T.Y. (Topeekeegee Yugnee) Park

T.Y. (Topeekeegee Yugnee) Park is a 138.6-acre Broward County regional park located at 3300 N Park Rd in the Oakwood Hills and Sheridan Hills area of Hollywood, Florida. Established in 1971 on a former rock pit lake site just west of Interstate 95, the park takes its name from a Seminole phrase meaning “meeting or gathering place.” Managed by the Broward County Parks and Recreation Division, this lakeside urban reserve draws local runners, families, and seasonal RV campers with its canopy of mature Southern live oaks, a 2-mile paved multi-use recreational trail encircling a central freshwater lake, the seasonal Castaway Island water park, and a 61-site full-hookup campground.

What to Expect at T.Y. (Topeekeegee Yugnee) Park

The park’s layout revolves around a large freshwater lake bordered by sprawling lawns, tropical hardwoods, and old-growth oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Active visitors gravitate toward the 2-mile paved loop trail that circles the water, offering designated lanes for walkers, joggers, inline skaters, and cyclists, along with outdoor fitness stations positioned along the route. Near the northern and eastern shores, eight lakeside gazebos and 13 covered picnic shelters with charcoal grills accommodate family cookouts and community gatherings, while a central wedding gazebo overlooks the water. Anglers regularly fish the shoreline and fishing pier on a catch-and-release basis for largemouth bass and bream, and nature watchers can explore native butterfly-attracting plantings and spot wading birds, ospreys, and freshwater turtles along the banks.

During the warmer months from spring through early autumn, families head to Castaway Island Water Park, an aquatic complex inside the park featuring two distinct water play zones for toddlers and older children, interactive water cannons, waterfalls, slides, and a separate seasonal swimming lagoon bordered by a sandy beach. On the western side of the grounds, the tree-shaded campground accommodates both RVs and tent campers with full electrical, water, and sewer hookups, complimentary Wi-Fi, heated bathhouses, laundry facilities, and a dump station. Additional dry-land athletics include two full basketball courts, two sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, a shaded children’s playground with soft safety surfacing, and rental pedal boats on the main lake.

• Two-Mile Paved Lake Loop: A flat, asphalt multi-use path encircling the central lake beneath heavy live oak shade, popular with joggers, cyclists, rollerbladers, and dog walkers.
• Castaway Island Water Park & Lagoon: A seasonal family aquatic complex offering two water playgrounds with slides, a tipping bucket, spray features, and a separate freshwater swimming lagoon.
• Full-Hookup RV & Tent Campground: A 61-site gated campground equipped with 20/30/50-amp electric, water, and sewer hookups, picnic tables, barbecue grills, Wi-Fi, and two modern bathhouses.
• Picnic Shelters & Wedding Gazebo: Thirteen reservable covered pavilions, eight small waterside gazebos, and a formal event gazebo equipped with tables, grills, and nearby restroom access.
• Sports Courts & Playground: Two lighted basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, an outdoor fitness zone, and a shaded playground structure for children ages 2 to 12.

T.Y. (Topeekeegee Yugnee) Park at a Glance

Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings

To enjoy cooler South Florida temperatures and quiet trails, arrive between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays, when gate entry is free and the 2-mile loop is shaded by the eastern tree line. Weekend and holiday afternoons draw large crowds for birthday parties and picnics, so reserve pavilions well in advance through the Broward County Parks portal. By car, take Interstate 95 to Sheridan Street (Exit 21), head west for a half-mile, and turn north onto North Park Road. Travelers using public transit can ride Tri-Rail to the Sheridan Street Station just east of I-95 and walk 15 minutes west, or take Broward County Transit bus routes 7 or 12. The park is highly accessible, offering flat paved trails suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, designated accessible parking spaces beside every major shelter and restroom building, and zero-depth entry ramps at Castaway Island.

Leashed dogs up to 6 feet on a lead are welcome along the walking paths and open green spaces, though pets are not permitted inside Castaway Island or the swimming lagoon area. After a morning walk or swim at T.Y. Park, head 5 minutes south across Sheridan Street to Oakwood Plaza for casual dining and shopping, or drive 10 minutes east to ArtsPark at Young Circle in Downtown Hollywood and the brick-paved Hollywood Beach Broadwalk along the Atlantic Ocean. Nature lovers can also pair their visit with Anne Kolb Nature Center, located 15 minutes east on Sheridan Street, to paddle through coastal mangrove trails and climb its observation tower.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours of operation and best times to visit T.Y. Park?

T.Y. Park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the winter standard time months (November through early March) and from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM during daylight saving time (March through October). Early mornings between 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM offer the most comfortable temperatures for jogging or cycling the 2-mile loop, while weekday visits avoid the weekend gate fee and pavilion crowds.

How much does it cost to enter T.Y. Park and Castaway Island Water Park?

Park admission is free Monday through Friday and costs $3 per vehicle (for up to eight occupants) on Saturdays, Sundays, and county holidays. Entry to the seasonal Castaway Island Water Park and swimming lagoon carries a separate per-person daily admission fee, and RV or tent campsite reservations are priced per night through the Broward County Parks office.

How much time should I budget for a visit to T.Y. Park?

Visitors stopping by to walk, jog, or bike the 2-mile lake loop typically spend 60 to 90 minutes on the grounds. Families visiting Castaway Island Water Park or hosting a lakeside barbecue at one of the picnic shelters usually spend 3 to 5 hours.

Is T.Y. Park wheelchair accessible and dog friendly?

Yes, the entire 2-mile paved lakeside loop, picnic shelters, bathhouses, and playgrounds are flat and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, with ADA parking spaces located throughout the interior lots. Dogs are welcome in the park and campground as long as they remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet, though pets are prohibited inside the water park and swimming lagoon.

When planning your Pembroke Pines travel guide or comparing verified attractions and parks in Pembroke Pines, pair this stop with standout local spots including Agave Bandido, Brimstone Woodfire Grill, Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center, and Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts (0.9 km away).