Boca Raton agrees to shift youth softball to Spanish River Athletic Complex for Fall 2026 while amenities are evaluated

The council heard a recreation update on May 26 and staff announced an agreement with league representatives to relocate youth softball programs to the Spanish River Athletic Complex in time for the Fall 2026 season.

Greg Stevens, Recreation Services Director, told the council that staff and softball leadership negotiated a move that provides immediate access to four fields, two existing batting cages, on-site maintenance staff, and parking, which the leagues had requested. “We’re in a good place,” Stevens said, adding the move allows immediate access to amenities while the city evaluates longer-term Memorial and Meadows Park improvements.

Stevens reviewed alternatives: phased amenities at Memorial and Meadows that would require significant tree removals and longer construction lead times, or relocating to Spanish River Athletic Complex so youth softball can have consolidated fields, practices and tournaments. Staff estimated upgrades to Memorial/Meadows — lighting, batting cages, bullpens, restroom improvements and bleachers — in the ballpark of $920,000 for the lighting and hundreds of thousands more for cages and pads depending on scope.

Councilmembers pressed for cost detail and supporting bids; Councilmember Perlman asked for the procurement documentation for batting cages and lighting and requested staff send the proposals for review. Public commenters, including parents, praised the relocation and said it will improve safety, convenience and competitive opportunities for players. Stevens said the relocation was announced to leagues May 21 and that the city will continue master-plan work before committing to permanent capital expenditures at Memorial/Meadows.

The council accepted the update and staff will coordinate registrations and notify user groups of the Fall 2026 plan.