ABOUT CONGRESS AVENUE BARRIER FREE PARK

Congress Avenue Barrier Free Park

3111 S. Congress Avenue

General Information

Acreage:  37.76

Park Hours:  Sunrise – Sunset; lighted facilities open until 9:00 p.m.

Amenities

At the park: fitness trail, pavilion, picnic tables with umbrellas, benches, drinking fountain, open play area, specialty play structures for different age groups and all abilities, spray-ground, accessible restrooms/family restroom.

At the Tennis Center:  17 Har Tru and 4 composite tennis courts, restrooms with shower, drinking fountains, canopied areas with picnic tables.

Historical Information

This is the location of the City’s barrier free playground, park and Tennis Center. Three separate sections of land were acquired over a period of time and the City eventually had 30 acres of property. The property was given to the City before 1979, prior to there being any requirements for land dedication from developers. Five acres were given to WXEL as the public television station grew.

The Tennis Center was built in three phases. There are 17 Har-Tru and four composite courts. Adjacent to the tennis courts and the Pro Shop are canopy areas with tables and chairs. The west side of the property backs up to a lake and in the center of the property is a small pond. There are wetlands on the property planted with native vegetation.

Realizing the need for a barrier-free park in Palm Beach County where over 187,000 disabled residents reside, in 2005 representatives of agencies that offer services for special needs individuals, including the United Way, United Cerebral Palsy, Lions Club, American Red Cross, The ARC and Deaf Service Center were invited to participate in a design charette to determine the elements needed in a “barrier-free” park. The design charette helped to create the master plan for this very unique and special park. Construction of the first phase of the 13.5 acre Congress Avenue Barrier Free Park began in 2010. The park is designed to accommodate people of all ages and abilities on an equal level.

The park is themed around a Florida Swamp. The central public space was designed to allow access to three play areas, two of which have been constructed, and the third will be constructed during a future phase of development. One is a free formed play structure that resembles a spider.  It emulates the insect critters of the swamp. The other is a fish camp theme. The two ponds on the park are connected through a metaphorical “stream bed” that allows children and adults to climb through and experience rocks, spray misters, water and nature. Trails meander through the park leading to the different play and sensory experiences.

Other park features include restored wetlands, picnic areas, and restrooms. Ultimately, the purpose of the park is to create an exciting, inspiring and accessible passive park and playground for adults and children of all ages and abilities to enjoy.