THINGS TO DO
department really shines with its many programs that can
keep families busy and happy.”
City parks are available for everything from organized
games and team sports to quick games of basketball or an
afternoon at the playground for the little ones. The city encourages
people to get off their couches, get outdoors and get
some healthy exercise to fight being overweight or obese —
something the state health department has set as a goal.
Also in the Port St. Lucie area, consider hiking the almostflat
trails at the Oxbow EcoCenter or at the Savannas Preserve
State Park. Both feature education centers as well. McCarty
Ranch Preserve, the city’s newest preserve, is open for fishing
from nonmotorized craft or boats with electric motors, which
needs a city permit. No gas motors are allowed. The preserve
has hiking and unpaved biking trails as well.
SMELL THE FLOWERS
For landscape and flower lovers the Port St. Lucie Botanical
Gardens awaits. The city has a grant to extend the boardwalk
from Veterans Memorial Park to the botanical garden and the
new Westmoreland Park — something to look forward to in
the future.
There are several boat ramps or launches in the city. The
newest is at the Savannas Preserve State Park. Just built, it
meets federal accessibility standards for the disabled. The
Riverwalk by Veterans Memorial Park has three ramps and a
special lift for the handicapped, which is available by contacting
park staff. Ramps at the C-24 Canal Park in the south end
of the city provide access to the ocean.
“We have more than 40 recreational and passive parks that
inspire our residents and visitors to get out and enjoy the >>
Young children dressed in princess costumes provided listen to a grown-up
princess read a storybook at the monthly Pretty Princess Tea Party.
36 Port St. Lucie Magazine
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