BOCA RATON, Fla. (May 22, 2025) Nine-year-old Jordan Ogman led a charge of youngsters through the open gates, the group becoming the first to enjoy the newly renovated, all-inclusive playground Ogman inspired.
On Thursday afternoon at Patch Reef Park Ogman slid down slides, shot balls into baskets set for pint-sized hoopsters, and cooled off within the all-new splash pad. Everyone received hugs. The smile never left his face.
“He could not be any happier,” said Stacey Ogman, Jordan’s mother. “He keeps saying, ‘Everyone’s here!’ He’s so excited. He’s been in the water. He’s been all over the place and loving it.”
Less than two years ago Jordan’s parents petitioned Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District Commissioners to create a playground more suitable for Jordan and other special needs children like him.
Seeing a need, Commissioners voted to remake the Pirates Cove playground within District-owned Patch Reef Park into an all-inclusive playground where children like Jordan can play side-by-side with their more able-bodied peers.
“I love it!” Jordan repeatedly yelled as he raced through the playground for the first time.
The playground opened in time for Memorial Day park visitors to enjoy.
Jordan stood in front of Stacey and his older sister Kira, all five District Commissioners and several City of Boca Raton Councilmembers as his father, David, snipped the ceremonial red ribbon with oversized scissors, opening the new playground to the Boca Raton community.
More than 100 people – mostly comprised of Boca Raton families – then flooded the playground.
“This is unbelievable,” Stacey said. “It’s surpassed all of our expectations. This is going to be the most popular spot in Boca all summer long.”
Prior to the ribbon cutting, several dignitaries spoke about what the all-inclusive park brings to Boca Raton.
District Commissioner Steve Engel drew from his faith during his remarks, noting that it is the responsibility of the community as a whole to take care of each member of the community.
“This park is a shining example of how the community of Boca Raton lives up to that promise,” Engel said.
The new playground features a wheelchair-compatible swing set, slides mounted on grassy hills rather than ladders to afford easier access for children of all abilities, and many other colorful features. Nearly all features reside under shade structures or trees.
The previous splash pad received a makeover, quickly becoming a big hit among the children during the warm South Florida afternoon.
Innovative features ensure accessibility and inclusivity, offering a welcoming and engaging space for children and families in the Boca Raton community.
For parents, additional benches afford better, shaded, sight lines for monitoring their child’s play. There are completely new picnic areas, restroom facilities and additional ADA parking.
A fence surrounds the entire inclusive playground area to keep curious children from wandering unsupervised into different areas of the park.
Nearly all the park’s natural features, including grasses and trees, remain from the previous layout.
Patch Reef Park’s new all-inclusive playground is located at the west end of the park.
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ABOUT THE GREATER BOCA RATON BEACH AND PARK DISTRICT: The District is committed to the acquisition and development of parks and recreation facilities. It seeks to provide entertaining and engaging leisure, educational, athletic and cultural activities to all of its residents and guests. The District owns multiple recreational facilities and/or parks in the Boca Raton area, including Sugar Sand Park, Patch Reef Park, the Swim and Racquet Center, North Park and Ocean Strand. In addition, through interlocal agreements with the City of Boca Raton, it funds the operating expenses of the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Red Reef Park, Spanish River Athletic Facilities and Mizner Bark Dog Park.
