Parks & Recreation

Welcome to the CAPRA Accredited Parks & Recreation Department! Discover over 45 unique parks and recreational facilities across Port St. Lucie, offering endless opportunities to relax, play, exercise, learn, or enjoy the Florida sunshine.

The City organizes a variety of special events throughout the year that residents and visitors eagerly anticipate. Businesses and individuals can explore sponsorship and volunteer opportunities for these events and activities. Use our interactive parks map to locate all City parks and access individual park pages with details on addresses, hours, sizes, and available amenities.

Several recreation facilities are available for rent, providing unique recreational, educational, and cultural experiences. Many programs and events at these facilities are free and open to the public. Residents can easily register and pay for classes and programs online, or visit any of our recreational facilities where our friendly staff are ready to assist.

CAPRA accreditation demonstrates the department's commitment to high-quality service by meeting 153 of 154 national standards. This process involves rigorous self-assessment, policy updates, and procedural improvements, ensuring adherence to industry best practices. The department continues to uphold these standards with initiatives from the 10-Year Parks & Recreation Master Plan(PDF, 21MB), ensuring continual improvement and alignment with community needs.

Mission

To strengthen our community by offering exceptional leisure, cultural and innovative recreational opportunities.

Vision

The Port St. Lucie Parks and Recreation facilities are dynamic destinations. Numerous special events consistently meet the diverse community needs and shape the character of our City. Citizens encounter natural areas and waters that endure and captivate, as well as recreational programs which inspire personal growth, healthy lifestyles and a sense of community. All guests are assured that our facilities and parks are a safe place to play, celebrate, contemplate and recreate.

Values

• Service: We are committed to providing exceptional customer service to our community and organization. We value ethics, accountability, stewardship, and teamwork to accomplish our mission.
• Innovation: We encourage and empower innovation in service delivery through our visionary team.
• Diversity: We embrace diversity, promote inclusion, and respect the unique qualities of our City team and our community.
• Engagement: We are engaged and committed to prioritizing the highest level of service to our community.

Registration & Programs

New! Parks & Recreation App: Easily register for activities, reserve pavilions, view facility schedules, and more — right from your mobile device! Download the free Parks & Rec Mobile App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Download the Parks & Rec App

Where can I register and pay for a program or activity?

You can register online through our Parks & Rec web portal or via the Parks & Rec Mobile App. In-person registration is available at:

• PSL Community Center, 2195 SE Airoso Blvd.
• MIDFLORIDA Event Center, 9221 SE Event Center Pl.
• Minsky Gym, 750 SW Darwin Blvd.

Can I register for a fitness membership online?
Not at this time. Please visit one of our facilities to sign up.

If I have a membership at one fitness center, can I use the other?
Yes! Your membership is valid at both the MIDFLORIDA Event Center and the Community Center fitness facilities.

Will someone show me how to use the fitness equipment?
Yes. We offer a free orientation for all new members.

Can someone else register my child for a program?
Yes. A parent or guardian may designate another adult to register their child in person. However, only a parent or legal guardian may sign the required waiver.

Do I need to live in Port St. Lucie to participate?
No. Our programs and activities are open to all — no residency required.

Where can adults sign up for adult softball?
Call Minsky Gym at 772-344-4142. Games are held at Sandhill Crane Park. Learn more about Sports Leagues.

What is the refund policy?
Refunds are considered case-by-case. Submit your request in writing within 30 days of the first class meeting for multi-session programs.

Parks, Facilities & Rentals

Can I reserve a space at a park or facility?
Yes. Visit the Reservations & Rentals webpage or use the Parks & Rec App to check availability. For MIDFLORIDA Event Center reservations, contact the event center.

Are water activities allowed with pavilion rentals?
Water features are not permitted. Bounce houses are allowed through approved vendors (see Bounce House Vendor List(PDF, 55KB)).

Can I bring alcohol into a park?
Only with an approved permit. See our Reservations & Rentals page for more information.

Can I use a metal detector in City parks?
No. Per City Code Chapter 96.20(C), digging, removing natural materials, or using excavation tools is prohibited.

Is overnight parking allowed in parks?
No, unless otherwise posted.

Are parks smoke-free?
Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is only allowed in designated areas.

Park Hours:

• Neighborhood/Nature Parks: 8 a.m. – Sunset
• Community Parks: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. (lighted courts close at 9:30 p.m.)

Activities & Events

Does the City have a Senior Center?
No dedicated center, but many senior programs are offered at City facilities. Call 772-878-2277 or browse classes via the WebTrac App.

Are there any fishing areas?
Yes. Catch-and-release fishing is allowed at all parks. Veterans Park @ Rivergate has a boardwalk along the St. Lucie River ideal for saltwater fishing.

Are there boat launches?
Yes, the City has three boat launches:

• Veterans Park @ Rivergate – 2 ramps, 24/7 access to river/ocean
• C-24 Canal Park – 2 ramps, 7 a.m. to sunset
• Oak Hammock Park – No river access

Can I camp in the City?
Yes. Primitive, rustic, and RV camping is available at McCarty Ranch Preserve. Visit the McCarty Ranch page for details.

Does the City have a public pool?
No, but St. Lucie County operates Ravenswood Pool at 400 SW Ravenswood Lane.

Can I attend garage sales or host one?

• Community Garage Sales are held in the overflow parking lot at Minsky Gym on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays monthly. Become a vendor for only $6.40 per 10'x10' space.
• The City requires permits for garage sales. Visit the Garage Sales Permit & Map page for more details. 

Where can I play tennis or pickleball?

• Charles E. Ray Park – 2 tennis courts for day use only
• Lyngate Park & Dog Park – 2 lighted tennis courts
• Jessica Clinton Park – 2 lighted tennis courts
• Sportsman’s Park – 2 lighted tennis courts
• Whispering Pines Park – 6 lighted tennis courts and 24 lighted pickleball courts
• Winterlakes Park – 4 pickleball courts and 2 tennis courts for day use only

All lighted tennis courts have a 9:30 p.m. light curfew.

Where can I play baseball?

• Charles E. Ray Park – 1 ball field, day use only
• Turtle Run Park – 2 ball fields, day use only
• Girlscout Friendship Park – 1 ball field, day use only
• Jaycee Park – 1 ball field, day use only
• River Place Park – 1 ball field, day use only
• Rotary Park – 1 ball field, day use only
• Lyngate Park – 2 lighted ball fields
• Jessica Clinton Park – 2 lighted ball fields
• Sportsman’s Park – 4 lighted ball fields
• Whispering Pines Park Racket and Paddle Center – 4 lighted ball fields
• Winterlakes Park – 2 ball fields, day use only

Where can I play volleyball?

• Sandhill Crane Park – 3 competition sand volleyball courts with lights
• Lyngate Park – 1 recreational sand volleyball court, day use only
• Turtle Run Park – 1 recreational sand volleyball court, day use only
• River Place Park – 1 recreational sand volleyball court, day use only
• Whispering Pines Park Racket & Paddle Center – 1 recreational grass volleyball court, day use only
• Winterlakes Park – sand volleyball courts, day use only

Vendors & Special Events

How can I apply to be a food/craft vendor?
Contact the Special Events Department at 772-344-4139 or specialevents@cityofpsl.com to showcase your crafts or food at our upcoming events.

Safety, Reporting & Ordinances

What should I do if I see a safety issue in a park?
Notify onsite staff or call Community Center Guest Services at 772-878-2277. For emergencies, call 911.

What if I get injured in a park?
Notify staff, your sports league, or call the Community Center Guest Services at 772-878-2277. For emergencies, call 911.

Where do I report vandalism or trash?
Call 772-871-1775 or send the concern through 1PSL.

If a foul ball hits my vehicle at a park, does the City pay for the damage?
No. Vehicle owners are responsible for any damage incurred.

Why are some sports fields closed during parts of the year?
Fields undergo scheduled maintenance and rest periods throughout the year to maintain safe, playable conditions.