Key To Success

The Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District received one of the greatest honors the City of Boca Raton can confer when officials presented the District with a key to the city.

District Commissioners Bob Rollins and Craig Ehnst, joined by District Executive Director Briann Harms, accepted the award as part of the city's State of the City and Community Celebration event at Mizner Park's amphitheater in mid-March.

“This key represents a partnership that shows how much good the District can do for the community when we work together with the City,” Rollins said. “It's an honor to be here to receive this key on behalf of all of our current Commissioners and those Commissioners who served before us.”

Following the presentation, Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer praised the spirit of cooperation between the two government entities.

“We're very proud of our relationship with the Beach and Park District,” Singer said. “They have been instrumental over the last half century. They've helped fund so many initiatives that have made this city great. And we're looking forward to a partnership in the next few months on new initiatives to help move us forward – whether it's softball, North Park or other things we're looking at doing jointly together. We work better together.”

Boca Raton turns 100 years old this year, and the Mizner Park event is one of many planned celebrations. The District is among the centennial partners, ensuring 2025 will be a year to remember for the entire Boca Raton community. 

Earlier this month the City and District unveiled the Centennial Passport program, sponsored by the District. With their passport - available at Sugar Sand and Patch Reef parks, the Swim and Racquet Center and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center -  visitors can further explore some of Boca Raton's most beloved Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District owned or funded locations. Travelers can get their passports stamped at each location. Those who complete the journey and have their passports stamped at all locations receive a prize.

Created in 1974 to help offset the cost of the land purchase that would become Red Reef Park and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District owns Patch Reef, Sugar Sand and Ocean Strand parks, the Boca Raton Swim and Racquet Center, and North Park – formerly the Ocean Breeze golf course within the Boca Teeca section of Boca Raton.

The District also funds Red Reef, Gumbo Limbo and Mizner Bark dog park, along with field use at FAU and Don Estridge middle school.