A MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER AARONSON

As we celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of our Jewish New Year, Sheila, my staff and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our constituents a Happy and Healthy New Year.

The cooler weather is just around the corner and many of us will be spending more time outdoors enjoying our beautiful South Florida climate. Residents will soon have a new county-operated park to enjoy here in District 5. I have been working with Representative Richard Machek since 2000 to bring a park to the West Delray area. In November 2005, the County Commission approved a seven-year lease with the South Florida Water Management District for 313 acres of land on US 441 just north of Atlantic Ave.

The passive park's primary use will be to take advantage of its significant recreational potential. There will be boating, hiking and biking trails around a wooded preserve, and picnic and camping areas. The park also features a grassy runway for remote-controlled boats and cars and an archery area. In addition to these features, the Parks Department will be adding parking and portable toilets. Ultimately, the park will be linked to the 1,600-acre Site One area near the Broward County line and the 1,000-acre South County Regional Park providing 50 miles of continuous trails.

If South Florida Water Management District does not opt to take back the land at the end of the seven-year lease, the County can renew the lease annually until 2021. The Parks Department is currently negotiating to extend the land's use as a park. This would give us the opportunity to have a tremendous park system. I am hopeful that at least some of the land can be retained for park activities.

I am very proud of all that has been done to offer top quality recreational facilities to the residents and I am certain that this new park will soon be another popular destination for many of you. When it comes to leisure time and outdoor activities, Palm Beach County, and in particular, District 5, truly has the "best of everything."

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. You can also email me at baaronso@co.palm-beach.fl.us.