It is massive. That’s the first thing you notice when you pull into Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park. Most people just call it "South County," and honestly, it feels less like a neighborhood park and more like a small city dedicated entirely to being outside. Tucked away at the far western end of Glades Road in Boca Raton, Florida, it covers about 850 acres. That is a lot of grass.
You’ve probably seen parks that claim to have "everything," but usually, that means a swing set and a cracked basketball court. This place is different. We are talking about a professional-grade amphitheater, a waterpark that rivals standalone attractions, and a golf course that doesn't feel like a muni.
If you live in Palm Beach County, you know the struggle of finding a spot that keeps everyone happy. The toddlers want to splash. The teenagers want to ignore you while they skate. You just want a trail where you don't hear constant traffic. South County actually pulls this off. It manages to be a high-energy sports hub and a quiet nature preserve at the same time. It’s weird how it works, but it does.
The Waterpark Factor: Coconut Cove
Most people end up here because of Coconut Cove Waterpark. It’s the crown jewel. Honestly, if you are visiting in July, this is the only place you want to be. It features two massive water slides, a 934-foot lazy river, and a lily pad walk that is significantly harder than it looks.
Kids lose their minds here.
The waterpark is seasonal, typically opening for weekends in the spring and full-time during the summer months. It isn't free, but compared to the big-name theme parks in Orlando, the admission price is a steal. You get the sun, the slides, and the "big bucket" that dumps hundreds of gallons of water on unsuspecting people every few minutes. It’s loud, it’s wet, and it’s the primary reason the parking lot fills up by 10:00 AM on Saturdays.
Beyond the Water: What People Actually Do Here
If you aren't into getting soaked, there is still an absurd amount of ground to cover.
Let's talk about the Sunset Cove Amphitheater. This isn't just a wooden stage in a field. It’s a legitimate concert venue with a capacity for about 6,000 people. I've seen everything from national touring rock bands to local symphony performances here. The acoustics are surprisingly good for being wide open to the Florida sky. The lawn is manicured, and the sunsets—hence the name—are spectacular. If there’s a food truck event or a tribute band playing, go. Just bring a heavy-duty blanket and some bug spray because, well, it's Florida.
Then there’s the Osprey Point Golf Course. It’s an award-winning 27-hole facility.
Golfers are picky. You know this. But Osprey Point consistently ranks as one of the best public courses in the country. It’s a Paspalum turf course, which means it stays incredibly green and lush even when the weather gets funky. It features three nine-hole courses: Raven, Falcon, and Hawk. It feels "resort-style" without the $250 greens fee. If you’re trying to lower your handicap or just want to hit some balls at the driving range, this is the spot.
The Sports Complex and Beyond
- Softball and Baseball: There are four lighted fields that are basically always in use for local leagues.
- Tennis and Racquetball: The Rick Maci Family Tennis Center is located within the park. It’s got 19 tennis courts and 6 dedicated pickleball courts.
- Pickleball is taking over: Seriously, if you want a court on a weekday evening, you better book it early.
- Basketball: Lighted courts for when the sun goes down but the heat hasn't quit.
Nature and the Daggerwing Center
If you head to the back of the park, things get quiet. This is where the Daggerwing Nature Center sits. It’s named after the Ruddy Daggerwing butterfly, and it’s a total 180 from the noise of the waterpark.
There’s a 3,000-square-foot exhibit hall with live animals. Snakes, turtles, the whole bit. But the real draw is the boardwalk. It winds through a cypress swamp. If you move slowly and keep your voice down, you’ll see gators. You’ll see ospreys. You’ll definitely see iguanas because they are everywhere in South Florida now, but the native bird population here is actually impressive. It’s a great spot for photographers who want that "Old Florida" look without driving three hours into the Everglades.
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The boardwalk is roughly 0.6 miles long. It’s easy. It’s shaded. It’s perfect for people who want to feel "outdoorsy" without actually breaking a sweat.
The Logistics of Visiting Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park
The park is located at 11200 Park Access Road, Boca Raton, FL 33498.
Hours are generally sunrise to sunset, but the lighted facilities stay open later. Admission to the park itself is free. You only pay for specific amenities like the waterpark, golf, or certain events at the amphitheater.
One thing people get wrong: they think they can just show up and rent a pavilion for a birthday party on the fly. No. These things are booked months in advance. The pavilions are great—they have grills and water—but the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation department runs a tight ship on reservations.
Why the Name?
It used to just be South County Regional Park. It was renamed to honor Burt Aaronson, a long-time County Commissioner who was a massive advocate for public spaces and senior services. He was a fixture in West Boca for decades. The name change happened about a decade ago, but most locals still use the old name and the new one interchangeably.
What Most People Miss
There is a canine competition center here. If you are into dog agility or watching high-energy pups fly through obstacle courses, check the park calendar. It’s one of the few places in the region equipped to host these kinds of events.
Also, the radio-controlled (RC) flyer field.
Hidden away from the main playgrounds is a dedicated area for RC plane enthusiasts. On Sunday mornings, you can watch people fly everything from tiny foam gliders to massive, gas-powered scale models that sound like actual chainsaws in the sky. It’s a niche subculture that’s fascinating to watch for twenty minutes.
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Practical Strategy for Your Visit
Don't just drive in and hope for the best. The park is too big.
If you have kids, go straight to the playground near the waterpark. It’s one of the better ones in the county with plenty of rubberized flooring so nobody skins their knees.
If you want exercise, the walking paths are extensive. You can easily clock five or six miles just by looping the perimeter and the internal trails. It’s mostly flat—this is Florida, after all—but it’s paved and well-maintained.
Pro Tip: Pack a cooler. There aren't many places to buy food inside the park unless the waterpark concession stand is open or there's a major event at the amphitheater. There is a Publix right down the street on Glades Road. Stop there first. Grab some subs. Find a spot under a tree near the lake.
Actionable Next Steps for a Perfect Day
- Check the Wind: If you’re planning on the Daggerwing boardwalk, go early in the morning. The wildlife is more active, and the humidity hasn't hit its peak yet.
- Book Your Tee Time: If you’re playing Osprey Point, use the online booking system exactly when the window opens. It’s popular for a reason.
- Verify Waterpark Hours: Coconut Cove’s schedule changes based on the school calendar. Always check the Palm Beach County website before you load up the car with towels.
- Download a Map: Cell service can be surprisingly spotty in the deep western pockets of the park. Having a PDF map of the trails on your phone will save you from wandering aimlessly near the maintenance sheds.
- Bring polarized sunglasses: Especially if you’re heading to the lakes or the nature center. It helps you see through the water glare to spot the fish and turtles.
This park is a legitimate asset to South Florida. Whether you’re here for a high-intensity pickleball match or a slow walk through the cypress trees, it delivers. Just remember the sunblock. There is a lot of open space, and the Florida sun is relentless.