Commissioners Picking Their Favorites

As part of National Park and Recreation month, we thought it would be fun to ask our five Boca Raton Beach and Park District Commissioners to name their favorite Boca Raton park or feature within a park - choosing from among the parks the District either owns or funds.

Below are their answers, along with the reasons behind their choices. 

COMMISSION CHAIR ERIN WRIGHT (Pictured with sons Colby and Austin)
Sugar Sand Park – I love the memories. I used to bring my little boys there to enjoy the Science Explorium, butterfly garden and playground. Now that they are older, they get to use the field house for basketball, pickleball, and soon will be able to use the the hockey rink for futsal.

COMMISSION VICE-CHAIR BOB ROLLINS
Patch Reef Park - This was the first major project of Beach and Parks back when we were known as The Greater Boca Raton Beach Tax District. I spent many hours with the youth soccer program in our community as a coach and referee, creating some fond memories with my children and other members of our community. I was also enrolled in a judo program in the James A. Rutherford Community Center with my daughter for some wonderful daddy-daughter time. I was proud to be a part of the Beach and Parks when we transitioned the grass fields to the sports turf the community enjoys today.  

CRAIG EHRNST
District-Funded Red Reef Park – Historically it's our community’s most significant tax payer purchase in collaboration with residents, the City of Boca Raton, and the creation of the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District. Purchased in 1974, Boca Raton’s ocean front is the destination for many people, including our family. We always enjoy Red Reef’s tropical environment (even the big spiders – try not to look up!) while walking the beach front, or visiting Gumbo Limbo with guests. Red Reef Park is an elongated sanctuary that provides the most beautiful sights, sounds, and smells of nature. 

STEVE ENGEL
Pirates Cove Playground within Patch Reef Park - It's my favorite, not because of what it is now, but because of what it will be in the very near future - a playground that will accommodate children with special needs. Inspired by Boca Raton resident Jordan Ogman, the redesigned playground will be the first of its kind in the Boca Raton area.

SUSAN VOGELGESANG
Patch Reef Park - The park's diverse amenities have been sources of entertainment, exercise, and fun. Before having a family, we spent many evenings each week on the PRP tennis courts meeting new players who became lifelong friends. Once our children were old enough to play sports, they played soccer and later refereed semi-professional soccer tournaments at Patch Reef. The Soccer Association of Boca Raton and TOPSoccer programs brought us together for practices, games, and tournaments with many of the team members still calling me "Coach" when we randomly meet. The basketball courts were the scene of countless pick-up games, and the community center a venue for craft shows, 'yard sales', and other fun events. Both children enjoyed the fitness stations on the walking trails, trying to outdo each other every step of the way. Sugar Sand Park is a close second.