Boca Raton commissioners have officially rejected a proposal for a surf park at North Park, formerly the Ocean Breeze golf course. The decision came after significant community pushback, with residents voicing concerns over noise, traffic, and environmental impact. The project, dubbed Boca Surf Park, aimed to create a surfing oasis with manufactured waves and various amenities.
Key Takeaways
- Boca Raton commissioners voted 3-2 to reject the Boca Surf Park proposal.
- Community concerns regarding noise, traffic, and environmental impact were primary drivers for the rejection.
- The decision halts plans for a surf park at the North Park site.
- Other development proposals for North Park are still under consideration.
Project Details And Community Concerns
The proposed Boca Surf Park envisioned a destination featuring a programmable wave system capable of hosting up to 80 surfers per hour, alongside a coaching hub, dining options, wellness areas, volleyball courts, and an "adventure zone." The project was initially favored by the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District, having earned the most points among various proposals for the rejuvenation of North Park.
However, the plan quickly faced opposition from local residents. Many expressed worries that the surf park would disrupt the tranquility of their neighborhoods, citing potential increases in noise, traffic congestion, and light pollution. Reona Zevitkowski, a resident living near North Park, articulated these sentiments, stating, "It’s a destructive eyesore that threatens our neighborhoods, environment and the very essence of why we love Boca Raton. We don’t need engineered waves. We need to protect what we already have."
The Commissioners’ Decision
Despite some support from individuals within the surfing community who saw the project as a forward-thinking initiative, the majority of commissioners sided with the concerned residents. The Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District commissioners ultimately voted 3-2 to reject the Boca Surf Park proposal and any similar surf park developments at the North Park site. The primary reasons cited for the rejection were compatibility issues with the surrounding community and anticipated traffic impacts.
Future Plans For North Park
The rejection of the surf park means that development plans for the eastern portion of North Park will proceed with other proposals. The district had solicited a wide range of ideas for the vacant golf course site, including golf hubs, indoor sports and entertainment facilities, and community centers like a Boys & Girls Club and a YMCA. Following the surf park’s dismissal, the district will now focus on the financial feasibility of other highly-ranked proposals, such as KemperSports (mixed-use golf hub), Boca Sports Entertainment (indoor sports and entertainment), and a Boys & Girls Club facility. Plans are already underway for an indoor pickleball facility, a potential field house, and a new city skatepark at North Park.
Sources
- Surf park plan hits breaking point: It’s a no-go in Boca, Sun Sentinel.
- Boca surf park project rejected by commissioners, WPTV.
