Kelsey Park — Attraction in Lake Park

I’ve visited Kelsey Park multiple times, and there are a few things worth noting — both positive and negative — especially for parents of toddlers or young children.

✅ Pros: • Clean and Well-Maintained: The swings and playground equipment are clean and in good shape. • Good Lighting: The park is well-lit even into the evening hours. I stayed until about 8:45 PM and felt safe in terms of visibility. • Scenic View: The park is located by the water, which makes for a beautiful backdrop. • Kid-Friendly Attractions: There’s usually an ice cream truck that plays music and draws the kids in — which they love! • Parking: There are two parking lots available, including designated disability parking spots. • Tennis Courts: The park also features tennis courts for visitors who want to play or practice.

⚠️ Safety and Supervision Concerns: • Open Access to Waterfront : One of the biggest safety concerns is the lack of any railings or fencing where the park meets the water. It’s too easy for toddlers or babies to wander dangerously close. If you’re coming with little ones, be extremely vigilant. Although it’s not very near to playground. • Lack of Supervision and Rough Play: While the signage says “Adult Supervision Required,” unfortunately, many older children are left unsupervised and engage in rough behavior — pushing younger kids, running unsafely around the toddler areas, etc. This has been a recurring issue, and I’ve had to intervene a couple of times to protect my child. • Older Kids Playing in Toddler Area: Sometimes, elder kids play football or with remote control cars right in the kids’ play area, which can be unsafe and disruptive for toddlers. • Suspicious Activity: I often notice groups of adults or teenagers hanging around the kids’ play area, sometimes engaging in behavior that appears to be drug-related or inappropriate. It feels uncomfortable and out of place near a children’s park. • Visible Police Presence, but No Action: A sheriff’s car is usually parked nearby, but I’ve never actually seen an officer monitoring the area or addressing any of the ongoing issues.

Additional Notes on Community Diversity: Kelsey Park attracts a diverse mix of visitors from different ethnic backgrounds, including African Americans, Mexican, and Indian families and individuals. This diversity contributes to a vibrant and culturally rich environment, which is great for kids to experience and learn from a variety of cultures while playing. However, like any public space, it also means the park reflects a broad spectrum of behaviors and social dynamics, which underscores the importance of active supervision and community involvement to ensure everyone feels safe and respected.

📝 Suggestions: • Install barriers or fencing near the waterfront, especially around the children’s play area. • Consider more active park security or community patrols to ensure rules are enforced. • Encourage designated seating areas away from playgrounds for adults or teens who aren’t...

Kelsey Park is named for Harry Seymour Kelsey, a wealthy Bostonian who joined the Florida land boom in 1919 when he bought 30,000 acres in north Palm Beach. Eventually he went on to own 100,000 acres. He founded Kelsey City and invested a million dollars. The first lots of land he sold for development are where the park stands today. Eventual money problems with the IRS and the Great Depression forced Kelsey to sell his town and in 1939 residents voted to change the name of the town to Lake Park.

Located in the park is the historic 1925 mission style Evergreen House. It belongs to the Lake Park Historical Society and they hold meeting and lectures in Evergreen House. The house has cypress ceilings and front door and Dade pine floors and a fireplace. It's back patio overlooks Kelsey Park.

The park has six tennis court and area residents can schedule lessons. There is a children's playground and the park has two beautiful fountains and a gazebo that can be rented from the city for events. There are covered picnic tables and a restroom. A street cuts the park in half. On the opposite side is the part of the park that lines the Lake Worth Lagoon. This part of the park has a parking lot and an area for fishing.

I love the history that resides in this park. The city of Lake Park has honored their founder while creating a wonderful green space that can be used by town residents today, Many events are staged by the city here including an upcoming Easter egg hunt. This park is a beautiful place to bring the...

Love