Known as the Equestrian Capital of America, the Village of Wellington is also Palm Beach County’s newest municipality, created in 1996. Encompassing some 18,000 acres, Wellington is already a village of 30,000 people, making it the largest community in the area and the seventh largest in Palm Beach County. The village has a council-manager form of government and is governed by a five-member council which elects one of its own as mayor.Wellington prides itself on being an equestrian community. The village even has a sizeable Equestrian Preservation Area in the southern part of the community which is marked by horse paths and crossings throughout the community.Wellington has its own Parks and Recreation Department, anchored by the newly opened 93-acre, $8 million Wellington Community Park on Pierson Road. The athletic park includes a full gymnasium, baseball, football and soccer fields and features a full array of youth sporting events.With other designated greenspace areas, including 25 neighborhood parks, the village’s recreation department incorporates the desires and interests of all ages into its athletic and cultural programs.In a county of superb golf and tennis clubs, Wellington is right out front with its offerings. Some of them include Binks Forest Golf Club, Palm Beach Polo & Country Club and Wellington Country Club.Wellington boasts of excellent schools from kindergarten to the large Wellington High School. In addition, there are many church and other parochial schools and daycare centers throughout the community. A brand new library opened in 1997. Shopping is easy and plentiful in Wellington with a huge offering of specialty stores, small "malls" and plazas located throughout the village. One huge complex still being planned is a "super" mall which will serve the Western Communities and beyond.