​Palm Beach County Commissioner Shelley Vana and county officials hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, July 29 in John Prince Park near Mound Circle Pavilion.

The first phase of the park expansion is expected to be completed in early 2017 and will include five enclosed landscaped dog areas with designated areas for large to small dogs, spanning more than four acres. The dog park will also include five gazebos with benches, drinking fountains for human and dog use, dog wash areas, and doggie bag stations and trash receptacles. The expansion will also include accessible six-foot wide asphalt and concrete circular paths in each area, park benches along the pathways, and asphalt bike/pedestrian trails that connect to the rest of the park. There will be opportunities for residents to purchase memorial benches and brick pavers placed along the pathways to honor a loved one or family pet.

In addition, 42 regular parking spaces and four ADA accessible parking spaces will be added. Plans for future improvements include a new playground and renovation of the existing playground, two new restrooms, a new pavilion, wider multipurpose pathways, and additional picnic tables and parking.

"Some of the services we provide include facilitating health and wellness opportunities and trails, open space, and picnic facilities," said Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Director Eric Call. "The park expansion and addition of the dog park will provide wellness opportunities for people and their best friends to be active, socialize, and enjoy the outdoors."

John Prince Park is operated by the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department and located in Lake Worth along Lake Osborne. Entrances include: 2700 6th Avenue South, 2520 Lake Worth Road, and 4759 South Congress Avenue. The department operates more than 80 regional, district, community, beach, and neighborhood parks, spanning several thousand acres. Visit www.pbcparks.com to learn about more opportunities for healthy, happy living.