2023: A Year Of Growth And Preservation

From opening a new park, to increasing pickleball options, to making Boca Raton parks safer and more accommodating, December closes a busy 2023 for the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District.

Actions taken by District Commissioners significantly improved the Boca Raton Community's quality of life by preserving natural green space (Ocean Strand Park) and providing more ways to be athletic (additional lit tennis courts, additional pickleball courts, a new futsal surface).

And 2024 is already shaping up to be even more impressive. In the coming months construction crews expect to complete construction of Jacob's Outlook at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, create a modern, inclusive playground at Patch Reef Park, and begin construction of a state-of-the-art pickleball facility that will be the hub of North Park.

“Seeing all of these accomplishments compiled into one list really shows that District Commissioners are listening to the Boca Raton Community and providing the parks and services that this community desires and deserves,” Executive Director Briann Harms said.

The list below highlights only a portion of the items accomplished by the District in 2023. District Commissioners wish then entire Boca Raton community a happy holiday season and are looking forward to a robust 2024.

SUGAR SAND PARK 

• Installed new surface at the roller hockey rink to expand sports programming.
• Repaired the iconic carousel in time for it to reopen for the holiday season.
• Installed a new, safer surface at the Science Playground. 
• Installed updated security enhancements throughout the park.
• Began roof replacement for the Community Center that is estimated to be complete in March 2024. 
• Partnered with City of Boca Raton and Friends of the Boca Raton Library to install a Little Free Library. 

SWIM & RACQUET CENTER 

• Resurfaced all tennis courts at Racquet Center, providing for improved playing conditions and safety.
• Renovated existing lighting with LED lighting and added additional lighting to eight courts, expanding the amount of courts for night play. 
• Replaced locker room and restroom flooring at the Swim Center. 
• Partnered with the City and Friends of the Library to install a Little Free Library.

PATCH REEF PARK 

• Continued to meet the long range demand for more pickleball facilities by designing a covered, 18-court pickleball complex.
• Met short term pickleball demand by converting of two more tennis courts into an additional six pickleball courts in a project expected to be completed in the coming weeks. 
• Designed the complete rebuild of the tennis courts. 
• Approved and designed a fully accessible playground to replace existing playground at Patch Reef Park.
• Partnered with City and Friends of the Library on installation of a Little Free Library and the StoryWalk.

NORTH PARK 

• Began designing the east side that will increase the Boca Raton community's access to parks.
• Completed an RFP process to select a firm to partner with for a pickleball and racquet sports facility.
• Addressed safety and security concerns by coordinating with the City to add park ranger services.
• Contracted management for the maintenance of both east and west portions of the park.

OCEAN STRAND 

• Opened Ocean Strand Park to the public, expanding Boca Raton's access to green space and natural beauty. 
• Completing installation of native vegetation and resurfacing of asphalt pathway.

SPANISH RIVER De HOERNLE PARK

• Provided funding for new maintenance complex that will aid with preventative and ongoing maintenance. 
• Installed new fencing that improves patron safety and prevents balls from getting lost. 
• Installed additional seating around the rectangular fields. 

RED REEF PARK/GUMBO LIMBO 

• Provided funding for boardwalk repairs and preventative maintenance. 
• Provided funding for Jacob’s Outlook (AKA The Tower)
• Provided funding for Pipes and Pumping project and preventative maintenance. 
• Provided funding for the replacement of the sail pavilion at Red Reef. 
• Provided funding for the renovations of restrooms at Red Reef, including improving ADA access.

Here's looking forward to a happy 2024!