Article provided by Jasmine Fernandez, Palm Beach Post
A 14-acre stretch of land from the beach to the Intracoastal on Ocean Boulevard has been sitting dormant for 28 years. Soon, it will be known as Ocean Strand Park.
The Greater Boca Raton Beach & Park District bought the land at 2300 N. Ocean Blvd. in 1994. City officials envisioned turning it into a public park that would accentuate the area’s natural beauty. "When you go there, it's like walking back in time almost," said Briann Harms, executive director of the Beach & Park District, reminiscing on the homes once spread across the property when it was developed. "You forget that you're in South Florida for a minute because you're surrounded by trees, you're surrounded by the sounds of birds and nature and wildlife."
Items found during the dig at the site date to 800 AD
After its purchase, those homes were taken down and the land remained gated as a vacant lot. But in early August, Beach & Park District officials completed the permitting process required to move forward with the park's development, which took two years.
The process lasted longer than District Commissioner Erin Wright had anticipated, but Boca Raton city officials are diligent when it comes to permitting, she said. That, and archaeological remains of pottery dating back to 800 AD were found on the site.
Archaeological digs are not always required by city officials, Harms said, but typically produce the best results in coastal communities, where objects tend to wash up. Harms plans on proposing displaying the pottery at the Boca Raton Historical Society, but if the team there does not accept the pieces, they will be preserved at one of Boca Raton's parks or community centers, she said.
Harms predicts Ocean Strand will be completed by the new year. Though work on the park will start this month, heavy machinery is not permitted on the land because of the archaeological finds. So everything that's being done now, such as the invasive plant removal requested by city officials, must happen manually, extending the process.
Can a national contest bring extra money for Boca's new park?
When Wright proposed Ocean Strand, the project's budget was $100,000. Today, the number has risen to $300,000, she said. But that could change with the national recognition the park has garnered so far, even before its completion — and the price that comes with it.
Currently, Ocean Strand Park is fifth in place, out of 10 contestants, for the Niagara "Perk Your Park" Project. If Ocean Strand wins, $75,000 would be awarded toward the park's cost, Wright said. Park officials expect to know the winners on or around Oct. 20.
An award such as this one certainly could help taxpayers, such as Dave Petruzzelli, who has lived in Boca Raton his entire life, even supporting the acquisition of the land for the park back in the 1990s. "It was an excellent piece for preservation and passive use," Petruzzelli said. "It really helps complete the natural area that surrounds Lake Wyman, … and it's really kind of like land that time forgot, just kind of a lot of people don't even realize it's there. It's absolutely gorgeous."
Petruzzelli, 61, plans to enjoy the park daily, primarily by walking its trail, which is near his home. But he also hopes others in the area will take advantage of the hidden gem.
The park is in Phase 1 right now, meaning the work will focus on natural walking trails through the mangroves, ADA accessibility and educational opportunities. Future phases could bring electricity and running water to the park, as well as picnic tables, a kayak launch and space for parking.