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Two major proposals for recreation in Palm Beach Gardens are going in opposite directions.
Moving forward: A nonprofit organization’s $40 million plan to build two ice rinks with the backing of a company associated with hockey great Wayne Gretzky.
What’s happening: The City Council will consider leasing a city park for 40 years to the Palm Beach North Athletic Foundation at its meeting Thursday.
The park is named Plant Drive Park. It is east of Military Trail and south of Burns Road behind Palm Beach Gardens High School.
The dual ice rinks would replace a girls’ softball field used by Palm Beach Gardens High School and dedicated to the memory of slain softball player Amanda Buckley. The project also would eliminate a basketball court and a skateboard park.
What they’re saying: In its memo to the council, the city called Plant Drive Park “a marginal recreational facility (that) attracts malcontents who engage in illegal activities, including vandalizing the premises.”
Rejected: Plans for a $50 million gymnasium, pickleball, mini golf and restaurant complex on 14 acres in the Gardens North County District Park.
What’s happening: The city selected developer Mammoth Fieldhouse, a subsidiary of Mammoth Sports Construction of Meriden, Kansas, in September.
Yes, but: Negotiations hit a snag in January when Mammoth revised its financial approach, Stet News learned through the city’s response to a public records request.
“The terms of the proposal are completely opposite to the city’s stated intentions conveyed to the Mammoth team almost a year ago,” city purchasing agent Km! Ra wrote on Jan. 9.
“Therefore, we will be moving forward with other options for Gardens District Park and will not be engaging into any further discussions with Mammoth.”
Read more about Palm Beach North Athletic Foundation’s efforts to build in Palm Beach Gardens here and here.
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