Ocean Strand Park clears permitting hurdle, ready for conversion into natural waterfront park.
BOCA RATON, Fla. (August 26, 2022) – Long the subject of outdoor dreams, Ocean Strand Park is about to become a reality.
Earlier this month the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District completed the permitting process required to continue conversion of the vacant lot, located along A1A between Spanish River Blvd., and Palmetto Park Rd., into Boca’s newest natural waterfront park.
Surveyors will be on-site at Ocean Strand next week, with development crews expected shortly thereafter.
“We are excited to bring this great park to the Boca Raton community,” District chair Erin Wright said. “We intend to develop a park that puts Boca’s natural beauty on full display.”
Located at 2300 N Ocean Blvd, Ocean Strand is a 14-acre parcel of land that stretches from the beach to the Intracoastal. Recently, the District cleared invasive vegetation from the site in preparation for Phase 1 of the park’s creation.
Phase 1 stretches from A1A to the Intracoastal waterway and will include natural walking trails through the mangroves, ADA accessibility and educational opportunities. Future phases could include picnic tables, a kayak launch and parking.
Even before its completion, Ocean Strand Park is already receiving national recognition. Ocean Strand is one of 10 finalists in the National Recreation and Park Association’s “Perk Your Park” competition. The contest, sponsored by Niagara Bottling, awards the top three vote-getting parks $75,000 each based on the results of an internet election.
Members of the Boca Raton community are invited to visit https://niagaraperkyourpark.com/parks/ocean-strand-park/ to cast their ballot. Community members can vote daily through Sept. 12, 2022.
The District purchased Ocean Strand in 1994 with the idea of creating a public park that accentuates the property’s natural features and beauty.
A timetable for completion of Phase 1 is not yet established.
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 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.
