Haines City Parks & Recreation

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Haines City Parks & Recreation Haines City Parks & Recreation is the provider of all things parks, aquatics, programs & events.

Lifeguard Certification CourseAmerican Red Cross Shallow Water Lifeguard (Up to 6ft) Valid for 2 years upon successful c...
10/09/2026

Lifeguard Certification Course
American Red Cross Shallow Water Lifeguard (Up to 6ft)
Valid for 2 years upon successful completion
Cost: $75
Minimum Age: Must be at least 15 years old on or before November 15, 2026

Prerequisite Swim — REQUIRED

Before enrolling in the Lifeguard Course, participants must successfully complete a prerequisite swim.

Prerequisite Swim Dates:

October 26th: 3:00 – 7:00 PM
October 27th: 3:00 – 7:00 PM
October 28th: 3:00 – 7:00 PM

The prerequisite swim takes approximately 20 minutes. Participants will be notified the same day whether they have successfully completed the prerequisite and are eligible to continue into the Lifeguard Course.

To schedule your prerequisite swim:
Please email Christopher Martinez at [email protected]
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Lifeguard Course Dates
Attendance is required at ALL classes.

November 3rd: 4:00 - 8:00 PM
November 5th: 4:00 – 8:00 PM
November 8th: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
November 10th: 4:00 – 8:00 PM
November 12th: 4:00 – 8:00 PM
November 15: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

4th Annual Howl-O-Ween SpooktacularSaturday, October 17, 2026Admission: $3.00 per pup (human companions will be admitted...
10/08/2026

4th Annual Howl-O-Ween Spooktacular
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Admission: $3.00 per pup (human companions will be admitted for free).

The Lake Eva Aquatic Center will host the 4th annual doggy pool party, Howl-O-Ween Spooktacular, on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. The doggy costume contest judging will take place between 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

New this year:
We’re excited to welcome Polk County Animal Shelter who will be joining us with 4 adorable dogs looking for their forever homes. Stay tuned for more information about the dogs and how you can learn more about adopting them.

Your furry friends will have a fabulous time splashing around in the kiddie pool and splash pad at the Lake Eva Aquatic Center, while the main competition pool (the big pool) will be closed. Doggie moms and dads will be able to walk in the water with their furry friends; however swimming will not be permitted for the humans. A few fun freebies will be given away (while supplies last).

Bring the family, dress up, and come enjoy the fun. We can’t wait to see you there!

For more information, please contact the Lake Eva Aquatic Center at 863-421-3715.

Thank you, Haines City Historical Museum, for highlighting the history of Lake Eva Park!Special shout out to our Parks d...
10/07/2026

Thank you, Haines City Historical Museum, for highlighting the history of Lake Eva Park!

Special shout out to our Parks division for all of the hard work they put in day in and day out to maintain Lake Eva and all of the other parks and facilities in our community.

❗NOTICE❗Please be advised that the Lake Eva Community Center will experience an interruption of telephone and internet s...
10/07/2026

❗NOTICE❗

Please be advised that the Lake Eva Community Center will experience an interruption of telephone and internet service today, Wednesday, October 7, 2026, starting at 5:00 p.m. while the Technology Management Dept. replaces a piece of equipment.

Incoming and outgoing calling, and our in-person registration system will be unavailable during this outage. Online registration will not be affected.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience during this time.

❗SWIM LESSON SCHEDULE UPDATE❗October 6, 2026Due to inclement weather swim lessons are cancelled for this afternoon, 10/6...
10/06/2026

❗SWIM LESSON SCHEDULE UPDATE❗

October 6, 2026

Due to inclement weather swim lessons are cancelled for this afternoon, 10/6.

A makeup date will be communicated at your next scheduled class.

Congratulations to the 2026 Mayor's 5K winners!Girls - Ages 12 & Under:1st Place: Amelia Gapp2nd Place: Ailyanna Irizarr...
10/05/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Mayor's 5K winners!

Girls - Ages 12 & Under:
1st Place: Amelia Gapp
2nd Place: Ailyanna Irizarry
3rd Place: Itzel Martinez

Boys - Ages 12 & Under:
1st Place: Bryson Bowman
2nd Place: Carter Boereau (not pictured)
3rd Place: Cayden Boereau (not pictured)

Girls - Ages 13-17:
1st Place: Gabriela Garcia-Martinez
2nd Place: Yuliannies Irizarry
3rd Place: Daizee Correa (not pictured)

Boys: Ages 13-17:
1st Place: Aayson Canto
2nd Place: Damyan Canto
3rd Place: Jeremiah Aponte (not pictured)

Adults - Females 18 & Up:
1st Place: Lisa Burningham (she also celebrated her birthday on the podium!)
2nd Place: Paola Rosado
3rd Place: Gloria Aguilar

Adults - Males 18 & Up:
1st Place: Shaquille Flores
2nd Place: Misael Paz
3rd Place: Johnathan Andujar

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Full results are available here: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/Overview/168698

Thanks to everyone who came out for the 2026 Mayor’s 5K! We started the set-up this morning with a quick 5:00AM rain sho...
10/03/2026

Thanks to everyone who came out for the 2026 Mayor’s 5K! We started the set-up this morning with a quick 5:00AM rain shower, but once it cleared, the weather turned out great, and so did the crowd. We had a record number of runners this year, and it was awesome to see everyone out there enjoying the course and kicking off the day together.

In 2019, Commissioner Morris West (then Mayor), had the vision for a community event to support Relay for Life and other important causes, and launched the Mayor's 5K. What started with fewer than 30 participants has grown into a truly community‑wide event, with 400 registered runners in 2026.

A big shoutout to our sponsors: AdventHealth Heart of Florida, Duke Energy, Jarrett-Gordon Ford, Soni Family Practice, and Sofidel. We appreciate your support and partnership more than you know.

Finally, thank you to all the runners, volunteers, and staff who helped make the event so successful!

*Final results will be posted soon!*

2026 Mayor's 5K, presented by AdventHealth Heart of FloridaSaturday, October 3, 20267:30 AMLake Eva ParkReminder: The Ma...
10/01/2026

2026 Mayor's 5K, presented by AdventHealth Heart of Florida
Saturday, October 3, 2026
7:30 AM
Lake Eva Park

Reminder: The Mayor's 5K is this Saturday. Runners will be on the following course from 7:30AM to approximately 9:30AM.
There will be minimal impacts to traffic during the race. HCPD will be controlling traffic along Peninsular Drive with a rolling road block.

5K Race Route:

3rd St - Wood Ave
Wood Ave - S 1st St
S 1St - Peninsular Ave
Peninsular Ave - Peninsular Dr
Peninsular Dr - Alta Vista Dr
(Runners will be past this point by approx. 8:15 AM)
Alta Vista Dr - S 10th St
S 10th Street - Wood Ave
Wood Ave - S 8th St
S 8th St - Johns Ave
Johns Ave - S 9th St
S 9th St - Lake Eva Park Trail

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Reminder: This year's 5K is SOLD OUT. While we are so excited for the growth of this event, a sold out race means that there will be no walk up / onsite registration available this year.

Fall Break CampNovember 23 - 25, 20267:15 AM - 5:45 PMLake Eva Community CenterFall Break Camp is a whirlwind of fun: of...
10/01/2026

Fall Break Camp
November 23 - 25, 2026
7:15 AM - 5:45 PM
Lake Eva Community Center

Fall Break Camp is a whirlwind of fun: offering arts, crafts, and outdoor quests for kids in grades K-5. During camp, kids will unleash their imaginations, make new friends, and boost their self-esteem, ensuring an unforgettable experience!

REGISTRATION:
Haines City Residents | October 5, 2026
Non-Residents/Public | October 12, 2026

REGISTRATION ENDS:
October 30, 2026, or until spots are full

LOCATION:
Lake Eva Community Center
555 Ledwith Ave.

FEES:
Haines City Residents: $30.00
Non-Residents: $45.00

DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO REGISTER:
• Completed Registration Form, Child’s Birth Certificate, Parent’s ID, Child’s Health Insurance Card or Purchase Insurance with the City, Child’s Most Recent Report Card, and Total Payment.
• City Residents Must Provide One of the Following Proofs of Residency:
Current Haines City Water Bill, Electric Bill, Property Tax Bill, or Voter Registration Card

Register in person at the Lake Eva Community Center or the Oakland Neighborhood Center.

The Downtown Haines City Market, a partnership with JEmarketevents, returns to Railroad Park this Saturday for the Octob...
09/30/2026

The Downtown Haines City Market, a partnership with JEmarketevents, returns to Railroad Park this Saturday for the October monthly market. Over 40 vendors will be set up with goodies from food trucks to jewelry to plants to sweet treats and more!

You can find more information about their events on their website at www.jemarketsevents.com

Address

555 Ledwith Avenue
Haines City, FL
33844

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 8pm
Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 8pm

Telephone

+18634213700

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