Dedicated in 1972, Dan Witt Park is a beautiful Lighthouse Point park named in honor of the former city commissioner who started the city's Parks and Recreation program. Dan Witt was a former college athlete who moved to Lighthouse Point in 1957. While coaching Pompano children's sports he was bothered that the kids from Lighthouse Point could not play. He along with other volunteers cleared a field so Lighthouse Point kids could enjoy organized sports in what is now Frank McDonough Park. Dan Witt started most of the youth programs in the city including tackle football, baseball, and basketball. He served the roles of program director, coach, manager and he even mowed the grass. He also served as a Lighthouse Point City Commission from March 1977 to September 1978. After a lifetime of service to the city, Mr. Witt passed away at the age of 73 from pneumonia.
One of the main focal points of this park is the brand new community center named in honor of John Trudel who oversaw the Parks and Recreation department for over 40 years. Trudel grew up playing in Dan Witt's youth leagues. When Trudel graduated from college, he became the program's first paid recreation director in 1974 and he didn't retire until 2015. During his tenure he oversaw many recreational programs and special events in the city.
In addition the the community center other park amenities include two playgrounds, one for tots and one for older children, sand volleyball court, 2 baseball fields, 2 basketball courts, 2 football/soccer fields, 2 tennis courts, pickle ball courts, covered pavilion, picnic tables, refreshment stand and athletic fields. Generations of children are able to enjoy the recreation programs that were so lovingly planted by Dan Witt and tended to by John Trudel. Dan Witt Park is a great recreational asset to the Lighthouse Point community. read more