Parks & Recreation

Parks

Sunshine Ranches Equestrian Park

Welcome to Sunshine Ranches Equestrian Park, Southwest Ranches' first public recreational facility! SREP is the place to school your horse, walk your dog or just meet friends and neighbors to enjoy the beauty of the afternoon sunlight in a meditative setting.

Located just north of the intersection at Stirling and Volunteer Roads in Sunshine Ranches, the park provides a lushly-landscaped twenty acres dedicated to Southwest Ranches Residents and to humankind's "other best friend!"

The park offers several distinct activity / features

• Approximately 10 acres of Horse / Nature Trails with native plant identification
• A large stabilized open space / trailer parking area
• 10,400 square foot equestrian practice ring
• 37,500 square foot equestrian show ring
• Judges' stand with public address system
• Natural berm spectator seating
• Wash rack
• Tot lot
• Restroom facility
• Sheltered seating area
• Horse shoe court
• Pond system with native wetland plantings
• The spectacular "Equestrian Oasis," designed by artist Richard Medlock, as a place to water your horse after a workout or just as a shady spot in which to rest

Frequently Asked Questions

What are your days and hours of operation?
Is there an entrance fee?
What amenities are available for children in the Park?
Are pets allowed in the park? And, what are your rules and regulations?
Are alcoholic beverages allowed in the parks?
Where may I park my trailer?
Is fishing allowed?
How can I become involved as a volunteer for Southwest Ranches Parks?
Are park facilities accessible for persons using wheelchairs?
How many parks will there be?
Can I reserve the shelter for a family, business or church outing?
Where can I swim?

What are your days and hours of operation?

The Sunshine Ranches Equestrian Park is open from dawn to dusk every day of the year. Park hours may vary according to the season. Contact Town Hall for more information.

Is there an entrance fee?

There is no charge for admission into the Sunshine Ranches Equestrian Park. Entry fees may be charged for horse shows or events, if any held, in the park. Contact Town Hall for more information.

What amenities are available for children in the Park?

An independently fenced, 10,000 s.f. tot lot is planned in the northwest section of the park. A 12-foot berm will separate equestrian activity from activities in the tot lot.

A 48,950 s.f. stabilized grass field will also be available for trailer parking and miscellaneous play activities.
Children must be attended at all times ("Keep tots in the tot lot")

Miscellaneous play activities such as ball-playing must be confined to the overflow parking area

The shelter will not be available for rent and parties are not encouraged in the park, due to their close proximity to equestrian activities and the inherent risks thereof.

Are pets allowed in the Park? And, what are your rules and regulations?

Pets are permitted in all areas subject to the following restrictions

• All pets must be confined, leashed, or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet in length
• Pets must be well behaved at all times. Pets may not be left unattended
• Pet owners shall pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles
• Pets that are noisy, vicious, dangerous, disturbing or intimidating to other persons, and pets that damage park resources are considered to be nuisances and will not be permitted to remain in the park
• Owners of horses, dogs and other pets required by Florida Law to be vaccinated against rabies must be able to provide proof of vaccination upon demand of a Town official
• Areas of the park designated as prohibited for pets have been determined as such based on park natural resources, primary recreational activities, public and pet health and safety, and the ability to provide a quality recreational experience for all visitors
• Domestic breeds of dogs, cats and other fur-bearing pets, (except service animals) shall be excluded from the tot lot

Are alcoholic beverages allowed in the parks?

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the park.

Where can I park my trailer?

Trailer parking is available for vehicles ranging in length from 20 to 76 feet. Additional parking at the northwest section of the park offers a stabilized foundation for vehicles up to 10,000 pounds.

Is there fishing in the park?

Fishing is not allowed in the Sunshine Ranches Equestrian Park.

How can I become involved as a volunteer for Southwest Ranches Parks?

A program of volunteers and community partners will be developed to provide additional support for our parks. You, your family or service organization may volunteer to participate by donating time, money or supplies. If you are interested in helping out, contact us to find out how you or your organization can help.

Are park facilities accessible for persons using wheelchairs?

The Sunshine Ranches Equestrian Park will offer accessible facilities. If you need information about specific facilities, please call or write to us.

How many parks will there be in Southwest Ranches?

At this time, as many as four parks from US 27 east to Volunteer Road are anticipated to be developed for public use and enjoyment within the coming years.

Can I reserve the shelter for a family, business or church outing?

No reservations will be accepted for use of the shelters in the park. Parties are not encouraged due to the close proximity of shelters to riding activity areas.

Where can I swim?

Swimming is not allowed in Sunshine Ranches Equestrian Park for people or pets. Sharp coral rocks make the waterways hazardous for swimming. For your safety, please observe this rule.