Ballard Park (Melbourne, Florida) Explained

28.1221°N -80.6252°W

Ballard Park
Photo Width:300
Type:Public park
Location:924 Thomas Barbour Drive
Melbourne, Florida
Area:10acres[1]
Operator:City of Melbourne
Open:All year

Ballard Park is a public park located at 924 Thomas Barbour Drive, Melbourne, Florida and is situated on the Indian River Lagoon and the Eau Gallie River in what was historically Eau Gallie, FL. It contains diverse recreational facilities and amenities, including boat ramps, lighted tennis courts and a pavilion.[1] The park also contains a memorial to naturalist and author Thomas Barbour, who frequented the shell mounds on the park grounds as a boy.[2]

Two archeologists have speculated that the park is on the site of the former Ais Indian town of Pentoaya, where they spent their summers.[3]

The Melbourne High School rowing team bases their training here.

References

  1. City of Melbourne, Parks Division. “Community Parks: Ballard Park”, City of Melbourne, Florida website. Retrieved on February 06, 2008.
  2. Bowe Gardeners. A Tribute to Thomas Barbour (1884 - 1946) memorial dated 1976 located in Ballard Park, Melbourne, Florida.
  3. News: Jim . Waymer . Life in the time of Ponce . . . 1A, 3A . April 2, 2013 .