District Increases Ocean Strand Funding, Sends Project To Bid
BOCA RATON, Fla. (June 16, 2020) – Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District commissioners increased the development budget for the initial phase of Ocean Strand Park to $100,000 and declared the project ready for bid.
During Monday's public meeting the commissioners voted unanimously to increase the budget by $25,000 before approving issuance of a Request for Proposal to design and construct Ocean Strand park.
“The Ocean Strand project offers an exciting opportunity for the District and the community as a whole,” Commissioner Erin Wright said. “We're creating a passive park that will allow the community to enjoy the beauty of this waterfront land without disturbing surrounding communities.”
The official RFP is expected to be issued publicly by the end of the week.
District-owned Ocean Strand, located on A1A between Palmetto Park Rd. and Spanish River Blvd., stretches from the ocean to the Intracoastal waterway.
Commissioners voted in April to begin development of the portion of the park on the west side of A1A, creating a pedestrian park for the Boca Raton community.
As part of the RFP, respondents are being asked to design a park that includes a pedestrian gate, a natural walking trail created with sustainable materials, picnic tables with shade covering, an Intracoastal view, trash receptacles, signage, and natural barriers preventing access to neighboring properties.
“It is the intent of this bid to receive design and construction costs associated with developing this one-of-a-kind natural park in Boca Raton with minimal intrusive elements to the natural undeveloped property,” the RFP reads. “The District is open to utilizing local organizations, calls to artists, and other creative community based opportunities to create a unique and natural park along A1A in Boca Raton.”
Community feedback consistently informs the District of residents' desire for more public walking trails.
“I can't think of a better place to enjoy a natural stroll near the waterfront or maybe a picnic lunch than Ocean Strand,” Commissioner Steven Engel said.
Commissioners set a deadline of 2 p.m. on July 31, 2020 for bid submission.
The District intends to complete the first phase of Ocean Strand development and open the park to the public by the end of the year.
ABOUT THE GREATER BOCA RATON BEACH AND PARK DISTRICT: The District is committed to the acquisition and development of parks and recreation facilities. It seeks to provide entertaining and engaging leisure, educational, athletic and cultural activities to all of its residents and guests. The District owns multiple recreational facilities and/or parks in the Boca Raton area, including Sugar Sand Park, Patch Reef Park, the Swim and Racquet Center and Ocean Strand. In addition, through interlocal agreements with the City of Boca Raton, it funds the operating expenses of the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Red Reef Park, Spanish River Athletic Facilities and Mizner Bark Dog Park.
