Boca Raton council reviews conceptual recreation master plan proposing relocations and new amenities

Staff presented a conceptual recreation master plan that would reshape several parks and relocate some downtown recreational amenities. Recreation Services Director Greg Stevens and Brianne Harms, executive director of the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District, told the council the consultant-led process is a 98-day conceptual effort that will produce up to three design options per site with preliminary budgets and parking and traffic analysis. "The overall timeline for the entire plan is 98 days," Stevens said.

The plan under review targets Meadows Park, University Woodlands Park, DeHornley Park, Sugar Sand Park and North Park. Staff identified roughly 11 acres on Tract A at Sugar Sand Park that could accommodate three to four softball fields to free up downtown space, and they flagged North Park as a likely location for a new pool and a future field house. Brianne Harms said the tennis center location remains undecided: "Tennis center is TBD."

Presenters discussed potential site changes such as regrading at Woodlands Park, moving tennis courts, artificial turf, and adding lighted sand volleyball. Staff said they already are considering a skate park and pump track on the east side of North Park and plan public presentations to the city council, the Beach and Park District board and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in mid to late July.

Council members pressed for early advisory-board involvement, more public education about closures and relocations, and said public-private partnerships (P3s) could help fund indoor court space or a field house. Staff cautioned that some sites (notably Lake Wyman) face flooding and covenant constraints that limit lighted amenities and could add substantial cost. No decisions were made; the consultant will refine options for later public feedback and formal consideration.