County and YMCA of the Palm Beaches Partnering to Bring New Facilities, Amenities to Lake Lytal Park

Caption: Left to right — Commissioner Gregg K. Weiss, Eric Call, Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department Director, Tim Leuliette, Board President, YMCA of the Palm Beaches and Tim Coffield, President & CEO, YMCA of the Palm Beaches

On Tuesday, January 12, the Palm Beach County (PBC) Board of County Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the YMCA of the Palm Beaches (YMCA) to lease approximately five acres in Lake Lytal Park for 50 years with one 50-year extension option. 

The Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department (PBC Parks) and the YMCA are partnering to bring new facilities, amenities, and improvements to Lake Lytal Park, located at 3645 Gun Club Road in West Palm Beach. PBC Parks is planning to replace the Aquatic Center and relocate it adjacent to the YMCA’s facilities.

The new Aquatic Center inside Lake Lytal Park will include both competition facilities as well as other water-based recreational amenities. Improvements planned by the YMCA include an Olympic-style skate park and training facility, state-of-the-art community center/health and fitness facility, and a child care center.  The design development phase for both the Aquatic Center and the YMCA amenities are expected to commence shortly and last approximately 12 months. The construction of the both the Aquatic Center and the YMCA amenities could commence by late 2021.

The agreement ensures that both PBC Parks and the YMCA construct facilities and infrastructure improvements at their own expense.  The YMCA will be building the Olympic-style skate park and training facility as Phase I, the community center/health and fitness facility as Phase II, and an indoor gymnasium and child care center as Phase III. The YMCA is currently lining up major donors who might want their namesake attached to this essential community center, located along the busiest east-west corridor (Southern Blvd) in Palm Beach County, leaving a legacy for years to come.

“Public-private partnerships between YMCAs and municipal Parks and Recreation Departments are thriving throughout the country. We look forward to this cooperative project at Lake Lytal Park being a shining example of how these types of collaborative relationships can greatly benefit the community,” said Tim Coffield, CEO and President of the YMCA of the Palm Beaches. “We are grateful for the leadership of County staff, the support of our County Commissioners, and we are excited to bring our collective vision to fruition.”

“The possibility to partner with the YMCA of the Palm Beaches to develop and collocate world class recreation facilities at Lake Lytal Park is a distinctive and timely opportunity that will benefit the residents of Palm Beach County for years to come,” said Eric Call, Director, Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department.

In addition, within two years of the county’s completion of the aquatic facility inside Lake Lytal Park, the YMCA will handle staffing, programming, and operational management of the facility, which is projected to significantly reduce PBC Parks’ operational expenses.

Bert Winters Park boating amenities now reopen after renovations

 

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On the morning of July 25, county officials cut the ribbon to reopen Bert Winters Park’s boating area after being closed for construction since September 2017.

Major improvements include the renovation of existing boat ramps, three floating staging docks, 45 additional car/trailer parking spaces, and new ADA-compliant restroom facilities. Additional features include the enhancement of vehicular circulation, reconfiguration of existing parking spaces, storm-water management improvements, as well as associated site work and infrastructure.

Representatives of collaborating agencies, the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), participated in the program.

“Residents are excited about utilizing the increased boater access to the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean,” said District 1 Commissioner Hal R. Valeche.

Bert Winters Park is located at 13425 Ellison Wilson Road in Juno Beach. The park is open daily from sunrise until sunset. A boat trailer parking permit is required. Annual permits may be purchased online at www.pbcparks.com. Daily permits will be available at Bert Winters Park using the onsite pay station.

Please visit www.pbcparks.com​ for more information about boating and other leisure opportunities available through the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department.​

(Aerial photos provided by Engenuity Group)

One Penny Sales Surtax: Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation

What would the One Penny Sales Surtax mean for Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Facilities? What this video for the facts.

For more information on the One Penny Sales Surtax, visit OneCountyOnePenny.org.

The mission of the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department is to make the quality of life for Palm Beach County residents and visitors better by providing diverse, safe and affordable recreation services, welcoming parks, and enriching social and cultural experiences. We achieve this by promoting wellness, fostering environmental stewardship, contributing economic value, and by improving our community every day for this and future generations.