Parks & Recreation Department

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.

Are there any public fishing docks or parks that allow fishing?

• Fishing is permitted at all City parks and must be catch and release.
• Veterans Memorial Park @ Rivergate boat ramps also offers a large boardwalk along the St. Lucie River for salt water fishing.

Visit the Parks Map for more information.

Can I bring alcohol into a park?

All alcohol consumption is prohibited unless a permit has been applied and approved. For more information about reservations and guidelines, visit the Reservations & Rentals webpage.

Can I have water featured activities when I reserve a pavilion?

Water featured activities are strictly prohibited. Bounce Houses are permitted using the City approved vendors. (See Bounce House rules and guidelines when making reservations).

Can I participate in your activities and sports programs if I do not live in the City of Port St. Lucie or St. Lucie County?

Yes, you may join Port St. Lucie activities and sports programs. We do not have geographic boundaries. Everyone is welcome!

Can I reserve space at a City park or facility?

For more information about reserving space at a Parks & Recreation park or facility, please visit the Reservations & Rentals webpage.

For more information about reserving space at the Event Center, please contact contact@midfloridaeventcenter.com.

Can I sign up for a fitness membership online?

No, not at this time.

Can I use a metal detector within City parks?

Per the City’s Code of Ordinances, Chapter 96.20 (C): "No person shall dig or remove and sand, whether submerged or not, or any soil, rock, stones, trees, shrubs, or plants, down timber, other wood materials, or make any excavation to tool, equipment, blasting, or other means or agency."

Can my neighbor or friend register my child for a program?

In the event that a parent or guardian is unable to register their child(ren) for a class or program, our policy allows that a parent or guardian to designate one other adult to register the child(ren) on the parent or guardian’s behalf. The adult who is designated by the parent or guardian for registration purposes may also register their own child(ren) for classes or programs. However, only a parent or guardian is permitted to sign the required waiver for their child(ren) before the class or program begins.

Do you have a senior center?

The Parks & Recreation Department does not have a senior center, however, we do offer many classes and programs for seniors. We offer online registration or you can come into the Community Center, Civic Center or Minsky Gym to enroll.  If you don’t see what you’re looking for, let us know and, if we can’t accommodate, you can always contact the Council on Aging at 772-336-8606 to see whether they offer your choice of recreational programming.

Does the City have any campgrounds?

Yes, the City offers primitive and rustic tent camp sites and RV sites at McCarty Ranch Preserve. Visit the McCarty Ranch Preserve webpage for additional details on camping, fishing, boating, hiking, bike trails, horseback riding, disc golf and for reservations.

Does the City have any public docks or boat launches?

Yes, the City has currently three locations that you can use to launch you boat:

• Oak Hammock Park does not have river access
• Veterans Park @ Rivergate offers two boat launch areas and is open 24 hours and has direct river and ocean access
• C-24 Canal Park offers two boat launch areas with direct river and ocean access, open 7 a.m. until sunset

Does the City have anywhere that I can hold a garage sale?

• Minsky Gym Community Garage Sale reoccurs on the first and third Saturday of every month.
• The City has an online Garage Sale Search and Map for garage sales happening at residents homes.

Does the City offer a public pool?

The City of Port St. Lucie does not operate a public pool. St. Lucie County operates Ravenswood Pool, located at 400 S.W. Ravenswood Lane, PSL, FL  34983.

Does the City operate a bus service?

No, the City does not operate a bus service. St. Lucie County offers two bus services:

• Treasure Coast Connector Bus at 772-464-8878
• Community Transit Bus at 772-879-1287

How can I become a registered mobile food vendor?

To become one of our recognized mobile food vendors, please contact Jeremy Holway at 772-871-7389.

How do I become a food vendor for City of Port St. Lucie Special Events?

To become a food vendor for City of Port St. Lucie special events, you must pre-register and be approved by the Special Events staff. Vendors are selected based on entry date and food items. Register promptly on the designated registration date and time.

You can register online or in person at the Community Center, MIDFLORIDA Event Center, and Minsky Gym.

If you have previously done business with the City of Port St. Lucie Parks & Recreation, such as registering for classes, renting a park, obtaining a gym membership, or renting the Community Center, you will already have a user ID. For assistance, please call the Community Center at 772-878-2277.

If I have a membership at the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center fitness center, can I go to the Community Center fitness center?

Yes, both fitness centers are operated by the City of Port St. Lucie Parks & Recreation Department and your membership at one is good at both.

If I see a safety concern, who can I call to report the concern?

Any and all safety concerns can be reported to any Parks staff member. In the event that staff is unavailable, call Community Center Guest Services at 772-878-2277. All emergencies should be called into 911.

If I sign for a membership at one of the fitness centers, will someone show me how to use the machines?

Yes, we offer a complimentary orientation to each new member.

Is overnight parking permitted in City parks?

Overnight parking is prohibited where park curfew applies, unless otherwise posted.

Is smoking prohibited in parks?

Smoking is prohibited in parks except for designated smoking areas (e-cigarettes included).

Once I am registered as an arts and craft vendor for a City of Port St. Lucie Special Event, how do I receive set-up instructions?

Set up instructions will be emailed to you prior to the event. Please be sure we have a valid email address on file. 

What are the hours of operation for Neighborhood, Open space, and Community Parks?

• Neighborhood, Nature Trails, Bike Trails, and Open Space Parks open at 8 a.m. daily and close at sunset.
• Community Parks open at 8 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. All lighted courts have a 9:30 p.m. light curfew.

What are the Pickleball Rules, Regulations and Court Etiquette?

Pickleball Rules and Regulations:

1. Tennis shoes and clothing attire requested
2. Courts are scheduled by Whispering Pines Tennis Center Director
3. Tournament play must be scheduled
4. All instruction must be approved in advance
5. Skateboarding or bicycling on the courts is not allowed
6. No swearing, alcohol, drugs or yelling.
7. Keep our courts clean
8. Don’t use the courts when wet
9. Please, no pets.

Pickleball Court Etiquette:

Pickleball was created to be a fun, competitive, and highly social sport. Since its inception, it has embodied an ethic of good sportsmanship that includes respect, fair play, and graciousness in winning and losing. The purpose of this guide is to encourage behaviors that reflect these foundational values. The Official Rules of Pickleball take precedence over this guide in any and all situations.

1. Treat all players, officials, volunteers, staff, and spectators with courtesy and respect.
   a. Introduce yourself to any players you do not know.
   b. Never use foul language or obscene gestures. Never denigrate another person.
   c. At the end of each game, meet the other players at the net to acknowledge them in
   a positive manner. In officiated matches, thank the referee.
   d. Accommodate players with adaptive needs when possible.
2. Know the Official Rules of Pickleball, apply them fairly and cooperate in any situation that is not expressly covered by the rules.
3. Practice good sportsmanship when making line calls.
   a. Respect your opponents' right to make all calls on their end of the court.
   b. Call your own shot “out” if you see that it is out.
   c. If you question an opponent’s call, do so respectfully and do not argue.
   d. If you defer a line call to your opponents, accept their call graciously.
   e. Do not call a ball “out” unless you see it clearly and are certain it is out.
   f. Promptly correct any wrong call your partner may make.
   g. Resolve any uncertainty in favor of your opponents.
4. Call a fault on yourself or your partner as soon as the fault occurs, regardless of whether your opponents are aware of the fault.
   a. Watch your own and your partner’s feet for service or NVZ foot faults
   b. Accept your opponent’s and partner’s fault calls graciously.
   c. Admit if the ball hits you or your paddle on the way out of bounds.
5. Claim a replay only if a hinder affects your team’s ability to play the ball.
6. In social play, rotate on and off courts fairly, courteously, and in accordance with local practice.
   a. Don’t jump ahead of others who are waiting to play.
   b. Don’t invite someone else forward in line or rearrange paddles so they can move up to play with you; move yourself back instead.
   c. Don’t call a lower score or start a second game to avoid leaving the court.
   d. Be prepared to play when it is your turn.
   e. If you must cross over or behind an active court, wait until play is stopped and cross quickly in a single group to minimize disruption of that game.
7. Make safety a priority, while using common sense.
   a. If a ball strays onto your court, make eye contact with the correct person and roll or toss it back to them without disrupting play on other courts.
   b. If your ball enters another court, immediately warn any players whose safety may be in jeopardy by loudly calling “ball” or some other warning. If the ball is rolling behind their court and does not present a danger to players, do not interrupt play but wait until play stops to retrieve it or ask for its return.
   c. Never throw your paddle or strike the ball in anger or frustration.
8. As a stronger player in social play, be kind to other players.
   a. Avoid hitting excessively to a weaker player.
   b. Do not slam the ball directly at other players.
9. Be considerate about playing up and playing down.
   a. Be willing to play sometimes with less-skilled players.
   b. Do not demand to play with more skilled players; ask them nicely if you wish to play with them.
10. Be a respectful and supportive partner.
    a. Avoid criticism and negative non-verbal communications.
    b. Provide coaching and advice only when requested

What are the Tennis Rules, Regulations and Court Etiquette?

1. Tennis shoes and clothing attire requested
2. Courts are scheduled by Whispering Pines Tennis Center Director
3. Tournament play must be scheduled
4. All instruction must be approved in advance
5. Skateboarding or bicycling on the courts is not allowed
6. No swearing, alcohol, drugs or yelling.
7. Keep our courts clean
8. When others are waiting to play, limit play to 1-hour
9. Don’t use the courts when wet
10. Please, no pets.

What do I do if I become injured at a Park?

• Notify staff of the injury or sports league to create an incident report, or,
• Call 911 for emergency help and documentation of incident, or
• Call the Community Center Help Desk at 772-878-2277.

What is the difference between Chair Yoga and SilverSneakers Yoga Stretch?

In Chair Yoga, the participants do all the stretching and breathing exercises while remaining seated in a chair. In SilverSneakers Yoga Stretch, the participants go through similar breathing and stretching exercises from both a seated and standing position, utilizing the chair for balance where needed.

What is your refund policy for program?

All refunds requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Requests must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the first class meeting date for a program that meets more than once. 

Where can adults register to play adult softball?

• Interested participants can call Minsky Gym at 772-344-4142.
• All adult softball games are played at Sandhill Crane Park, located at 2355 S.E. Scenic Park Drive, PSL, FL 34952

Where can I get a free basketball court pass or replace a lost court pass?

Bring your valid driver’s license to any of the following locations:

• Community Center (Parks & Recreation Department headquarters)
• Minsky Gym
• MIDFLORIDA Event Center

Where can I go to play baseball with my child during the day and evening hours?

View the Parks Map for a map and detailed list.

• 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 (4 lighted ball fields)
• Winterlakes Park (2 ball fields, day use only)

Where can I go to play outdoor volleyball for fun?

• Sandhill Crane Park offers three competition sand volleyball courts with lights
• Lyngate Park offers one recreational sand volleyball court (day use only)
• Turtle Run Park offers one recreational sand volleyball court (day use only)
• River Place Park offers one recreational sand volleyball court (day use only)
• Whispering Pines Park offers one grass recreational volleyball court (day use only)
• Winterlakes Park Sand Volleyball courts (day use only) 

Where can I go to play Tennis or Pickleball during day and night time hours?

View the Parks Map for a map and detailed list. All lighted tennis courts have a 9:30 p.m. light curfew.

• 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)

Where do I report vandalism or excessive trash in the park?

• You can report vandalism or trash by calling 772-871-1775.
• You can also report the incident to onsite staff, if on duty, or, in an emergency, call 911.

Where do I sign-up and pay for a program/activity?

You may register for most activities/programs online. The City of Port St Lucie has three locations where you may sign-up and pay “in-person” for programs/activities:

• PSL Community Center, 2195 S.E. Airoso Blvd. (across from City Hall)
• MIDFLORIDA Event Center, 9221 S.E. Event Center Pl. (near the corner of U.S. 1 and Walton Rd.)
• Minsky Gym, 750 S.W. Darwin Blvd. (in Whispering Pines Park, approx. ½ mile SE of Port St Lucie Blvd.

While in a City park and attending a sporting event, i.e., baseball, a foul ball shatters the windshield of my vehicle. Does the City pay for this damage?

No, the cost to replace/repair your vehicle falls solely upon you as the vehicle owner. The City is not responsible for the damage.

Why are City sports fields closed during certain times of the year?

The Parks & Recreation Department has designated periods of time throughout the year to close sports turf playing fields which have been established as a “downtime” period. During “downtime,” sports fields at specified intervals will undergo routine maintenance, regrowth, repairs, and/or improvements. Each “downtime” period has been set not to exceed 28 days unless turf conditions warrant extended periods of time for turf recovery. All sports fields will be closed no more than three time periods per year. Reservations during any downtime period will not be permitted.