Palm Beach Gardens parks: District Park's splash pads and nature trail, kayak launches, a boat ramp and Frenchman's Forest's 172 acres. Recreation: 561-630-1100.
Last checked Oct. 9, 2026. Facts come from the City of Palm Beach Gardens parks, trail maps and District Park pages and Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management. Updated when parks open, close or change.
The City of Palm Beach Gardens runs more than a dozen parks, from ball fields and splash pads to kayak launches and a boat ramp, through its Recreation Department. The county adds natural areas with longer, sandier trails. One rule to know before you go: pets are not allowed in city parks, under city ordinance Section 46-14, except service animals.
Who to call
- City parks, fields and pavilion rentals: Recreation Department, 561-630-1100, Burns Road Community Center, 4404 Burns Road
- Park maintenance: Parks Division, 561-804-7034
- Book a court, field or pavilion: city rentals
- Official page: Parks
The Gardens North County District Park
The city’s largest park, at 5101 117th Court North, opened in June 2019 on 82 acres, with access from PGA Boulevard or Central Boulevard through Shady Lakes Drive. It sits next to the Tennis & Pickleball Center and the Joseph R. Russo Athletic Complex. It is open every day from sunrise to sunset, according to the city’s park page.
- Seven lighted multipurpose fields and six pavilions (permit required)
- Two spray pads and two playgrounds, free
- A nature trail and 23.6 acres of preserve
- Restrooms, water fountains and a concession stand
The park hosts the tree lighting on Dec. 5. The city moved this year’s Fall Festival, Oct. 24, indoors to the Burns Road Community Center because of high winds.
Neighborhood parks
| Park | What is there |
|---|---|
| Gardens Park | Nine baseball fields, three playgrounds including an accessible one, an artificial turf field that is home to the Miracle League of the Palm Beaches, batting cages |
| PGA National Park | Basketball and tennis courts, two adult softball fields, three multipurpose fields, two pavilions, a playground and a disc golf course |
| Mirasol Park | Four basketball courts, a softball field, two multipurpose fields, two playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment and two pavilions |
| Lilac Park, 4175 Lilac St. | Walking trails of 0.49 and 0.98 miles; the Lilac pickleball courts |
| Oaks Park, 10666 Gardens East Drive | A 0.65-mile walking trail |
| Burns Road Park, 4404 Burns Road | A 0.44-mile walking trail at the community center |
The city’s trail maps page has a map of each walking loop.
On the water
- Sandhill Crane Access Park: a boat ramp, a nature observation tower, canoe and kayak access, trails and fishing.
- Thompson River Linear Park: a canoe and kayak launch and fishing along the Thompson River Canal, on the south side of the Burns Road Community Center.
- Lake Catherine Lakeside Park, 9481 MacArthur Blvd.: a canoe and kayak launch, fishing, a 0.40-mile walking trail and the city’s Arbor Day tree collection.
The city’s Aquatic Complex, 4420 Burns Road, has the main pool and a splash zone; see the aquatics page for hours and fees.
Frenchman’s Forest Natural Area
Palm Beach County’s Frenchman’s Forest, 12201 Prosperity Farms Road, is a 172-acre natural area whose wet, low-lying ground was once part of the headwaters of Lake Worth Creek. The county counts more than 500 animal and 200 plant species there, including gopher tortoises and great horned owls. It is normally open sunrise to sunset every day, but the county says it is temporarily closed for final trail maintenance. Its trails:
| Trail | Surface | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Blazing Star Trail | Paved | 0.4 miles |
| Saw Palmetto Trail | Sandy | 1.3 miles |
| Staggerbush Trail | Sandy | 0.6 miles |
Coming: Gardens Nature Park and Trail
The city is building a roughly 24-acre nature park and trail on land donated by the developer of Avenir, next to the Avenir Conservation Area in the west of the city, with a federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant. Plans include a nature education pavilion with a restroom, an interpretive trail, a butterfly habitat, a fishing pier and parking, according to the project page.
What this means for you
- Splash pads and playgrounds at District Park are free, sunrise to sunset.
- Leave the dog at home; city parks do not allow pets.
- Check the county’s page before heading to Frenchman’s Forest while trail work continues.
More: walking and biking trails, dog-friendly Palm Beach Gardens, things to do this month, farmers markets and getting around.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest park in Palm Beach Gardens?
The Gardens North County District Park, 5101 117th Court North, covers 82 acres with seven lighted fields, two splash pads, two playgrounds, a nature trail and 23.6 acres of preserve. It is open sunrise to sunset.
Are there splash pads in Palm Beach Gardens?
Yes. The Gardens North County District Park has two spray pads, free and open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Where can I launch a kayak in Palm Beach Gardens?
The city lists canoe and kayak launches at Sandhill Crane Access Park, Thompson River Linear Park next to the Burns Road Community Center, and Lake Catherine Lakeside Park.
Can I bring my dog to Palm Beach Gardens parks?
City ordinance Section 46-14 bars pets and animals from city parks, except service animals.
Where can I go hiking in Palm Beach Gardens?
Frenchman’s Forest Natural Area, 12201 Prosperity Farms Road, has three trails totaling about 2.3 miles; Palm Beach County lists it as open sunrise to sunset but temporarily closed for trail maintenance.
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