Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Downtown Improvements topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Downtown manager details Meisner Park installations, paver repairs and digital-kiosk plans
Summary
Ruby Riley, downtown manager, told the Boca Raton CRA about an Instagrammable lighted artwork slated for Meisner Park in November, new water-filling stations, recycling bins and ongoing paver repairs; staff also is studying digital kiosks and a possible Sunday green market.
Ruby Riley, Downtown Manager, gave the Boca Raton Community Redevelopment Agency a broad update on downtown improvements on Monday, saying the CRA will install a lighted “Instagrammable” photo-op in Meisner Park in November and is planning a reveal ceremony for the public.
“For the record, I am Ruby Riley, Downtown Manager, and I’m here today to provide you an update on downtown projects,” Riley said, outlining maintenance and activation efforts across the downtown district.
Riley said staff repaired and replaced an oversized Adirondack chair that had been vandalized and installed sturdier signage to deter further theft. She said the downtown team has ordered replacement black tables and chairs to keep on hand when public furniture is damaged.
On water access, Riley said parts of the downtown property owners’ area (POA) lack potable water. Staff has obtained quotes and will install a potable water-filling station at the north end near the amphitheater and is evaluating additional stations that will require jack-and-bore work to connect to water lines.
Riley described other projects aimed at improving downtown use and appearance: two banner poles installed at Sanborn Square for event sponsors, recycling bins on order for Meisner Park and Sanborn Square, and ongoing paver repairs in zones 4, 5, 6 and 7. She said staff is coordinating with a potential vendor to pilot a Sunday green market in Sanborn Square running through the winter months.
Riley also said the city is researching digital kiosks and has sought piggyback procurement options used by other municipalities; staff will need information-technology support for content management and potential power from traffic signal infrastructure. She said purchasing and legal review are underway.
Commissioners asked about recurring vandalism. Commissioner Singer noted the repeated theft of public chess pieces; Riley said staff keeps inventory, purchases full replacement sets when needed and swaps pieces when individual pieces disappear.
Riley closed by thanking downtown staff and partner departments — naming planning, parks, facilities, police and IT personnel — for their ongoing coordination.
Next steps: staff will continue vendor procurement and site preparation for the November installation and return with updates to the CRA as projects advance.
