Lake Park: History, Nature and Marina

Lake Park brings together a history of early town planning, a named nature preserve and the amenities at Lake Park Harbor Marina. The preserved town plan still makes Lake Park’s early planning history visible today. “Kelsey City” was Lake Park’s original name; the nature preserve on Lake Worth was known as “Silver Beach” as early as the late 19th century.

Town History and Historic Buildings

Lake Park was founded in 1923 by Harry Seymour Kelsey as Kelsey City. Its former name is part of the town’s founding history. The original town plan was designed by the Olmsted brothers and Dr. John Nolan in the early 1920s; Lake Park has preserved it to this day. The town’s historic character is evident not only in individual buildings, but also in its layout.

One specific landmark is the building at 918 Park Avenue. It is the only surviving original historic building in Lake Park’s business district. Lake Park Town Hall, in turn, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Together, one historic building and a formally listed town hall offer different points of connection to the town’s history.

Nature Preserve and the History of the Waterfront

Lake Park Scrub covers 56 acres and includes three native ecosystems: scrub, scrubby flatwoods and mesic flatwoods.

The area’s former name also tells a story about its landscape: in the late 19th century, it was known as “Silver Beach.” At the time, the scrub habitat extended to the shoreline of Lake Worth, creating a white sand beach. Today, the body of water is called Lake Worth Lagoon and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The name “Silver Beach” thus captures the historic connection between the scrub landscape, the shore and the bright sand.

Marina, Charters and Events

Lake Park Harbor Marina has 112 boat slips in a spacious, dog-friendly park. It also offers views of the sunrise over Lake Worth Lagoon. Fishing, snorkeling, diving and dinner charters are available at the marina. These charter types offer different experiences; providers and schedules may change. If you have specific plans, check which options are available for your preferred date. Fishing, snorkeling and diving refer to the activities; a dinner charter focuses on dining.

Sunset Celebration offers live entertainment, a variety of food and craft vendors, happy-hour prices, and a cash-only bar. The program may change; check which offerings are scheduled for your preferred date before making plans.

This overview of Lake Park’s distinctive local attractions can help you get your bearings before deciding where to stay.

Explore more destinations: Riviera Beach, Loxahatchee, Highland Beach, Haverhill, Atlantis, Palm Beach, Juno Ridge, Lantana

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