Palm Beach Gardens residents rally to save Plant Drive Park from ice rink development

The City Council of Palm Beach Gardens convened on January 9, 2025, to address several pressing community issues, with a significant focus on the proposed development of an ice rink at Plant Drive Park. The meeting featured passionate public comments highlighting the community's concerns regarding the potential loss of green space.

The first speaker, who emphasized the need for a "Solomon-like solution," advocated for relocating the ice rink to the Gardens District Park on Central Boulevard, where it was initially approved. This suggestion aimed to balance the interests of all residents while preserving the park's integrity.

Heather Dykeman, a local resident, followed with a heartfelt plea to protect Plant Drive Park. She articulated that the park currently offers 98 hours a week of accessible outdoor space for recreation, which would drastically diminish to approximately 14 hours a week if the ice complex were built. Dykeman underscored the park's importance for community activities, including a skate park and basketball court, which serve as vital recreational opportunities for both youth and adults.

Dykeman also highlighted the growing opposition to the proposed development, noting that a petition on Change.org had garnered over 4,000 signatures, including nearly 1,000 from local residents. This overwhelming response reflects the community's deep attachment to the park and their desire to preserve it for future generations.

The meeting concluded with a clear message from the public: the preservation of Plant Drive Park is a priority for many residents, and any decisions made by the council should consider the long-term impact on community spaces. The council members are now faced with the challenge of balancing development interests with the community's call for maintaining accessible recreational areas.