Current Site vs. Proposed Development
Currently
Area currently serves as civic and recreational hub for downtown residents and for residents throughout the city and for visitors. Open spaces allow for organized sports and other activities.
City Proposal
Replace existing facilities with mixed-use private development on 7.8 acres of public land located east of NW 2nd Avenue and adjacent to the Brightline station while retaining some features of Memorial Park.
Results of Community Input Discussion from January 18, 2024
What was this Event?
The Community Advisory Panel held a public forum on January 18, 2024 to gather resident and business input on Boca Raton’s future. Feedback on downtown development, services, housing, sustainability, recreation, and public art was compiled into a report presented to the City Council to guide planning and programs.
The report is no longer available on the City's website but BocaFirst archived it here.
Attractions
Key Resident Requirements:
- Small town feel
- Resident friendly
- Keep the Children's Museum
Connectivity & Mobility
Key Resident Requirements:
- Shuttle service within downtown and to key attractions
- Better pedestrian options including bridges, sidewalks and crossings
- Dedicated bike paths
- Reduce Brightline costs
Other Success Factor(s):
- A downtown-only shuttle doesn't help residents get there without a car
Events & Entertainment
Key Resident Requirements:
- Farmers' Market
- Family friendly activities
- Community events
- Signature events to bring in visitors
- Car shows had more red than green stickers, but few votes overall, indicate a broad neutrality.
Government Services/Amenities
Government Services/Amenities
Key Resident Requirements:
- Community Center and associated programming
- Free, accessible parking
- Parking garage opinions were split, possibly due to concerns about paid parking
- Bill paying was unpopular, because people prefer to pay online
Housing
Government Services/Amenities
Key Resident Requirements:
- Mixed‑use had some interest, but opposition to more apartments was strong
- “Affordable housing” raised concerns, while “workforce housing” was better received
Other Success Factor(s):
- Boca’s high average income means many downtown workers still can’t afford “affordable housing”
Public Art
Key Resident Requirements:
- Public art is seen as a positive for the city
- What is considered "tasteful" can be open to interpretation.
Other Success Factor(s):
- Ensure that public art compliments the Spanish style of Addison Mizner
Recreation and Sports
Key Resident Requirements:
- Keep tennis courts and softball fields downtown.
- Multipurpose area for community events
- Limited interest in Pickleball and Shuffleboard courts
- Skate park received only green stickers, with requests for it to be free
Other Success Factor(s):
- Downtown residents want recreation facilities to remain within walking distance
Retail, Commercial and Shopping
Key Resident Requirements:
- More activities within walking distance
- Small stores over big chain retailers
- Overwhelmingly against office space
- Interest in bars was split with a bit more negative
Other Success Factor(s):
- Given the existing retail areas, the City should determine which activities residents believe are lacking.
Sustainability & Resiliency
Sustainability & Resiliency
Key Resident Requirements:
- More green spaces and trees
- Shaded outdoor areas
- Walkable areas
- Keep the banyan trees
Other Success Factor(s):
- There must be a commitment to protect the banyan trees