Frank McDonough Park is named in honor of a man who served as a city commissioner and Mayor of Light House Point for 25 years. Frank McDonough moved from Chicago to Florida to escape his hay fever in 1954, two years before Light House Point even became a city. He served on the city commission from 1963 to 1968 and then was appointed mayor in 1968. He was re-elected until he resigned in 1984. In 1989 he was elected as mayor again and formerly retired in 1993 while still staying active in city affairs. In 1982 Lake Placid Park was renamed Frank McDonough Park in honor of his many years of service to the city. Frank McDonough passed away in 2001 at the age of 81.
Frank McDonough Park started as a field that city recreation pioneer Dan Witt and some other fathers cleared so that children living in Light House point could have a recreation league of their own. Fifteen pallets of sod were donated so a football league could practice.
Today, six acre Frank McDonough Park provides recreation to all ages in Lighthouse Point. The park has a baseball field, football/soccer field, sand volleyball court, 2 racquetball courts, 9 clay tennis courts which is home to the Lighthouse Point Tennis Center, a covered firefighter themed playground with two play area, one for tots, and one for older kids, and restrooms. Added to the park in 2020 is outdoor body-weight resistance workout equipment that includes a sit-up bench, chest press, pull-up bars, leg press, push-up station and more.
This park is ideal for sports, play, and working out. The city has even staged concerts in the park in the past. Don't forget to stop by the Heroes Shrine located in the northwest corner of the park where you will find a memorial to those who serve in the military and first responders. read more