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Discover A Secret Spot In Deerfield Beach Where Luxury Yachts Cruise Past Playful Fountains

Published: June 24, 2025

Picture this: your kids are squealing with delight as they dash through colorful splash pad fountains while you relax on shaded benches, watching luxury yachts cruise by on the shimmering Intracoastal Waterway.

Sullivan Park opened in February 2017 and features a 2200 square foot children’s splash pad, playgrounds, restrooms, picnic pavilion, 11 slip public marina, boat shuttle to Deerfield Island County Park, and a pedestrian promenade along the Intracoastal Waterway.

This waterfront paradise proves that the best family destinations combine natural beauty with thoughtful amenities.

The park sits on a 3.38-acre site that has fascinating history – it formerly housed a 1920s packinghouse that later became The Riverview Club, a restaurant and gambling house, and eventually transformed into the beloved Riverview Restaurant known for its seafood and steaks.

Today, this prime real estate along Hillsboro Boulevard serves families seeking both recreation and relaxation in one of South Florida’s most scenic settings.

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Splash Pad & Playground Paradise

The Massive Splash Pad: At 2200 square feet, this isn’t your typical neighborhood water feature – it’s a sprawling aquatic playground that keeps toddlers through tweens entertained for hours.

The splash pad features colorful fountains and intermittent sprinklers, creating an ever-changing water wonderland that children can’t resist.

You’ll find benches positioned strategically in shaded areas, so parents can stay cool while supervising the fun.

Dual Playground Setup: The park features two separate fenced playground areas – one designed for toddlers aged 2-5 and another for older children.

Both playgrounds are thoughtfully positioned under shade structures, making them comfortable even during Florida’s intense summer heat. The climbing equipment is modern and well-maintained, giving parents peace of mind while kids explore.

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Bright Mosaic Features: Children are captivated by the bright murals painted on the ground throughout the splash pad area, adding an artistic element that transforms the space into something truly special.

The landscaping throughout the park is beautiful and well-maintained, creating an Instagram-worthy backdrop for family photos.

Waterfront Location & Marina Access

Intracoastal Waterway Views: The views of the Intracoastal and Hillsboro Bridge are phenomenal, offering a constantly changing panorama of boats, wildlife, and water activities.

You can watch boats cruising by while enjoying the nice breeze from the water, making this an ideal spot for both active play and peaceful contemplation.

Marina & Boat Access: The park features an 11-slip public marina, making it a popular launching point for water sports enthusiasts. Visitors frequently use the area for paddleboarding, and the protected waters make it perfect for beginners learning water sports.

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Ferry to Deerfield Island: A boat shuttle service connects visitors to Deerfield Island County Park, though mechanical issues sometimes temporarily close this unique transportation option. When operating, this ferry adds an adventure element that makes Sullivan Park feel like a gateway to island exploration.

Family-Friendly Amenities & Atmosphere

Excellent Facilities: The bathrooms are designed to look like they’re straight out of Key West, adding charm to practical necessities. The park is immaculate and well-maintained, with outdoor showers available for rinsing off after splash pad adventures.

Covered Pavilion: The picnic pavilion provides shaded gathering space perfect for birthday parties, family reunions, or simply escaping the Florida sun. The pavilion is available for rental in 4-hour blocks, making it ideal for special celebrations.

Scenic Walking Area: A pedestrian promenade runs along the Intracoastal Waterway, offering a peaceful stroll with water views. On cloudy days, many visitors enjoy coming here to sit by the water and meditate, and the space works well for outdoor exercise routines.

Parking & Practical Considerations

Free Parking: The adjacent parking lot offers free metered parking for up to 4 hours. You don’t have to pay, but you do need to enter your license plate into the parking system – a small inconvenience for a great amenity.

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Strategic Location: The park sits right on Hillsboro Boulevard before you cross the bridge to the beach, making it a perfect stop when heading to or from Deerfield Beach. Many families combine dinner at nearby Cove shopping center restaurants with park visits.

Age-Appropriate Fun: While dogs are technically not allowed according to posted signs, this policy keeps the space focused on families with children. The park works especially well for children 7 and under, though older kids enjoy the larger playground and waterfront exploration opportunities.

Pricing: Completely free to enjoy, making it an excellent budget-friendly family destination. The only costs come from optional pavilion rentals for special events.


Sullivan Park
📍 1700 Riverview Rd, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Writer: Jamie Benson
Contributor

Jamie grew up just outside of Springfield, Illinois, and has spent most of his life exploring the state’s mix of small-town charm and big-city energy. After earning a journalism degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he stuck around to cover local events, hidden gems, and the quirks that make Illinois unique. When not writing, Jamie can usually be found digging through vinyl at record shops in Chicago, hiking trails in Starved Rock State Park, or tracking down the best deep-dish pizza outside the city.