Palm Beach Recreation

Mandel Recreation center

The Mandel Recreation Center, located in Seaview Park, is a 17,000-sq-ft. facility funded by a partnership between the Morton and Barbara Mandel Family Foundation, the Friends of Recreation and the Town of Palm Beach. The Mandel marks the beginning of an exciting new era in health, wellness, recreation, education and fitness facilities.

A variety of youth and adult classes, programs and special events are held at the Mandel including wellness, art, language, exercise, technology, sports, preschool programs, after school program, camps and holiday workshops.  The Fall 2024 Session begins the week of September 9.  Click on the corresponding program pages for more information and to register. 

All fees must be paid at the time of registration. Programs are subject to change. 

The Town of Palm Beach Does NOT provide participant insurance.

Refund/Transfer Policy: All Recreation Center refunds requests are subject to a $15 processing fee, are prorated and no refunds will be issued after the second meeting of any activity. A $10 fee will be assessed for all transfers, and no transfers will be issued after the second meeting of any activity.

Prorating: Classes may be prorated up to the mid-point of each program if registering after the class has begun. Once the mid-point of the class is reached, 50% of the class fee will be charged.

Ordinance Sec. 74-2. – Seaview Park; animals prohibited.

No person shall bring into, or be responsible for bringing into, or allowing to remain upon the grounds of Seaview Park, any dogs, cats or other animals belonging to that person or in that person’s possession, custody or control, whether leashed or unleashed, unless the animal is a service animal used to provide assistance to an individual with a disability or in the event the animal is part of an approved town recreation department program or event.    (Ord. No. 12-96, § 1, 10-8-96)

Fall 2024 Recreation Update

The Recreation Department strives to provide outstanding recreation programs, facilities, and services which enrich and enhance the lives of its Palm Beach residents and visitors.   Click the Fall 2024 Recreation Update to view the complete brochure, or visit the pages below for a closer look at our current program offerings.

Discover our Programs & Facilities​

Meet Our Staff

Mark Bresnahan

Mark Bresnahan

Director

If Mark were to write his own job title it would be “Director of helping people live happier, healthier, and longer lives”. Mark is from St. Louis and loves having his St. Louis Cardinals down in South Florida every year for spring training. If you don’t see him around Town, he is likely playing soccer, paddleboarding, playing with his son Bryson, or traveling around the world. He has traveled to 44 countries so far and loves visiting new places every year to learn about different cultures, try the local food, and see the sights.

Rance Gaede

Rance Gaede

Assistant Director

Originally from Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Rance comes from a large family of 4 brothers and 3 sisters. Rance is currently certified as a Certified Parks & Recreation Executive, Aquatic Facility Operator, and Youth Sports Administrator. By far, the most satisfying part of Rance’s job is interacting face to face with people and impacting the lives of a multitude of people from all walks of life. When he’s not working, Rance enjoys spending quality time with his family, which includes Saturday night board games with his wife and daughter. He also enjoys taking pictures that capture the natural landscape of a place, most notably international historical sites.

Ashley Kelly

Ashley Kelly

Office Manager

Ashley is from Woodhaven, Michigan and finds inspiration in showing people they can have fun and learn new things at any age through all the Palm Beach Recreation Department has to offer. When she’s not at work, you will find Ashley at a local green market, running with her dog Ivy, or traveling. Her love for exploration led her on a solo trip to Iceland, Ireland, and Germany, where she learned not only about different cultures, but also about herself by traveling alone.

Dawn M. Helton, CPRP

Dawn M. Helton, CPRP

Program Manager

If Dawn could write her own job title to best describe what she does, she would be titled “Ambassador of All Things Fun!” Dawn’s passion for creativity translates to the various events and programs she oversees at the Mandel Recreation Center. When she’s not working, you can find Dawn spending time with her son or traveling the world through cruises. The best piece of advice she’s ever been given is to “go after your dreams and never give up! Believe in yourself… you can do anything you set your mind to.”

Lauren Bayard

Lauren Bayard

Recreation Supervisor

Before being employed with the Recreation Department, Lauren grew up attending Camp Palm Beach, so you could say she’s always been a part of Recreation in some form. Currently, Lauren oversees the youth camps and After School Program. When she’s not at work, you can find Lauren at the beach, spending time with friends and family, or playing pickleball! The most inspiring and rewarding part of Lauren’s job is getting to see the kids engaged in activities she’s planned, and the excitement from our residents and visitors when we throw a great event.