books. Visit eventbrite.com for information.

Below, find all the cool, new park amenities available in South Florida this Saturday and all year long … because, after all, it can’t be this hot forever, right?

BROWARD COUNTY

Henry D. Perry Park
3400 Wildcat Way, Miramar; miramarfl.gov

More than a year ago, the city embarked on a major project to relocate the park from its original site at Wellman Field about a half-mile away to the Henry D. Perry Education Center’s recreational field to make way for the development of townhomes.

The city, which partnered with the Broward County School Board on the project, opened the park last month after a more than $5 million facelift of the center’s field for the public and students.

Open to everyone weekday evenings and all day on weekends, new amenities include:

  • an open play field area

  • soccer field

  • 200-meter oval running track with a 100-meter straightaway

  • restroom and equipment storage building

  • playground system

  • 1/4-mile walking path with exercise stations

  • table tennis tables

  • updated tennis, basketball and racketball courts

  • new lighting, benches, water fountains and receptacles

The new Perry Park is part of the Historic Miramar Innovation and Technology Village project that plans to “create high-quality housing, an innovation and technology hub, a public safety complex, commercial mixed-use opportunities, and open space that integrates into the existing community and links the various surrounding public and private uses,” according to the city.

“This project exemplifies what can be achieved when we work together to invest in our community and create spaces that empower residents of all ages to healthy habits while enjoying our parks,” Miramar City Manager Roy Virgin said in a statement.

Back at the original park (southwest 68th Avenue and 34th Street), 1 acre will remain as a passive park with a walking trail, trees, benches, green space, parking and a playground open to everyone.

Born Learning Trail at Frank C. “Tootie” Adler Park
100 N. Beach Road, Dania Beach; bornlearning.org

Kids can jump, read and talk their way around the new beachside Born Learning Trail, which recently opened through a collaboration with the city of Dania Beach and the United Way of Broward County, along with help from Rebuilding Together Broward County.

The first of its kind in Broward County, the trail features 10 interactive signs that encourage participation in learning activities between children and their families.

“It helps parents, caregivers and communities create quality engagement opportunities when visiting our beachside playground,” city spokeswoman Nannette Rodriguez said.

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Kids are inspired to get active — physically, mentally and emotionally — through prompts on each sign. Skip around a game of hopscotch, tell stories, give hugs and smiles to each other, and observe, talk, touch and listen to nature.

Since 2005, United Way has installed more than 750 trails in parks, schools and communities throughout the United States. While the project’s total cost has not been finalized, it’s usually around $10,000, depending on the property, said United Way of Broward County spokeswoman Hattie Hess.

“The learning trail is something that can be implemented in every city,” she said. “We are looking to expand it across the county.”

‘Sunset Hammock’ at Sunset Point Park
11000 W. McNab Road, Tamarac; glavovicstudio.com

Have you been curious about the fire-engine red platform rising above the tree line at Tamarac’s Sunset Point Park?

It’s called “Sunset Hammock,” and it’s a new public art installation that features an observational boardwalk with a 200-foot modular red aluminum walkway, a 20-by-3-foot community periscope that reflects the horizon, and a communal gathering space, according to the city.

Designed by artist Margi Glavovic Nothard, the structure “emphasizes the importance of the Everglades in maintaining an ecological equilibrium in South Florida.” Nothard said the piece “renders saturated moments in time as the day reveals itself, increasing its intensity in color, view and connectivity to the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States,” according to the artist’s website.

The city is planning an official unveiling ceremony; check out tamarac.org for updates.

PALM BEACH COUNTY

James A. Rutherford Park
600 NE 24th St., Boca Raton; myboca.us

Take in views from the city’s first open-water observation pier at the newly renovated 45-acre park that sits along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Renovations and upgrades, which began in December 2022 and debuted in April, also include:

  • canoe and kayak trail to the Intracoastal Waterway

  • Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant and traditional kayak launch

  • restoration of existing boardwalks

  • extended boardwalk

  • new walking trails

  • mangrove habitat restoration

  • pavilion restoration

  • invasive species removal

  • shoreline restoration

“The park really provides so many experiences for visitors,” city spokeswoman Ileana Olmsted said. “Shaded playground/picnic areas, watersports opportunities to go through the mangroves and out into the Intracoastal, serene walking paths along the boardwalk and trail, restored nature, and a great view out on the pier.”

The $9.6 million project is part of the city’s Waterfront Master Plan. Phase two will focus on upgrades at Lake Wyman Park, 1500 NE Fifth Ave., and work is expected to begin next year.

“We are thrilled to reopen James A. Rutherford Park to the community and showcase the many new-and-improved park amenities,” Recreation Services Director Greg Stevens said. “Renovations to the park reflect the city’s commitment to inclusivity, our natural environment, and fostering vibrant community spaces, and we encourage everyone to come out and enjoy all it has to offer.”