900 E. Blue Heron Blvd.
Riviera Beach, FL
A new snorkel trail at Phil Foster Park in the Lake Worth
lagoon has recently been completed and is drawing underwater enthusiasts
already familiar with the area’s clear waters and abundant sea life.
Palm Beach County spent $85,000 on construction of an
artificial reef of limestone boulders and pre-fabricated concrete modules placed
six to 10 feet under the water's surface. The two-acre
design includes ledges and small habitat spaces for fish, octopus, seahorse and
other sea life. A kiosk was installed along the shoreline to help snorkelers identify what they find. Boat traffic is not allowed in the area.
The county expects the new reef – a significant improvement
over an adjacent reef of discarded grocery carts and garbage cans – to elevate
the area to an important eco-tourism destination. It has been reviewed and
endorsed by the Palm Beach County Diving Association.
The new snorkel trail, which still needs time to attract a large sea life population, can be accessed south of the guarded beach on the
southern shoreline of Phil Foster Park. Parking is free but spaces fill up fast. For more information on artificial
reefs in Palm Beach County, visit: www.pbcgov.com/erm/.
Tags: snorkeling in Palm Beach County, snorkel trail Riviera
Beach, sea life in Palm Beach County, underwater photography locations, artificial reefs in Palm Beach County
