District Dispatch Newsletter January 2025

Pro pickleball at Patch Reef, a steady direction for the District, a rink cover at Sugar Sand and more in this month's District Dispatch Newsletter.

Sugar Sand Rink Going Undercover

New roof cover coming to Sugar Sand Park's outdoor multisport rink will allow hockey, basketball and futsal games to be played in any weather.

Masters on Display at Patch Reef

Former tennis star Ivan Lendl among the hundreds of professional and amateur players who converged on Patch Reef Park for the Boca Masters.

Wright For The Job

Pleased with the District's course over the past few years, District Commissioners once again vote Erin Wright chair.

A Year's Worth of Accomplishments

District completed major projects, launched important new ones during a highly productive 2024.  

Boca's Community Connection

At the heart of the District's 50 years of success lies a reverence within Commissioners for the residents they serve.

The Honor Is All Ours

Parks and their features received numerous awards and honors during the District's first 50 years.

Public Art Mural Installed at Sugar Sand

Artist James Prosek's mural featuring animals and plants from Florida's unique ecosystem debuted at Sugar Sand Park on Friday as part of the City of Boca Raton's “Public Art Boca” project. 

Art In The Park

A mural created by renowned artist James Prosek will be installed on a wall at Sugar Sand Park in December.

Volunteers Turn Fantasy Into Reality

Thousands of volunteers pitched in to create one of South Florida's iconic playgrounds.

Giving Boca A Sporting Chance

Through organized games, pick-up games are individual fitness programs, nearly two dozen sports are played at District owned or funded parks.

District Breaks Ground On New Inclusive Playground

District Commissioners, Ogman family, Boca Raton dignitaries launch construction on Patch Reef Park playground where children off all abilities can play together.

Special Pickleball Victories

In its first year, Boca Raton's Patch Reef Park Special Olympics pickleball team enjoys smashing success.

At 50, It's All About Upgrades and Maintenance

In the first 50 years of the District's existence, Commissioners ensured facilities kept pace with the Boca Raton Community's growing needs.

Being Cool To The Schools

The District has a long history of partnering with educational entities to benefit the Boca Raton community.

Serving Aces at Father Time

Howie Levinson began playing tennis at Patch Reef before the facility opened. Now 93, one of the Tennis Center's most beloved patrons still plays three times per week.

Strand Saved From Condos

With the last open parcel of Boca Raton land stretching from the ocean to the Intracoastal nearing development, the District acted to preserve greenspace and create a natural park.

District Swings With Golf

The first District's first 50 years include a deep relationship with the sport of golf.

Florida's Best Buddy

Spanish River High School grad Claire McDonough wins Florida Youth Soccer Association's Buddy of the Year Award.

Gilbert's Masterful Gumbo Recipe

Gordon Gilbert's quest to preserve natural hammock and use it for education purposes resulted in Gumbo Limbo becoming a Boca Raton icon.   

District Built on Stable Foundation

Relatively little turnover among District Commissioners enhanced their ability to work together for the Boca Raton Community.

District, City Create Fabulous Fourth

District parks Patch Reef and Sugar Sand play key roles in Boca Raton's Fabulous Fourth celebration.

Aces All Around at Swim and Racquet Club

The District's 2000 purchase of the Boca Raton Swim and Racquet Center significantly increased number of Boca's public tennis courts, doubled number of pools.

Little Places to Play

District Parks are designed for the enjoyment of even the smallest members of the Boca Raton community.

Patch Reef District's Pivotal Park

The District's purchase and development of Patch Reef launched a new era for Boca Raton parks – and the District itself.

New Outlook For Life

New Gumbo Limbo tower, which opened in mid-June, offers stunning look at Boca Raton from Jacob's Outlook observation deck.

Gilbert a Presence at Jacob's Outlook Opening

Former Commissioner Gordon Gilbert couldn't physically attend the opening of Jacob's Outlook, but he still found a way to enjoy the ceremony.

The Bark That Binds

More than simply a place for dogs to play, Mizner Bark provided setting where dozens of Boca Raton retirees formed lasting friendships.

Sugar Sand Worth The Effort

District Commissioners overcame ecological and financial hurdles to create one of South Florida's great public parks.

'The Carousel Lady' Rides Again

Elaine Kleinman explains why bringing a carousel to Sugar Sand Park became her passion and reflects on her three decades as the lone female District Commissioner.