Phil Foster Park — Attraction in Riviera Beach

This 14.65 acre park is at the base of the Blue Heron Bridge. It was named after Phil Foster who was considered a pioneer of Riveria Beach. He owned one of the first tourist courts which was a common form of lodging in the 1930's to the 1960's. He lived in the area until his death in 1917. The park opened in January 1953.

I came to the park to take pictures of the Blue Heron Bridge. There was absolutely no parking and I left and came back closer to sunset and still couldn't get a spot. The only spots were in the trailer parking and I was warned I would get a ticket for parking there but I just left my car for a few moments.

The park was frequently patrolled by a deputy looking to write tickets. It's a shame he didn't roll down his window because the minute I hit the sidewalk I was smacked in the face with the stench of urine and pot. There was a bathroom only feet away so I couldn't understand why someone would pee on the street. I quickly snapped my pictures and was happy to leave.

The main reason a lot of people come here is to dive and snorkel. The area under the bridge is well known for it's sea life by scientists, photographers, divers, and snorkelers. There is two acre snorkel trail in 5 to 10 feet of water. Other amenities of the park include two fishing piers. One was made from part of the old bridge before the Blue Heron Bridge was built. There is also beach swimming, canoe and kayak access, and a playground for kids.

Although I didn't enjoy my visit this time I might try to come again to snorkel. I might have better luck finding a spot during a week day I have off from school. This park is very close to Peanut Island which is on the other side of the bridge. There is no trouble parking at the marina and you can hop on the ferry for $10 and have a very nice time on the beautiful island snorkeling and not having to deal with crowds. It's a good alternative if you can't find parking at...

Mixed review: The snorkel trail was amazing (5 of 5) and had lots of fish and other sea creatures to find. We saw 10 or 15 different fish species including sheepshead, jacks, parrot fish, grunts, yellowtail snapper, angelfish, filefish, stonefish, batfish, sergeant major, one barracuda and others I don't know what they were. We saw starfish bigger than my head, a 3-4 foot speckled moray eel, a small ray, arrowhead crabs, spiny lobster... I'm sure I'm forgetting several things and we didn't see seahorses this day. Definitely check the TIDE CHARTS before you go because the snorkel trail is only good for about two hours a day. the rest of the time the current is way too dangerous to attempt.

The downside is that parking is atrocious (1 of 5) I went the last week of September and I can only imagine how bad it is in Summer. It's a small island and there is absolutely not enough room, plus there's nowhere to park just off the bridge down the street and walk. The park ranger and sheriff's deputy made 30 or 40 cars move from the trailer parking area on the West side (not near the boat launch area) because there was simply no where else to park, or else get a $35 ticket. At this point of the day (noon) the trailer parking area was nowhere near full but that may happen on occasion. The deputy literally told people to drive around in circles until somebody left. Because the snorkeling is only good 2 hours a day it would seem that letting cars park in certain designated trailer areas (like the West side) for those two hours would be appropriate.

Palm Beach County really needs to get a handle on this because it's a gorgeous place they made. Making some flexible parking areas or buying additional property at the foot of the bridge with pedestrian walks would make all the difference...

March, 2016, ...Phil Foster Park: a very good place to learn snorkeling because it is so shallow you can just stand up if need be. Also a great place for children in Palm Beach County, Fl., the city of Riviera Beach, but locals call it "Singer Island," The swimming-Snorkeling area is protected by buoys so off limits to boat traffic. Boats are far more dangerous than sharks!... The snorkeling area is high tide dependent for clean water and a good view of the separate artificial fish habitats; piles of rock, piles of abandoned shopping carts and neatly stacked cinder block walls. Different habitats, thus different fish species! Cool! Go to any local dive shop to get a free printed tide calendar. Between high tides there are currents but nothing foot flippers cant over come. For visibilities and no current, Ideal times are one hour before high tide and one hours after. When there are lots of people, and parking lot full, you know its high tide. There are many picnic tables, childtens playground swings, fish cleaning table by boat launch. Also, there are more fish in the morning before lots of swimming activity scares them away. No worries though, the fish will return when the crowds leave. There is free parking, a boat launch, a bathroom, a shower, a lifeguard and fantastic bikiniesz and bikinies which you wished you had looked the other way! There is lots of free shade on the beach under Blue Heron Bridge, which also acts as a wind block. By Florida law, when snorkeling you are supposed to mark your spot by dragging a floating flag, but here, it seems that law is not enforced. Also, to snorkel a nearby coral reef park, I don't remember full name, but one mile away, also safe and reef comes right...