More information about Greenacres, FL

There are a few facts about Greenacres, Florida that make it a special city in Palm Beach County. One of those facts is the proximity of Okeeheelee Park sitting right on the western edge. You’ll find 1,700 acres of outdoor activities available. There is a nature center, biking and hiking paths, fishing, water skiing and even a BMX racing track. The addition of three 9 hole golf courses that can be combined differently to give you multiple 18 hole combinations make it unique. There is also the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center with nine miles of horse trails. There is more about Greenacres.

History

Greenacres is 60 miles north of Miami and only five miles west of Lake Worth. Lake Worth has beachfront so that means Greenacres is only five miles from the Atlantic. The city was founded in 1923 by Lawrence Carter Swain when he moved his family here from Massachusetts. The area at the time saw the wealthy doing quite well in the neighboring communities. Swain realized there was a lack of affordable housing for the middle class. Swain started accumulating property and ended up with about 1,000 acres. He laid out the city in section or plats. In 1926 the city was officially incorporated as Greenacres City with a motto that day of “A Good Place to Live”. No sooner was it incorporated when it was hit by a devastating hurricane that fall. Two years later, almost to the exact day, a second hurricane virtually destroyed the city. It got back on its feet and today you’ll find over 40,000 residents that call Greenacres home. The city has enjoyed continuous growth that has been met hand in hand with ongoing enhancements and improvements. Now the motto is “A Great Place to Be!”

Greenacres Present Day

For starters the city has been designated as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation for 20 consecutive years. It has also been recognized four times as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People by America’s Promise. The city has terrific community pride. There are tons of activities and events scheduled weekly. A few quick examples: Food Truck Wednesdays, Rock N’ Roll Sunday classic car and motorcycle show, the Independence Day all day celebration concluding with Ignite the Night fireworks display, The Back to School Block Party,The Fall Fitness Festival, The Daddy Daughter Dance, Lunch with Santa and the Egg’stravaganza. The city has its share of restaurants, nightclubs and shopping opportunities. But it is part of a bigger experience. Since Greenacres is literally the geographic center of Palm Beach County and all the beach communities are so close you can visit any one of the neighboring cities and exploit what that city offers. You have wonderful beaches stretching north and south, water activities such as scuba diving and surfing in the ocean or boating up one of the many rivers. You can chase sea turtles and manatees one day and horseback ride the next. Greenacres is the center of all things fun!