Fittingly considering its purpose, Ocean Strand Park opened without much fanfare in February of 2023, giving the Boca Raton Community its newest natural park.
Located at 2300 N. Ocean Blvd., between Spanish River Blvd and Palmetto Park Rd., Ocean Strand Park currently stretches from A1A to the Intracoastal Waterway.
The first phase of development, which focused solely on the 11 of the 14 acres of property west of A1A, quietly opened to the public in February. The park offers:
- ADA-compliant walking trail
- Indigenous vegetation and animals
- Benches that overlook the Intracoastal
- Picnic tables
- Bike rack for bicyclers who wish to pedal to Ocean Strand, then relax in the park
The District purchased Ocean Strand in 1994, intent on reclaiming green space for the Boca Raton community. In Ocean Strand, District Commissioners created a public park that accentuates the property's natural features and beauty. The additional open space allows the community to appreciate Boca Raton's flora in a relaxed setting.
In 2019, District Commissioners voted to begin the process of opening the park to the community. In the months that followed (which included the onset of the COVID pandemic) crews cleared invasive vegetation from the property west of A1A, installed the ADA compliant path, and created a beach area that offers a soothing view of the Intracoastal waterway.
Even before its completion, Ocean Strand Park received national recognition by being one of 10 finalists in the National Recreation and Park Association's “Perk Your Park” competition.
“We're excited for the Boca Raton community to experience and enjoy this beautiful park,” District chair Erin Wright said.
