District Breaks Ground On New Inclusive Playground

(L to R) David Ogman, Stacey Ogman, Jordan Ogman, Commissioner Bob Rollins, Commissioner Erin Wright, Commissioner Steve Engel and Commissioner Craig Ehrnst turn the dirt, breaking ground on the new inclusive playground at Patch Reef Park.

BOCA RATON - Nine-year-old Jordan Ogman dug his shovel into the soil, lifted it, and slung the dirt toward his mother, Stacey – thereby ceremoniously breaking ground on the new inclusive playground he inspired at Boca Raton's Patch Reef Park.

“This moment makes it completely real that the construction is going to happen, and that the facility is on its way,” Stacey Ogman said. “I can only imagine how excited he's going to be at the unveiling of the new inclusive, accessible playground.”

Living with a rare genetic disorder that limits his physical and cognitive development, Jordan Ogman and his family have always enjoyed visiting the Pirates Cove playground at Patch Reef. but navigating the features never came easily.

When his father, David, met with Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District Commissioner Steve Engel about creating a more inclusive park where children with special needs could play side-by-side with other children of all abilities, Engel championed the cause. 

Shortly afterward all five District Commissioners voted to renovate the Pirates Cove to create a new inclusive playground. 

The Pirates Cove officially closed for renovation on Wednesday. On Thursday afternoon, the Ogman family; District Commissioners Erin Wright, Craig Ehrnst, Bob Rollins and Engel; Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer; Boca Raton Council members Mark Widger and Fran Nachlas; Florida State Representative Peggy Gosset-Siedman; County Commissioner Marci Woodward and other dignitaries gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony.

During his address at the ceremony Engel complimented District, city and county officials for coming together to benefit the Boca Raton community.

“We all worked as one,” Engel said. “This is an example of what we can accomplish if we forget about everything else and do the job we were elected, appointed or even interviewed to do - and that is serve the people of Boca Raton and Palm Beach County."

The new inclusive playground will replace the current Pirates Cove playground at Patch Reef Park. Nearly all of the park's natural features, including grasses, trees and rocks, will remain. 

The new playground's innovative features ensure accessibility and inclusivity, offering a welcoming and engaging space for children and families in the Boca Raton community. 

The existing splash pad will receive a makeover, adding new interactive elements. Climbing structures, swings and slides will have softer artificial turf underneath, along with shade structures for year-round comfort.

Features like a wheelchair-compatible swing set and slides mounted on grassy hills rather than ladders afford easier access for children of all abilities.

For the parents, additional benches afford better, shaded, sight lines for monitoring their child's play. There will be completely new picnic areas, restroom facilities and additional ADA parking.
 
A fence will surround the entire inclusive playground area to keep curious children from wandering unsupervised into different areas of the park.

“I think it's really going to put Boca on the map for being accessible for kids with disabilities, kids with autism, and kids with all types of special needs,” said David Ogman. “This is really a dream come true for Jordan, and me, and so many other kids.”

The new inclusive playground at Patch Reef Park is expected to open in the summer of 2025.