Ocean Strand Park, Boca Raton

Boca Raton's newest public park has a designer. Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District Commissioners unanimously approved the bid from Maracore Builders to design and create Phase I of the Ocean Strand passive park, opening the park to the public by year's end.

"I am so pleased that we're moving forward to give residents the kind of natural park they want," Commissioner Steven Engel said. "This vote should put to rest any lingering rumors about Ocean Strand. It will be a park open to the public, one everyone in the community can enjoy."

The 14-acre Ocean Strand property is located between Spanish River Blvd. and Palmetto Park Rd. on A1A, stretching from the beach to the Intracoastal. Phase I focuses on the 11 acres west of A1A. Maracore's bid includes the creation of a walking trail, the clearing of invasive vegetation, and the installation of benches and picnic tables.

AGTLAND, which worked as a consultant on the renovation of Boca Raton's Red Reef Park, is partnering with Maracore for the Ocean Strand project. Their familiarity with the environment will be beneficial to the project. Initially, Ocean Strand will be a pedestrian park.

The District purchased Ocean Strand with the idea of creating a public park that accentuates the property's natural features and beauty, believing that additional open space and access to both the Intracoastal and the beach would allow the community to appreciate Boca Raton's natural beauty in a relaxed setting.