Kaitlyn Horne, a 10-year-old fourth-grader at Palmetto Elementary School, recently had the chance to partake in The Park’s free program ‘The Path’, which offers sports, educational activities and financial literacy opportunities to kids facing traumas, poverty, and homelessness. She found herself hitting a tennis ball with her plastic putting iron and running around bases – miniature golf style – during one of her outdoor sessions, proving that no activity is too small or unfitting for these hardworking individuals. Dave Andrews, The Park’s director aims to bring emotional nourishment and growth to kids at risk through Initiative, Family Fun Fridays, and career building practice while offering them support by partnering with another school, South Olive Elementary School.
Kaitlyn Horne stood proudly on the manicured driving range at The Park, Palm Beach County’s newest golf course, taking in the sunny, breezy afternoon. Looking confident and ready for her turn at bat at outdoor golf baseball, Kaitlyn prepared to whack a tennis ball with her plastic golf club from a T and then scurry around the bases. At 10-years-old and a fourth-grader at Palmetto Elementary School, Kaitlyn expressed that she enjoyed real golf more than mini-golf due to its sense of competition.
She is one of around 40 students from Palmetto and South Olive Elementary Schools that are enrolled in a free program called The Path. It was designed to help those facing traumas, poverty and homelessness and the two-hour sessions are held twice a week. With more schools being added to the program, Dave Andrews, The Path’s Director, stated that they seek out “students who need help the most” with enthusiasm.
The Park offers a safe and comfortable space for the program, with its 200-acre course providing children with a place to draw, attend STEM classes, get homework help from Palm Beach County school district teachers, enjoy food, golf, games and other outdoor activities during Family Fun Fridays, watch outdoor movies, benefit from paid internships and scholarships, take part in career fairs and adult education classes, as well as acquire financial literacy. Andrews is proud of the initiatives The Park has implemented to make a difference in the student’s lives.
Director of Coaching Justin Martin explains that The Path keeps afternoons loose with activities both indoors and out. “We allow our participants to do what they want to do, while still adhering to reasonable boundaries,” Martin says, as he watches a batter line up a golf shot. The Park offers an impressive array of amenities including a lighted 9-hole par-three course, an 18-hole main course, a two-acre kids-only golf area, and a lighted driving range. Not to mention, the House indoor restaurant is planned to open in July, and The Cabana outdoor restaurant near the putting course is already operational. Encouraging walking, The Path also provides caddies and push carts, and their junior caddy program gives back to youth and local school programs.
Best of all, golf rates start at just $60 for 18 holes when a City Resident Golf Card is purchased. Plus, West Palm Beach residents age 17 and under play for only $20 for nine holes or $10 for just the putting course – both free with a Resident card. All this open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on a seasonal basis.
Kaitlyn’s experience with the Path program at The Park is a perfect example of the positive changes that are occurring throughout the Palm Beach County area. Not only has the inclusive and safe environment of The Park provided her with enjoyable activities like golf, STEM classes, movies, games and homework assistance, but also further support with internships, scholarships, and financial literacy opportunities. This comprehensive program proves that access to resources can make a huge difference in the lives of these at-risk children, connecting them with a world beyond their normal scope of experiences. It is touching to witness children who started with little feeling compelled and proud to use their dedication and stress the significance of a sense of community.
