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West Lake Park/Anne Kolb Nature Center
 West Lake Park in Hollywood, Florida, can be accessed from both the north and south sides of Sheridan Street (west of the Intracoastal bridge) and from the Intracoastal waterway.
From the Intracoastal Waterway, a 175-foot dock is available on a first-come, first-served basis. This area is affected by the tides, so water depth must be considered when docking. Overnight docking is not permitted.
An admission fee of $1.50 per person for individuals over age five is in affect on the south side of West Lake Park on weekends and County holidays. There is no gate fee to enter the north side of the park, but there is a $1 admission fee to visit the park’s Exhibit Hall. The park is closed Veteran’s Day, the Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
The north side features the Anne Kolb Nature Center Exhibit Hall, Mangrove Hall, a 250-seat Amphitheater, three boardwalk trails and a gravel trail, an observation tower, the Intracoastal dock, and a guided pontoon boat tour. The park’s administrative office and visitor center is also located on the north side.
The south side features eight shelters that may be reserved in advance, two playgrounds (one has a water feature), a fishing platform, a paved walking path, tennis courts, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, racquetball courts, boat rentals, and a boat launch for non-fossil fuel craft.
Additional Program Information.
North Side
Anne Kolb Nature Center: The center’s striking, contemporary exhibit hall includes a site map of the park’s three-mile mangrove preserve, the Living Crossroads theater which features a 10-minute closed caption video presentation, and a series of interactive and static displays that vividly portray and explain West Lake Park’s mangrove ecosystem and its significance. The highlight of the exhibit hall is the 3,500-gallon aquarium. Children and Adults alike also enjoy the hands on experience offered in the Eco-Room. The exhibit hall also provides a rotating display monthly of nature-themed works by local artists, photographers, and crafters. Many artists offer a gallery reception during their monthly exhibition. Call the park for current gallery artists and reception information. Artists interested in displaying their work can also contact the park at 954-926-2480.
Mangrove Hall: This 6,060 square foot banquet hall (210 capacity) is popular for weddings, bar mitzvahs, anniversary celebrations, and corporate meetings. The facility includes a caterer’s warming kitchen and individual dressing rooms for the bride and groom. An adjacent boardroom (15 capacity) can be rented separately for smaller meetings. The courtyard area outside of Mangrove Hall is available for outdoor ceremonies. Mangrove Hall floor plan. (PDF-20 KB). More information about the use of the Mangrove Hall.
Guided Pontoon Boat Tour: Tour dates can be arranged by School and Summer Camp Groups! Call 954-926-2480 to reserve a date.
Relax in the safety and comfort of a shaded boat and enjoy a 45-minute entertaining and informative com mentary about the mangrove tidal estuary and its inhabitants. The tour is tide dependant. Only group tours with advanced reservations are currently available.
Amphitheater: This 250-seat outdoor area adjacent to the park’s exhibit hall features a stage and shade covers and is available for private rentals.
Observation Tower and Lake Trail: Take an elevator to the top of this 66-foot observation tower for spectacular views of the mangrove es tuary, West Lake, the Intracoastal, and the Atlantic Ocean. Better yet, take the stairs for a great cardio workout! The .2 mile Lake Trail leads to a covered area with a breathtaking view of West Lake. Be sure to get a trail map for all of the park’s trails in the visitor center before you begin exploring the site. Click on map for larger image.
Fishing Pier Trail: This 783 ft. trail leads to two prime fishing spots along the Intracoastal Waterway. Catch and Release is encouraged and all State of Florida fishing regulations apply.
Mud Flat Trail: This .3 mile trail is a prime spot to view birds feeding and resting. A covered lookout point greets you at the end of the trail.
South Trail: This 2.3 mile gravel trail, that is accessed from the north side of the park, meanders through mangroves and is popular with walkers and mountain and hybrid bicyclists. There are two gazebos, one with a great view of the Intracoastal Waterway along this trail.
South Side
Pavilions: West Lake has two small shelters (capacity 30) with water, electricity, grills, and tables, and six interpretive shelters (capacity 15) with grills and tables. Patrons must reserve the use of the shelters in advance. A cash security deposit is required on the day of use to ensure that patrons clean up the shelter area. For more information on each shelter, click here.
 Playgrounds: Two playground are available on the south side. The west playground is fenced and popular with toddlers. The Manatee Playground which takes the shape of its namesake, features a ship, swings, and a spray water feature, so be sure to bring the kids’ swim suits and a beach towel!
Fishing Platform: Located on Tarpon Lake, this area is fully accessible for observation and fishing. Catch and release is encouraged and all State of Florida fishing regulations apply.
Walking Path: Enjoying walking, running, rollerblading, or recreational cycling on .8 miles of paved walkways. Pets are welcome, but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Ball Courts: Four newly renovated tennis courts, two full-court basketball courts, four racquetball courts, and two sand volleyball courts are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Kayak and Canoe Rentals: Weather permitting, Toby's Concession Services Inc., offers boat rentals every day (except Tuesday) from the Marina (south West Lake). Rental hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Last rental goes out at 5 p.m.) Rental prices are $15 per hour, $20 for two hours, or $30 for four hours. All day is $50. For more information, call 954-926-2322. Rental prices includes boat, paddles, and a U.S Coast Guard-approved lifejackets. Ages 16 & 17 require parent/guardian signature to go out alone; ages 15 and under require an adult to be on the boat with them.
Volunteer Opportunities
Contact the Volunteer Site Coordinator at 954-926-2480 to learn how you can be apart of this unique park. Additionally, registered volunteers can choose to become a member of the Friends of Anne Kolb Nature Center. The Friends group meets September – June, excluding December, on the first Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m., in the park’s exhibit hall.
 A little history...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.
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.
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