Royal Palm Pointe Park — Attraction in Vero Beach

A parade of Model T automobiles crossed the first bridge to span the Indian River on Labor Day 1920. This made Vero the first community with a bridge to Orchid Island. Made of sabal palm pilings and rough-cut planking, it began on the mainland side from a causeway created from dredged fill, and curved in the middle where the bridge tender's house was located. The bridge tender would open the metal swing span by hand for boat traffic. The tolls varied from $.05 for pedestrians to $.10 for a horse to $.35 for a two-ton delivery truck. In the 1950s, after successful lobbying from Florida State Senator Merrill P. Barber, a new bridge was constructed using an extension of the dredged-fill causeway for its bridgehead. The Merrill P. Barber Bridge was designed in the Mid-Century Modern style, and had a steel bascule span with a booth for the bridge tender. In the 1990s, a new mainland approach was established to the north and the Barber bridge is fixed, and is tall enough that the Atlantic Ocean can be seen clearly to the east. The old causeway and bridgehead became Royal Palm Pointe, a residential and commercial corridor with a city park...

Great for kids when the splash fountains are open, but other than that it's a quick stop for a great view under the bridges on Indian River. Some fish off the pier and others go to see if they can get a glimpse of the dolphins playing. (There are times when you can see lots of dolphins and other times, not one to be seen. ) Nice views across the water to Memorial Island, Riverside Cafe and of course, both bridges that cross the river. Birds, mostly Pelicans, can be seen hanging out hoping to get a fish. Boats pass through the no wake zone between the bridges in this location so it is fairly quiet. There are restaurants, a few small businesses and bars along this road, some offer great views of the river, but the prices can be a bit high for what you get. Bottom line, worth a stop to check it out, but not a place to...

We stopped to eat and saw this little park not far from the restaurant actually on the same street. It has parking the entrance has a gate they close. Located just before you enter are the restrooms and a soft drink machine , soon as you enter there is a children fountain pad area for them to get wet. We went on a Sunday the sign said it shuts off 3 pm. They have benches for the parents to sit. This park is on the Indian river waterway, there is a small dock for fishing or just watching the boats traffic. If you bring your small children beware the dock doesn't have any fencing you can just walk right off and into the water. The park is small a nice walk after a big meal . The photos show the entire park . We enjoyed it...