North Park Skatepark Design Approved

Airwalks, boardslides and kick flips moved a step closer to North Park when Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District commissioners unanimously approved design plans for a new skatepark.

“I think this is amazing and I think it's going to serve so many people,” Commissioner Erin Wright said. “I think it's going to be huge asset to the community.”

A loud cheer erupted from project supporters when Commissioners gave their approval following a presentation by Plant-A-Park and the Platform Group at the January 20 public meeting. 

“I'm blown away by your presentation and your enthusiasm,” Commissioner Bob Rollins said. “This is a wonderful-looking project.”

The 42,000 square foot skatepark will be located next to Boca Paddle, south of Jeffrey St. tucked into the area east of NW 2nd Ave. All of the skating features are more than 300 feet away from residences, and noise reduction measures - including trees and landscaping - are incorporated into the design. The design team prioritized maintaining green space and shade trees.

Prior to finalizing the design, creators held two public workshops to gather community input regarding what skaters and residents wanted included in the park.

A portion of the design creates a street course, with transitions connecting it to bowls. There are pump tracks and a snake run that can also be enjoyed on bicycles. Some aspects of the park are designed to mimic famous local skateboarding spots.

“This to me is something that has a fairly wide appeal,” Commissioner Steve Engel said. “It's not only skateboarders, it's skaters and bicyclists.”

The multilevel street course takes advantage of many of the gradients already existing from the former Ocean Breeze golf course.

Though designers did receive input from Olympic skateboarders, the park is designed to be enjoyed by skaters of all skill levels.

“This is something good for the community,” Commissioner Craig Ehrnst said.

Consultant Miller Legg will now finalize construction documents and the District will work with the City of Boca Raton on a funding agreement. The City previously committed to funding two-thirds of the skatepark's construction cost.