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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.
Joel has published the rest of the story at StetNews.org, a website he co-founded. Click here to continue reading.
© 2024 Joel Engelhardt. All rights reserved.
Years ago wealthy Old Palm golf course residents FOUGHT building a baseball complex which would have been a financial bonus for the city , citing traffic issues.. now that same land is again considered for athletic facilities.. HYPOCRITES..we could have had another MLB team and concert site and recreation fields!
Mayor and Council members:
As a city resident since 1965 and a former Mayor and City Council member I would urge the City Council to vote NO on approval of Resolution 21, 2024 rejecting this proposal on the basis of location, and on the City’s recreational needs for open space and park space, particularly, in this built out residential area of the Gardens. The little amount of yearly fees generated from the lease rental is insignificant. Open areas for parks and recreation are at a premium. No amount of fees etc. that may be garnered is worth the sacrifice of the Plant Drive Park, especially to commercialization. As the oldest City owned park it is a landmark of significant historical merit and importance. Plant Drive Park’s value to the enhancement of the quality of life for all Gardens’ residents is enduring and is not quantifiable.
Michael Martino