De Groff Park

After a disappointing visit to The Exchange Club Park I visited DeGroff Park at the suggestion of Stephen S. Thank you so much Stephen for telling me about this gem. Located a few miles north of the Exchange Club and also located on the Intracoastal, Degroff is a beautiful example of what a Intracoastal park should look like. Degroff was land that was once owned by FIND, Florida Inland Navigation District . They use the land along the Intracoastal for holding material that they dredge from the waterway. They still own the Exchange Club Park and have recently leveled it. Broward County however bought DeGroff from them with funds from the 2000 Safe Parks and Land Preservation Bond in order to preserve more green space. Lighthouse Point acquired the land in 2003 from the county in exchange for removing the invasive species of plants. The park was designated a passive park which means that no changes can be made that will affect the natural habitat and it must remain suitable for fish, plants, and wildlife. Some residents in the area would like the park to be used for additional uses such as a dog park but the Broward County Board of County Commissioners would have to approve any changes in use. I like the park as it is in it's natural state.

The parking area is much smaller than the Exchange Club. There were only a few spots at most outside a fence but it seemed adequate for a neighborhood park where most people come by foot.

The park itself is beautiful. What a difference it makes when FIND does not own the land. The park is filled with lovely native trees. There is a playground, gazebo, benches, and a walking path. The sandy beach is perfect for launching a paddle board. The benches make for a relaxing spot to watch the boats drift by. Although this is a small park it is very nicely maintained. I love a water front park and this one is exceptionally nice.

Very pleasant on the intracoastal.

Clean, quiet, beautiful small beach on the intercoastal. Favorite quiet spot.

Great place to sit by the Intracoastal and relax and watch some boats go by!

Beautiful place for family gatherings on the Intracoastal Waterway beautifully groomed Park went paddle-boarding with Gold Coast Aquatic Adventures and had a wonderful time!