More Room For Kicks

Boca Raton is about to get additional much-needed soccer fields.

District Commissioners agreed earlier this month to fund Phase II of Spanish River Athletic Complex's development, which will happen in conjunction with the City of Boca Raton – owner of the park.

“Boca Raton has such a strong youth soccer program that the fields always seem to be in use,” Commissioner Bob Rollins said. “There's already a need for more fields, and we don't want the scarcity to grow worse.”

To move the project forward, the District issued a Request For Qualifications, looking for a firm to plan and design Phase II.

As part of that RFQ, the District is asking respondents to anticipate the construction of two full-sized synthetic turf fields designed to accommodate subdivision into four smaller fields. Turf fields require less down time for maintenance, allowing for increased hours of play.

Commissioners hope the final project includes lighting for fields and parking lots, extra parking spaces, and a building offering restrooms, storage and meeting rooms.

Parents and fans will be able to enjoy watching games and practices from shaded bleachers.

Opened in 2012, the Spanish River Athletic Complex covers nearly 85 acres. It currently offers soccer, football, baseball and softball fields, a playground, walking trails and picnic areas.

While created primarily to accommodate youth soccer programs, the new fields will be available to players of all ages, provided it hasn't been previously reserved by other parties.