A Brief but Memorable Attraction
Boardwalk and Baseball was a short‑lived theme park that merged the nostalgia of a Coney Island boardwalk with the excitement of baseball‑themed rides and games. Opened in 1987, the park sat in northern Davenport, Florida, roughly a 20‑minute drive from Walt Disney World Resort, positioning it as a convenient stop for families traveling between Orlando and Tampa.
The site had an earlier incarnation as a circus‑themed amusement park that debuted in 1974, giving the location a long history of entertainment before it was rebranded as Boardwalk and Baseball. The park’s unique blend of sport and seaside amusements attracted visitors for three seasons before it was demolished in 1990.
From Theme Park to Retail Destination
After its closure, the land was redeveloped into Posner Park, an expansive outdoor shopping center that now occupies roughly 80 acres. The complex features a mix of large anchor retailers such as Bath & Body Works, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Best Buy, and Ulta Beauty, providing a one‑stop destination for everyday needs.
Beyond traditional retail, Posner Park offers a variety of entertainment options, including an IMAX cinema and an indoor adventure zone called Planet Obstacle designed for children. Food enthusiasts can also enjoy the well‑reviewed barbecue joint Honey's BBQ, which has become a local favorite.
Strategically positioned just east of Interstate 4, the development benefits from easy access for travelers coming from both Tampa and Orlando. Its location within the broader Central Florida tourism corridor has allowed it to thrive as a complementary destination to the region’s more famous attractions.
Legacy and Reflection
Though Boardwalk and Baseball existed for only a few years, its concept remains a curiosity for enthusiasts of retro amusement parks. The transformation into Posner Park illustrates how former entertainment sites can be repurposed to meet evolving consumer demands, turning a piece of Florida’s leisure history into a modern commercial hub.