Deerfield Beach Arboretum is ten acres surrounding the Constitution Park Recreation Center. This zoo features eucalyptus, cycads, baobabs, among the 1,200 plus palms, over the past 27 years. Jerry Behan, a professional horticulluralist, serves as volunteer overseer.Zeke Landis started the arboretum in 1987, by planting his favorite specimens. Goal of volunteers is to maintain the Tree Zoo so the public can see unique trees from around the world. Today , there are more than 200 tree and palm species. Among the Arboretum's most distinctive plants, the "skunk tree" a white stopper has a potent smell; a "sausage tree" or African kigelia that bears pendulous fruit; and an umbrella fronded talipot palm, from India. Free guided tours.
We walked around for a while. I did not realize there were so many different types of palm trees. My favorite area was the Japanese section. We had two ugly ducks following us for awhile. We found a bubbling brook. All in all it as a lovely little park. My only complaint is some of the signs were so old you could not read them.
This place is tucked away but its great for a short stroll. The arboretum has a nice variety of plant life and several sitting areas. There's also a fitness trail with stops along the way as well as a playground. Try going when the weather is a bit cooler.
I work nearby and I love to visit the Arboretum whenever I can. It is a beautiful park with many places to sit and enjoy yourself (bring a yoga mat, or picnic lunch, something to draw with, etc.).
We were there for less than 10 minutes. Granted the place is free, but it’s hardly worth the drive. Most of the signs are so faded you can’t read the names of the trees. The trees are in need of heavy pruning/cleanup. Looks like the city or whoever owns this has simply run out of funds to maintain this property. Do yourself a favor and drive 15 minutes up the road to Wakodahachee Wetlands. There you’ll see natural vegetation and wonderful wildlife
Visited the Arboretum on a cloudy day last week while we were staying in Deerfield Beach prior to a cruise. My husband and I really enjoyed the nice peaceful walk around the park and our 2 sons were able to get out some energy and run! The park is small but well laid out. Some of the tree signs are faded and hard to read but that wasn't a big deal for us. This was a great way to spend an hour and it was free!
This park must have started with great potential. It's still very nice but seems like there is little funding to maintain it. There is a nice walking path and 100's of trees labeled. Only problem is the labels are all faded topping over and many unreadable. I still enjoyed the walk through and was nice for a 45 minute break.
Go to the seasonal fruit stand nearby for a snack and get back to nature in the middle of the hustle and bustle. Its not a long walk but a nice place to stop by if you are in the neighborhood. I wouldn't make a trip otherwise.
Went to their Friday 10 am walking tour which I highly recommend.Most of the walk is on a path but some is across the grass and bumpy ground.Do wear sneakers,a hat, sunglasses, and if necessary bug spray &/suntan lotion.As mentioned it is not the best maintained facility -- the city of deerfield used to have personnel there more often but due to cutbacks... So yes, some signs are hard to read. There's been some vandalism (benches, etc stolen). That being said, the volunteers do a pretty good job. Jack our tour guide was able to answer most questions...This was land donated to be a park by the builders of deercreek (next to it). And only became an arboretum about 10 years ago with donations from various nurseries, etc.For newbies, snow birds, and residents alike, it was fun and informative to learn about the native and non-native trees;the bamboo area.To get up close -- you can touch...and even taste some things.Plan on a little over an hour -- depending on the size of your group. Will definitely be bringing visitors here in the future.PS the city doesn't allow them to host weddings, but it's a great picture venue pre/post events...
Kids enjoyed trying the exercises through the park and the play ground. I enjoyed looking at the trees and flowers.