BOCA RATON, FL – January 27, 2020 – The City of Boca Raton is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the soft opening of Hillsboro El Rio Park South on Saturday, February 22, 2020. The ribbon-cutting will be held from 9:30am to 10am. The ceremony will feature remarks by Mayor Scott Singer, Recreation Services Director, Michael J. Kalvort and Boca Raton Parks and Recreation Board Chair, Dr. Dennis R. Frisch. A corresponding ribbon cutting and plaque unveiling for the Joe Good Playground will take place after the official park ribbon cutting. Following the ceremonies, the community can explore and enjoy the brand-new playground, join in on a pick-up game of basketball, pickleball or volleyball, launch a kayak or paddleboard or wander the pristine grounds of the park. The celebration will also include family fun activities, food trucks and more.
Development of Hillsboro El Rio Park South officially started in February 2019 after a renewed commitment was made to enhance activities along the City’s waterfront park sites. Located on the south side of SW 18th Street between Dixie Highway and the El Rio Canal, the 14-acre site is the newest city park.
The revitalized park features the following:
- Walking, jogging path with a fitness station
- Multi-age fully accessible playground (10,129 square feet)
- 1 basketball court
- 4 pickleball courts
- 1 sand volleyball court
- 2 tennis courts
- 5 picnic pavilions (3 large and 2 small)
- 28 picnic tables and 7 barbecue grills
- A soft launch area for canoes, kayaks and paddle boards into the El Rio Canal with a boat rinse station
- Parking (124 total spaces) and restroom facilities
The Hillsboro El Rio Park site along the El Rio Canal was recognized as a natural addition to enhancing waterfront activities for residents. After input from surrounding neighbors and recommendations by the Parks and Recreation Board, an amended site plan was created from an original park design that offered an extension to original Hillsboro El Rio Park. This prompted the park to be divided into Hillsboro El Rio Park North and Hillsboro El Rio Park South. The north side of the park includes athletic fields and was opened to the public in 2002. Fire Station 8, which is situated on the northeastern section of the city-owned parcel, was dedicated in 2005.
The Hillsboro El Rio Park South project cost approximately $7.8 million and was financed with surtax dollars provided to the City by the County’s One Cent Sales Tax. For more information visit, the City’s website or watch the progress video.
Contact:
Anne Marie Connolly
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
561-544-8521
