Message from Commissioner Aaronson

Palm Beach County is home to 82 county parks; 23 located in the south county area, 14 in our district and none quite as beautiful as our very own Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.

The Morikami has been a center for Japanese arts and culture in South Florida and an enjoyment for County residents and visitors since opening in 1977. The Morikami presents the opportunity for guests to experience traditional and contemporary Japanese culture through world-class exhibits, varied educational programs and seasonal events, bonsai display, pan-Asian cuisine and a distinctive museum store.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the expansion of Morikami’s gardens. The gardens were created to reflect major periods of Japanese garden design, from the eighth to the 20th century, and serve as an outdoor extension of the museum. According to the garden designer, Hoichi Kurisu, each garden is intended to express the character and ideas of a unique counterpart in Japan without attempting to duplicate those gardens, and seamlessly flow together as one. A great opportunity to tour the park is during its summer Sushi & Stroll series beginning May 13 and continuing through September on select Friday evenings from 5:30pm – 8:30pm. The cost is $7 for adults, $5 for children ages 4-17 and free for museum members and children 3 and under.

Featured this month will be the 32nd annual Hatsume Fair - Morikami’s largest annual event. Hatsume transforms the normally tranquil Morikami Park into a unique Japanese spring festival. The event will include three stages of continuous entertainment featuring taiko drumming performances, martial art and bonsai demonstrations, cosplay contest and more. Avenues of artisan booths, anime dealers, plant sales, Asian and American food vendors, the Kirin Beer Garden, children’s activities, and a Bonsai exploration area will also be featured. Hatsume fair is March 19th & 20th from 11am-6pm. The costs $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 4-17 and free for museum members and children 3 and under.

If you have not been to the Morikami I encourage you to go. The museum and gardens are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-17 and free for museum members and children 5 and under. The Morikami is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach, Florida. For more information about the Morikami, its exhibitions, programs and events, visit www.morikami.org or call 561-495-0233.

As always, I invite your comments on any issue of interest to you.  As your Commissioner, I am here to help you.  You may write me at 301 N. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, 33401 or call my staff at 276-1310 or toll free at 877-930-2205.  My email address is:  baaronso@pbcgov.org.