The Club Managers Association Therapeutic Recreation Complex, constructed and operated for Special Olympics, by Palm Beach County, was awarded the 2007 National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) Park and Recreation Facility Award.
NACPRO is an affiliate of both the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
Each year, NACPRO presents a series of awards to recognize exceptional contributions to the field of parks and recreation. Their goal in presenting the Park and Facility Award is "to focus national attention (both public and professional) on the very best of facility design; to encourage outstanding efforts in planning, design, construction, and benefits to the community; and to be a resource of information for the highest quality of facility development." Recipients who win these prestigious awards are recognized nationally for their "dedication, enthusiasm, and creativity."
The Therapeutic Complex opened in January with state-of-the-art accessibility features to reach the widest possible variety of people with disabilities. Palm Beach County successfully partnered with representatives of generous local organizations and individuals, Special Olympics Florida, and VSA arts of Florida to develop this unique facility. Money was raised through golf tournaments, the sale of naming rights and memorial bricks, and through other fundraising efforts by several local golf club communities who have been longtime supporters of Special Olympics.
The Club Managers Therapeutic Complex, with The Gleneagles Country Club Aquatic Center, The Fountains Country Club Recreation Center, and The Murray, Meyer & Rachelle Grodetsky Family Foundation Athletic Center, incorporates a state-of-the-art accessibility design with sophisticated adapted equipment. "This centrally located, fully accessible complex offers the widest range of leisure opportunities for people with disabilities," said Palm Beach County Commissioner Burt Aaronson, Chairman of the Executive Committee who spear-headed the fundraising.
People of all ages and abilities are now able to train and compete in sports, participate in rehabilitation and fitness programs, and experience a wide variety of visual and performing arts programs. In addition, marketable talents can be developed for future employment and independence.
Centrally located on eight acres in John Prince Park in Lake Worth, the Club Managers Complex, is adjacent to a softball triplex, bocce courts, tennis courts, and a $1,000,000 fully-accessible Boundless playground that can be easily accessed from the new facility.
Another new Palm Beach County recreation facility located nearby—the John Prince Golf Learning Center—is set to open this Friday, June 8, at 10:00 a.m. In keeping with Palm Beach County’s ongoing commitment to provide leisure programs and facilities for people of all abilities, golf training and competition for area Special Olympics athletes will be among the extensive golf services available at the John Prince Golf Learning Center.
The therapeutic recreation complex is located at 2728 Lake Worth Road in Lake Worth. Directions: on Lake Worth Road, east of Congress Avenue and east of the entrance to Palm Beach Community College on the south side of the road. Telephone: (561) 966-7015.
The John Prince Golf Learning Center is located at 4754 South Congress Avenue in Lake Worth. Directions: on Congress Avenue just south of 6th Avenue South on the east side of the road. Telephone: (561) 966-6666.
For more information about The Club Managers Association of America Therapeutic Recreation Complex, the John Prince Golf Learning Center, and the many other facilities and programs available through the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, visit us online at www.pbcparks.com.
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