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Boca Raton council votes unanimously to limit city parks to recreational uses
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance 57‑68 to restrict city‑owned parks to public and recreational uses, with exceptions for easements and necessary infrastructure; supporters called it 'belts and suspenders' protection while some speakers urged stronger charter‑level protections.
The Boca Raton City Council on Tuesday adopted Ordinance 57‑68, which amends the city code to limit city‑owned parks to public and recreational uses and prohibit development of non‑recreational uses on those parcels, while preserving easements, utilities and infrastructure that do not substantially interfere with park uses.
Brandon Shadd, the city's Development Services Director, told the council the ordinance is straightforward and ‘‘expressly, affirmatively, and clearly state[s] the limitations on the uses of those parks.’’ Council member Wigder framed the measure as an additional layer of protection — ‘‘belts and suspenders’’ — to preserve parks beyond existing code, comprehensive‑plan and charter protections.
Public comment was robust. Opponents of prior redevelopment proposals, including several speakers associated with the Save Boca movement, urged stronger, charter‑level protections and criticized earlier votes and communications about Memorial Park. Supporters and some council members said the ordinance builds on precedent — including the Wildflower Park protections — and noted that language clarity can be refined but that immediate protections are warranted.
Council debate acknowledged concerns about potential vagueness in wording and whether a charter amendment would be more durable. Council members said the ordinance is complementary to other protections and will not eliminate other legal routes such as a charter amendment; after discussion the measure passed on a roll call vote of 5‑0.
The ordinance amends Chapter 28 (zoning) by adding a section limiting city parks to public and recreational uses; staff recommended approval and offered to work on clarifying definitions if the council desires additional precision later.
Council members and staff told speakers that public comment and litigation related to previous petitions (the Save Boca petition) remain pending in court and that a charter amendment would require a different process.
The council's vote was unanimous (5‑0); the ordinance takes effect per its codification schedule unless otherwise specified.
