Giving Boca A Sporting Chance

District destinations are more than simply a walk in the park.

They are a jog, a sprint and various other types of workouts as well.

District parks will offer almost anything to keep the Boca Raton community entertained and healthy.

For 50 years Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District Commissioners worked to ensure as many of the community's recreational needs have been met.

As a result, visitors young and old to District owned or funded parks can partake in their choice of nearly two dozen sports or fitness activities.

“Different kids want different things,” District Commissioner Suzi Vogelgesang said. “My kids wanted to play soccer. My kids also wanted to play basketball. So giving them a choice and letting them see what they can adapt to and what their friends want to do, I think it's very important for us to offer whatever we can.”

The District's history of providing recreation facilities dates to its inception. The Red Reef Family Golf Course emerged from the Shine Tract purchase that prompted the District's formation in 1974.

Responding to a need for more ball fields, the District opened Patch Reef Park in 1983. Now, visitors can take part in more than one dozen sports or fitness activities at Patch Reef, including baseball, softball, football, lacrosse, basketball, tennis and pickleball.

In 1994 Sugar Sand Park helped alleviate overwhelming demand for baseball and softball fields by polishing more diamonds. Sugar Sand eventually brought roller hockey and futsal to Boca Raton. The field house is the perfect home for basketball and volleyball, but look closer and visitors will find pickleball, dance, fencing and gymnastics within its walls. 

Many of the activities at Patch Reef and Sugar Sand are organized, but pick-up games are often an option as well.

“The parks are for everyone,” Commissioner Steve Engel said. “That doesn't mean just basketball players or just Little League, or just soccer or just rugby or just pickleball – it's everybody. So it's vital that we have facilities that accommodate our residents.”

The District's purchase of what is now the Boca Raton Swim and Racquet Center brought aquatics under its umbrella.

And more is planned. 

Boca Paddle's indoor pickleball facility at North Park will also offer padel courts. Mountain bike trails, along with walking and fitness trails, are also planned. 

Walking and fitness trails are among the most requested features for Boca Raton parks. That's why Patch Reef and Sugar Sand offer multiple trails.

As the District enters its second half-century, Commissioners remain committed to ensuring members of the Boca Raton community have places they can play recreate, whether they are playing youth sports or their best playing days are behind them but they still want to remain active. 

“That's essential,” Engel said. “People are living longer these days so it's important that we have, as we are building in North Park, exercise paths, walking trails, things like that to accommodate people who might feel like their soccer days are over.”

North Park will offer attractions for community members of all ages and skill levels. Along with the aforementioned pickleball and mountain bike trails, North Park will offer playgrounds, gardens, a dog park and golf amenities. 

Like other District parks, there will be a little something for everyone in the Boca Raton community to enjoy.