Honoring our Namesake Parks and Spaces
Lions Park
Dedicated on June 6, 1970, Lions Park is named in honor of the Coral Springs Lions Club and was the city’s first official park. Joe Taravella, President of Coral Ridge Properties, threw out the first pitch on opening day (inset). As an international organization, the Lions Club motto is “Kindness in Action.” The park pays homage to the local members who were instrumental in the creation of the park and helped to establish its reputation as a community hub, go-to spot for Little League games, and more. Local Lions Club members John Nekich, and Col. Ralph Gray spearheaded the fundraising efforts to help build the baseball diamond. The park also honors Coral Springs’ first elected mayor, Lewie Mullins, who was a chartered member of the Lions Club.
Betti Stradling Park
Named in memory of Elisabeth “Betti” A. Stradling, the late wife of City Commissioner William Stradling, Betti Stradling Park is known today as a multi-faceted, play-centric outdoor space for all ages. Betti Stradling was a public school teacher, a Coral Springs Community Chest Board Member, and a Coral Springs Philharmonic Society Board Member. She was also active in the Chamber of Commerce, Our Town America Festival, and was known as an avid sportswoman. The park features today include Meadow’s Playground, Splash-N-Play, softball fields, sand volleyball, basketball courts, and more.
Paul Britton Park
Paul Britton Park is named for Paul. L. Britton, Jr., Vice President of Development for Coral Ridge Properties from 1969 to 1984. Britton was known as a visionary and a pioneer who helped to shape Coral Springs during its early days as a city. Directing the infrastructure improvements that became the city’s backbone. His leadership was paramount to the design and construction of the roads, water, wastewater and drainage facilities that still serve the city today. A true champion of the environment, Britton was responsible for helping Coral Springs establish its noted “Green Canopy” through the planting of close to 50,000 trees. Paul Britton was a loving husband, father and distinguished resident of the City of Coral Springs.
Dr. Steven G. Paul Dog Park
As a veterinarian and local pet guru, Dr. Steven G. Paul was well-known in the community for running two first-class veterinary hospitals, delivering public lectures on pet care, writing local pet care columns, and appearing on local television to discuss pet tips. Dr. Paul concepted and built the Coral Springs dog park in the mid 1990s as one of the first of its kind in Florida to serve dog lovers from Coral Springs and surrounding cities. Dr. Paul also volunteered for many local governmental groups and served as one of the youngest directors on the Chamber of Commerce Board. His legacy lives on as dog owners and their furry friends continue to enjoy the park today.
Dede Gilmore Park
Opening in April 1995, Dede Gilmore Park was named in remembrance of well-known local athlete, volunteer, and mom, Dede Gilmore. Gilmore regularly played golf and tennis. She also taught water aerobics and served as chairwoman of the Ramblewood Elementary School Parent Advisory Committee. Known for her charitable heart, Gilmore served as the leader of the “Meet the Masters” art awareness program, was host of an annual fundraiser for Kids in Distress and coordinated numerous local blood drives.
Heafy Field
After moving with his family to Coral Springs in 1968, becoming its 85th resident, Edward Heafy immediately became an integral member of the growing community. Heafy was a founding member of the Coral Springs Volunteer Fire Department, served as City Commissioner, Vice Mayor and Mayor from 1970 to 1988. As an avid sports fan, he promoted Coral Springs athletic teams prior to the establishment of school sports programs and served as Sports Editor of The Forum newspaper. In addition, his voice was known across the local airwaves as the radio announcer for home baseball and football games. In addition, he established the Mayor’s Cup Football Trophy, which has been earned by many deserving teams over the years.
Constitution Lake
As a nod to the Constitution of the United States of America, the serene, picturesque lake situated on the west side of Cypress Park is known as Constitution Lake. Observant runners or walkers utilizing the path around the lake will notice plaques located along the pathway that contain the language of the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights comprises the first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution
Three Friends Park
Terry McClelland, Greg Martin and John Odem were three close friends who enjoyed leisure activities and adventurous outings together, including brisk walks through, what is now known as Three Friends Park. Specifically, they were known to frequently enjoy sunset with their families from the top of hill of this park. After their untimely passing while traveling together, the park was named in their memory to honor their bonds of friendship and love for the outdoors.
Ray Recchi Field
Ray Recchi was a longtime, beloved Sun Sentinel columnist whose humor and everyman focused writing was cherished by residents across South Florida. Outside of his Sun Sentinel reporting, Ray was also active in Coral Springs American Little League, the longest running baseball program in Coral Springs. In honor of his devotion to Coral Springs sports, and his love of family and community, one of the primary baseball fields at Cypress Park is dedicated to Ray’s memory and is home field for Coral Springs Charter School’s varsity team.
Michael Lohberg Pool of Champions
The 50-meter pool at the Aquatic Complex, also known as the “Pool of Champions,” is dedicated to legendary swim coach, Michael Lohberg. As a longtime coach of the Coral Springs Swim Club and South Florida Aquatics, Lohberg propelled Coral Springs to the international stage by coaching swimmers who competed at six consecutive Olympic Games, from 1984 to 2008. A total of eight swimmers coached by Lohberg went to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, including Dara Torres who won three silver medals.
Tom Messenheimer Field
Tom Messenheimer was a longtime, dedicated employee with the City of Coral Springs Parks and Recreation Department, serving as both Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation and Executive Director of the Sportsplex. During his 37-years with the city, he helped to greatly enhance the quality of Coral Springs parks and was heavily involved in the development of the Parks and Recreation facilities along Sportsplex Drive. The field at Sportsplex Park is named in his memory.
Mullins Park
A name synonymous with Coral Springs history, Mullins Park, originally named Civic Park was later renamed for Lewie M. Mullins, Coral Ridge Properties Vice President and first elected Mayor of Coral Springs. Among his many accomplishments and contributions to the growing city, Mullins was also known for building the iconic Covered Bridge and establishing the Museum of Coral Springs History. Located in the heart of the city, the site continues to serve as a community gathering place. It includes the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, Senior Center at Sartory Hall, Coral Springs Gymnasium, and Museum of Coral Springs History, in addition to several sports fields, play areas, and walking paths.