West Lake Park/Anne Kolb Nature Center

The nature center is named after Anne Kolb, a former award-winning journalist who in 1974 had become the first woman elected to the Broward County Commission.  Before her death in July 1981, Anne Kolb had been an active environmentalist with extensive accomplishments: leading the fight for the 1977 Land Use Plan, helping pass a platting ordinance that tightened government control over future development, directing a successful campaign to place a building moratorium on 61,000 acres in southwest Broward, and persuading the Commission to approve the Urban Wilderness Park System to preserve endangered lands for future generations.  She was also instrumental in saving the park's coastal mangrove wetland from development, thus earning her a place in regional environmental history as the namesake of this nature center. Photo courtesy of the Broward County Historical Commission.

Exhibit Hall (Fee $1 per person): The center’s striking, contemporary exhibit hall includes a site map of the complex’s three-mile preserve, the Living Crossroads theater (a 10-minute closed-caption video program), and a series of interactive and static displays (including a stocked 3,500-gallon aquarium) that vividly portray and explain West Lake’s mangrove ecosystem and its importance. Visitors then proceed to the Eco-Room for an engaging hands on investigation and an eye-to-eye view of the animal residents. 

Gallery:  A gallery provides monthly exhibits of nature-themed works by local artists, photographers, and crafters. Many artists offer a gallery reception during their monthly exhibit. Call for current gallery artist and reception information. Artists interested in displaying their work can contact the nature center at 954-926-2480.

Observation Tower: An elevator or stairs takes you to the top of the center’s 68-foot observation tower that offers a panoramic view of the mangrove wetland and coastline.

Fishing Pier:  The Fishing Pier Trail leads to two piers that overlook the Intracoastal Waterway. The nature center recommends catch and release. Park patrons are required to follow all State of Florida fishing regulations.

Intracoastal Dock:  Patrons can access the nature center from the Intracoastal Waterway by boat.   A 175-foot dock is available on a first-come, first-served basis. This area is affected by the tides and water depth must be considered when docking. Overnight docking is not permitted.

Walking Trails:  Maps are available at the Nature Center office.

Volunteer Opportunities:  Patrons interested in becoming a parks volunteer can contact the Volunteer Site Coordinator at 954-926-2480 for further details and application. Additionally, registered park volunteers can choose to become a member of The Friends of Anne Kolb Nature Center. The Friends group meets September-June on the first Thursday of the month. The meeting time is at 7 p.m., except in December when the meeting is at 6 p.m., in the center’s Exhibit Hall.

Anne Kolb Nature Center Mangrove Hall

The 6,060-square foot Mangrove Hall, with a capacity of 210, provides space for meetings, weddings, lectures, and exhibitors.  The adjacent boardroom can be rented separately and will accommodate 10 people (as long as the main hall is not also rented by another group). The 250-seat outdoor amphitheater is available for lectures, corporate presentations, and wedding ceremonies.  Click here for the floor plan. (PDF-20 KB) More information about the use of the Mangrove Hall.

West Lake Park Offers Many Sports Courts

All courts are free to use and available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Two full basketball courts

Four full hard-surface tennis courts

Four three-wall racquetball courts

Two sand volleyball courts

Boats and Rentals at
West Lake Park and the Anne Kolb Nature Center

Canoe and Kayak Rentals
Rental prices include boat, paddles and life jackets
One Hour - $7 plus driver's license
Four Hours - $13 plus driver's license
Full Day - $25 plus driver's license

West Lake Park rents sit-on-top single seat and double seat, self-bailing ocean kayaks and 17-feet polyethylene canoes.

Rental Locations:

Boat Rental Policy and Weather Advisories

• Boat at your own risk. Lakes and trails are not patrolled.
• Children, ages 17 and under, must be accompanied by an adult (ages 18 and up) at all times.
• Children, ages 12 and under must be in the boat with an adult (ages 18 and up) at all times.
• An adult, 18 years or older, must sign the boat rental contract, which includes a waiver of liability.
• You must present a state-issued photo I.D. and emergency contact phone number.
• U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejacket must be worn at all times by boat passengers and operators.
• Manufacturer boat-capacity weight restrictions will be adhered to. No extra passengers will be allowed.
• Boats must be at least five feet from any shore during rentals.
• Boats can only dock at boat rental marinas.
  Restitution will be required if there is any boat damage. Please read boat rental contract for further safety details.
  It is advisable to call the park at 954-926-2480 prior to your visit to get current weather conditions or other safety concerns.
  Park management/supervisor reserve(s) the right to restrict or suspend rental operations at any time due to current or forthcoming adverse weather conditions.

Bringing Your Own Kayak or Canoe
A public boat launch is located on the south side of Sheridan Street within West Lake Park, 1200 Sheridan St.  No private boats may be launched from the Anne Kolb Nature Center.  Only electric motors are allowed on West Lake. Combustible fossil fuel engines are strictly prohibited.

Please contact park office for additional information -- 954-926-2480.

Moonlight Paddling Tours

$20 per person (includes boat, paddle, and lifejacket)  Open to ages 18 and up. This is a leisurely two-hour paddle trip for experienced paddlers through the winding mangrove waterway trails of West Lake Park as waters sparkle in the moonlight and the sounds of roosting birds pierce the night air. Participants may use a single or double kayak or a canoe.

Group Rentals and Private Tours

Groups planning to rent a number of canoes or kayaks must first contact the park manager in writing two weeks in advance of the event for approval and planning for the group outing. Groups must prepay for all boats.  Call 954-926-2480 for information and reservations.

Tour Boat Rides Are Currently Suspended

Narrated environmental tours are offered on a 35-foot, shaded, U.S. Coast Guard-licensed pontoon boat.   The Anne Kolb boat is tide dependent and leaves the nature center's dock when the water is high enough for the boat to travel safely through the mangrove estuary and the open waters of West Lake.

This tour boat can be reserved by groups for special private tours. Call prior to coming to the nature center to find out the daily schedule of the Anne Kolb boat tours -- 954-926-2480. Fee - $5 for adults and $3 for youth (ages 17 & under).

West Lake Park and the Anne Kolb Nature Center offer a variety of programs for groups, schools, and individuals. Please click on Group Programs for more information. Nature lovers, click here.

For more information, contact:

West Lake Park/Anne Kolb Nature Center
751 Sheridan St.
Hollywood, FL 33019
Phone: 954-926-2480
Fax: 954-926-2491
E-mail: WestlakePark@Broward.org

We also invite you to visit our other Broward County Parks.