Vista View Park Creates Recreation Out Of Refuse

BY RACHEL HAAS

Broward County citizens are discovering new, challenging methods of working out thanks to the recent additions at Vista View Park.  Once a landfill, Vista View has now been transformed into a recreational park packed with an abundance of activities for the public to enjoy. The park’s hilly terrain makes it a sought after destination for runners, bikers, and horseback riders. Standing out from South Florida’s otherwise flat landscape, the park is beginning to become regionally known. Vista View offers the best of both worlds by providing a family friendly atmosphere and state of the art sports complexes such as Vistas brand new basketball courts.

There is a never-ending list when it comes to the activities Vista has to offer. Initially, the equestrian trails brought in all their business by offering an estimated 271.5 miles of hilly terrain. After acquiring a fully staffed office, positive reinforcements were made to the park. Basketball courts, bike trails, lakes for fishing, horseback riding trails, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and picnic areas are just a few of the many activities Vista has to offer. Birthdays, concerts, races and many other events are all held amongst the hilly grasslands offered to the public. Visitors can also take part in the “Kids Fishing Club” or Rocket launching festivities. Not only is this an advantage to the community, but it also encourages Broward County and Davie residents to go outdoors and stay fit.

Money has not been an issue with Vista View Park. There is no expense to enter the establishment on a weekday and only a two-dollar fee on weekends.

“We only started off with two shelters, a small fishery, and a trailer office.” Parks and Recreations manager, Chris Deal said.

During the summer of 2003, the park had reopened from once being an entire landfill of waste. Instead of pollution clean up, park officials transformed the compost into a recreation outdoor activities center.

“Due to high demand, pull up bars and outdoors exercising equipment are all being added throughout the running trails” Deal said.

Instead of school sports teams conditioning on their home field, their coaches bring them to Vista for a more rigorous workout.  Students at Cooper City High are even trending the new park. Tweets such as “Going to run Vista” and “Just conquered Vista” have been circulating all over social media. It is the new thing to do for those into staying healthy and fit.