Linking Landscapes
with Avenir Exploring the Budget
PRODUCTION
Public Media Relations Division
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ki Ki Hobbs
Candice Temple
David L. Williams II
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Olivia Glowala
Candice Temple
David L. Williams II
CONTACT US
signaturecity@pbgfl.com
Signature City Questions: 561.799.4152
Main City Line: 561.799.4100
SignatureCity
CITY BRIEFS
VOTE-BY-MAIL:
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Thursday, October 10, 2024
Thursday, November 7, 2024
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Thursday, January 9, 2024
City Council meetings are generally held on the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers, first floor, City Hall, 10500 N. Military Trail, unless otherwise scheduled.
OTHER WAYS TO WATCH
Can’t make it to the meeting in person? Stay informed from the comfort of your own home! LiveStream: www.pbgfl.com/LiveStream Archives: www.youtube.com/citypbg
GENERAL ELECTION: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
POLLS OPEN: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: October 7, 2024
More information at registertovoteflorida.gov.
Any registered voter can Vote-by-Mail. You can request a Vote-by-Mail ballot for a specific election or for all elections through the next general election. After the next general election, you will need to make the request again. A Voteby-Mail ballot is not forwardable by the U.S. postal service and a ballot returned undeliverable cancels a request for future elections and must be renewed.
Vote-by-Mail ballots can be returned at any Early Voting location during Early Voting hours, by mail using pre-paid postage, or to one of our four offices during office hours.
Visit votepalmbeach.gov to request your Vote-by-Mail ballot.
EARLY VOTING NOVEMBER 5, 2024
GENERAL ELECTION:
Early voting will be available from October 21 through November 3rd from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
PBG residents can vote at the Gardens Branch Library (11303 Campus Drive) during this time.
On Election Day, you must vote in the polling location that is assigned to your precinct. The precinct you live in determines which races will be on your ballot and where you vote.
Visit votepalmbeach.gov/Voters/Precinct-Finder to find your polling location.
NEW CUSTOMER PORTAL COMING
TO
SEACOAST UTILITIES!
Seacoast Utility Authority will be launching a brand-new customer portal on their website this fall.
Be sure to check www.sua.com for updates.
The new portal will allow customers to:
• Pay bills online with just a few clicks
• Keep track of water usage and monitor consumption trends
• Update account information
• Set up personalized notifications to stay informed
(l to r) Councilmembers Marcie Tinsley, Vice Mayor Dana Middleton, Carl Woods, Mayor Chelsea Reed & Councilmember Robert Premuroso.
FLORIDA CITY GOVERNMENT WEEK
The City of Palm Beach Gardens will be joining cities throughout the state to recognize and raise awareness about the importance of municipal government. Cities are the level of government closest to the people and play a big role in enhancing the quality of life in communities.
Join us for the following free, public events during Florida City Government Week:
MONDAY, OCTOBER 21
Toasts & Topics
5:30 - 7 P.M. AT VETERANS PLAZA AMPHITHEATER, 10500 N. MILITARY TRAIL, PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL
Join Mayor Reed for a relaxed evening where you can discuss local issues, share your ideas, and ask questions about what's happening in your City. This informal after-hours event is a great opportunity to connect and engage.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24
Jumpstart's Read for the Record
10 A.M. AT THE GARDENS NORTH COUNTY DISTRICT PARK LARGE PAVILION, 5101 117TH COURT NORTH
Bring your imagination and enjoy a story with Palm Beach Gardens Mayor Chelsea Reed. After story time, guests can have fun with music and cool off at the splash pad. This year’s featured book is Piper Chen Sings, co-written by Philippa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran. The story will also be read in American Sign Language and Spanish.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
Fall Festival
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24
Resident Photo Contest Reception
6 P.M. AT CITY HALL LOBBY, 10500 N. MILITARY TRAIL
Palm Beach Gardens is full of talent! The winning photographs from this year’s contest will be revealed during a special reception at City Hall. The selected entries from the Resident Photography Contest will be showcased in an exhibition at City Hall from October 21 to December 5, 2024.
4 – 8 P.M. AT THE GARDENS NORTH COUNTY DISTRICT PARK, 5101 117TH COURT NORTH
Let's get WILD! Enjoy a safari-themed evening with live shows, food vendors, 'Jungle Gym' inflatables, and the Party Animals dance party. Be sure to wear your costume and bring a bag for trick-or-treating!
Flying Highlights
Capital Projects Lifting Off
DISTRICT PARK FIELD HOUSE
$8,000,000
LOCATION: The Gardens North County District Park Youth and adult leagues will find a new, indoor sports home coming to District Park. Programs such as basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, and more will be available in this facility. In addition to sports leagues, the center will support youth childcare programs and will be able to accommodate community special events. This project is designed to align with the City’s long-term vision for enhancing community resources and recreational opportunities, and it will meet all contractually required development milestones as outlined in the City’s Lease Agreement for the county park land. Find update at www.pbgfl.gov/fieldhouse.
BURNS ROAD PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENT
$750,000
LOCATION: Burns Road Community Center
The time has come to revitalize the Burns Road Playground, which has reached the end of its functional lifespan and
requires a complete replacement to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the community. Residents can look forward to a new, modern & vibrant playground tailored to ages 0-12 years. There will also be new synthetic turf and several shade structures.
GARDENS NATURE PARK AND TRAIL
$900,000
LOCATION: Avenir
As the Avenir community continues growing, outdoor space for the community to connect with nature & enjoy the outdoors will come with Phase 1 of the Gardens Nature Park and Trail project. In addition to the trail, restrooms, a parking lot, lighting for safety, seating, and shaded rest spots. Additional elements include fencing for security and landscaping to enhance the park's beauty and provide a welcoming environment for both visitors and wildlife. This project was awarded a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) 50/50 matching grant, which provides substantial financial support. Read more about it on page 14.
Navigating Trends
FINANCIAL SYSTEM REPLACEMENT
$500,000
Behind the scenes, the enterprise resource planning (ERP) software that staff uses citywide has reached the end of its life, and support will be phased out. The City will upgrade to the Tyler Munis system.
COCONUT BOULEVARD EXTENSION
$500,000
LOCATION: Avenir
The Coconut Boulevard Extension will be a 2.5-mile, 4-lane, divided road extension that will create a major thoroughfare connecting Northlake Boulevard to State Road 710 (Beeline Highway). The stretch will feature medians, curbing, drainage, critter crossing tunnels, and emergency vehicle staging.
Extend the View
Want more details about our community and the city budget? Visit www.pbgfl.gov/budget.
SAFE STREETS FOR ALL PLANNING GRANT
$200,000
The Vision Zero grant is a federal initiative aimed at improving road safety and reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries on American roadways. The City has received a 2023 Safe Streets for All Planning Grant to develop a comprehensive safety action plan, commonly known as a Vision Zero Action Plan. The grant award is $200,000, requiring a $50,000 match from the City, bringing the total project cost to $250,000. Of this amount, $200,000 is reimbursable from the Federal Highway Administration.
PARKS IRRIGATION, FENCING, NETTING, SOD, COURT RESURFACING, EQUIPMENT, ETC
$465,500
REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE FOR EQUIPMENT, STRUCTURES, ROOFS & PAINTING
$918,000
ROAD RESURFACING, STRIPING, PARKING LOT & SIDEWALK REPAIRS
$675,000
ROADWAY TREE TRIMMING & PLANT REPLACEMENT
$500,000
FACTS
No City streets are designated as golf cart roadways.
Reminder: Even if registered, a golf cart is not allowed on the roadway or sidewalk.
Statute Violation 316.212: Moving Violation 1 3 2
Know the
SPECS
Know the
LAWS
Traffic laws apply to street-legal golf carts and lowspeed vehicles (LSVs) and are only allowed on roads with a maximum speed limit of 35 mph or below. They are not considered street-legal for roads with speed limits exceeding 35 mph and are prohibited from driving on sidewalks. Statute 316.1995: Moving Violation.
LSVs, including modified golf carts, are regulated by Statute 316.2122. They are treated like regular vehicles and must be equipped with the following:
*Important Note for Parents - Drivers under 18 must be at least 15 years old with a learner's permit (learners permit rules apply) or 16 with a valid driver's license. In addition, anyone 18 or older must carry a valid government-issued photo ID to operate a golf cart. If someone permits an unlicensed driver, such as a child, to operate a registered vehicle (including a Low-Speed Vehicle), it violates Statute 322.36: Permitting Unauthorized Operator to Drive. Seatbelts Tags Turn Signals
Brake Headlights Taillights Cannot Exceed 25 mph
For a detailed review of these statutes, scan the QR code to visit the official Florida Legislature’s webpage under TITLE XXIIIMotor Vehicles.
Calendar of Events
EVERY SUNDAY
The Gardens GreenMarket
Sponsored in good health by Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus
1ST SATURDAYS
Stories in the Park
10 a.m.
Burns Road Park Playground
1ST FRIDAYS IN NOVEMBER-FEBRUARY
Films on the Field Series
Sponsored by The Little Royals Dentistry for Kids
7 p.m.
Gardens North County District Park
NOW – NOVEMBER 7
GardensArt Exhibition
Suzanne Barton: “Aqua Essence”
M-F, 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sat-Sun, 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
NOW-NOVEMBER 14
Fall/Winter Swim Lessons
M-Sa, Various Sessions & Times Aquatic Complex
More info @ pbgfl.com/aquatics
OCTOBER
OCTOBER 8
Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board Meeting
6 - 9 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
OCTOBER 10
City Council Meeting
6 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
OCTOBER 14
Schools Out Golf Camp
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sandhill Crane Golf Club
OCTOBER 18
Tot Time: Boo Bash 10 – 11 a.m. Mirasol Center
OCTOBER 19
GardensArt Artist Reception
Suzanne Barton: “Aqua Essence”
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Center Clubhouse
OCTOBER 19-20
World Pickleball Classic
Sat & Sun 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.*
Lilac Pickleball Courts
*Daily start and end times may vary over the duration of the tournament.
OCTOBER 21-25
Florida City Government Week City Hall
See a full list of events on page 5!
OCTOBER 21-DECEMBER 5
Resident Photography Contest Exhibition
Celebrating Florida Civic Government Week Weekdays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at City Hall
OCTOBER 21
Toasts & Topics with the Mayor 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Veterans Plaza Amphitheater
OCTOBER 22
Special Magistrate Hearing 2 – 5 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
OCTOBER 24 –JANUARY 14, 2025
GardensArt Exhibition
Kris Davis: “Paradise Found”
Dawn to Dusk
Sandhill Crane Golf Clubhouse
OCTOBER 24
Jumpstart’s Read for the Record 10 a.m.
The Gardens North County District Park
Resident Photo Contest Reception
6 p.m.
City Hall Lobby
OCTOBER 26
Adult One-Day Singles Tournament
11:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Center
Fall Festival Sponsored by Franklin Academy 4 – 8 p.m.
The Gardens North County District Park
NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER 1
Films on the Field Kung Fu Panda 4 6 p.m.
The Gardens North County District Park
NOVEMBER 2
Mayor’s Veteran Golf Classic 9 a.m. Shotgun Sandhill Crane Golf Club
Jr Rec Singles Tennis Tournament
11:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
Live at the Amp! Vertigo: U2 Tribute Band 7 – 9 p.m.
Veterans Plaza Amphitheater at City Hall Municipal Campus
NOVEMBER 3, 10, 17, 24
The Gardens GreenMarket Sponsored in good health by Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus
NOVEMBER 5
School's Out Golf Camp
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sandhill Crane Golf Club
Falls Prevention Fair 10 a.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Center
NOVEMBER 7
City Council Meeting
6 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
NOVEMBER 9
Adult One-Day Mixed Doubles Pickleball Tournament 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Joseph R. Russo Athletic Complex
Brunch with Live Music by Mr. Ron
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Nest Par 3 Golf Club
NOVEMBER 11
Veterans Salute Celebration feat. the 13th Army Band Keynote Speaker: Julia Dattolo Sponsored by Conviva Care Centers
11 a.m.
Veterans Plaza Amphitheater
Florida City Pelican by Doreen McGunagle
NOVEMBER 11-JANUARY 16
GardensArt Exhibition Doreen McGunagle
“The Power of Water” Photography M- Th 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Fri 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sat & Sun 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Clubhouse
*Hours may vary due to special events or other programs.
NOVEMBER 12
Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board Meeting
6 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
NOVEMBER 15
Tot Time: Fall Fun 10 – 11 a.m. Mirasol Center
Goddess of the Jellies by Suzanne Barton
NOVEMBER 15-16
World Pickleball Open
Fri & Sat, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.*
Joseph R. Russo Athletic Complex
*Daily start and end times may vary over the duration of the tournament.
NOVEMBER 16
Adult One-Day Singles Tournament
11:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Center
NOVEMBER 19
Special Magistrate Hearing
2 – 5 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
NOVEMBER 21
Artist Reception for Doreen McGunagle
5:30 – 7 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Clubhouse
NOVEMBER 23
Pickleball Stroke of the Month: Overhead, Lob, & 3rd Shot Drop
9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Joseph R. Russo Athletic Complex
NOVEMBER 25-27
Turkey Golf Camp
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sandhill Crane Golf Club
DECEMBER
DECEMBER 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
The Gardens GreenMarket Sponsored in good health by Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus
DECEMBER 5
City Council Meeting
6 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
DECEMBER 6
Films on the Field
IF 6 p.m.
The Gardens North County District Park
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER 6-11
Little Mo International Tournament
Tennis & Pickleball Center
*Daily start and end times may vary over the duration of the tournament.
The Gardens Trailblazer 5k & Tree Lighting
Sponsored by Franklin Academy and Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Jupiter
4 – 7 p.m.
The Gardens North County District Park
DECEMBER 9-JANUARY 23
GardensArt Exhibition
Gretchen Cocuzza
“Wild & Scenic” Oil Paintings
Weekdays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at City Hall
DECEMBER 10
Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board Meeting
6 - 9 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
DECEMBER 14
Pickleball Stroke of the Month: Game & Strategy
9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Joseph R. Russo Athletic Complex
Tennis Mixed Doubles & Lunch (Holiday Mixer)
10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Center
Brunch with Live Music by Mr. Ron
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Nest Par 3 Golf Club
Live at the Amp! Never Stop Believin: Journey Tribute Band Sponsored by Frenchman’s Creek Charities Foundation
7 – 9 p.m.
Veterans Plaza Amphitheater at City Hall Municipal Campus
DECEMBER 15
Live Demo by Gretchen Cocuzza
@ The Gardens GreenMarket
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus
DECEMBER 18
Jingle Mingle Senior Holiday Luncheon
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Centerl
DECEMBER
DECEMBER 20
Tot Time: Character Luncheon
10 – 11 a.m. Mirasol Center
DECEMBER 21
Jr. Rec Singles Tennis Tournament
11:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
DECEMBER 23 & 24
Winter Break Golf Camp #1
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sandhill Crane Golf Club
Ongoing:
DECEMBER 31, JANUARY 1 & 2
Winter Break Golf Camp #2
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sandhill Crane Golf Club
JANUARY
JANUARY 3
Films on the Field
The Garfield Movie
6 p.m.
The Gardens North County District Park
JANUARY 4
Tennis Mixed Doubles & Lunch (New Year Mixer) 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
Live at the Amp! Classic Rewind: Music of America, Chicago, Eric Clapton, The Doobie Brothers & More
7 – 9 p.m.
Veterans Plaza Amphitheater at City Hall Municipal Campus
JANUARY 5, 12, 19, 26
The Gardens GreenMarket Sponsored in good health by Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center
8 a.m. – 1 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
JANUARY 17
Arbor Day 9:30 a.m.
Lake Catherine Park
Tot Time: Winter Wonderland 10 – 11 a.m. Mirasol Center
Doctor Patient Relationship
Written & Photographed by David L. Williams II
The late Joseph Berdou’s sculpture, “Doctor Patient Relationship,” is a piece that captures the essence of the medical profession and its human values.
Located at 3401 PGA Boulevard outside the Palm Beach Gardens Medical Pavilion, the 7-foot-tall by 6-foot-wide sculpture stands on a 3-foot by 8-foot base. Constructed from simulated marble, the off-white abstract sculpture reflects Berdou’s talent and dedication, as seen in many of his works throughout Palm Beach County.
On May 2, 1994, the Art Advisory Committee approved the sculpture with a unanimous 3-0 vote, leading to the adoption of Resolution 83 on July 7, 1994, which allowed for its installation in the Good Samaritan North Planned Unit Development (PUD).
“Doctor Patient Relationship” depicts a tender moment between a physician and patient, beautifully conveying the empathy, trust and care central to the medical profession. It is often praised for its ability to capture the emotional and ethical dimensions of healthcare, highlighting the importance of understanding, compassion and respect in the doctorpatient dynamic.
Berdou’s intent for this sculpture was meant to serve as more than a simple depiction of a medical scene; he wanted this piece to be a symbol of the ideals that underpin medical profession and reinforce the ethical responsibilities the that doctors have toward their patients.
20 Remarkable Years EDUCATING CHILDREN
Written by Ki Ki Hobbs
Bubbles float through the air, music blares from a speaker, and children scream with delight as they race down a new slide. Amid the revelry, Palm Beach Gardens City Manager Ron Ferris and Mayor Chelsea Reed can be seen dancing while a child pounds out a rhythm on some drums. It’s all smiles at the 20th Anniversary Celebration for Riverside Youth Enrichment Center.
The city-run, licensed, childcare center is the brainchild of City Manager Ron Ferris, who proposed the idea back in 2004. Leisure Services Administrator, Charlotte Presensky, says it was the City’s way of providing employees and residents with a safe place to send their children during the workday. City Councilmembers approved the proposal, and about 60 days later, RYEC welcomed its first-ever class.
When asked about RYEC’s 20 years of educating children, Ferris gives all the credit to the Leisure Services Department and their staff saying, “They brought the educational element and sophistication that far outranged my vision.”
“We all work together for one common goal, and that’s the children,” says Christy Wolnewitz, RYEC’s Early Childhood Director.
To watch the Riverside Youth Enrichment Center’s 20th Anniversary Celebration video, visit the City Hall YouTube page at www.youtube.com/@Cityofpbg.
HOW AVENIR’S CONSERVATION AREA IS FILLING THE NATURE GAP
Written by Candice Temple
It’s a typical late summer morning when I meet Ed Weinberg at a small dirt parking lot in the Avenir community. The sky is clear, and the sun is sitting high and bright. Following a week and a half of daily downpours, we are fortunate to embark on our tour while there is a break in the rain.
As far as the eye can see, the terrain is soaked, and as I unload my camera equipment Weinberg quips, “This area is doing exactly what it was designed to do!”
He's referring to the vast conservation area to the north of
the Avenir development that is roughly equivalent to the size of 1,800 football fields. At around 2,400 acres, the preserve contains various wetlands including freshwater marsh, mesic flatwoods, strand swamp, wet prairie, and dry prairie, which have been beautifully commingled. The stretch of land that encompasses the conservation area completes an important connection between the Loxahatchee Slough to the east and north, and the Hungryland Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA) and the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area to the west. Avenir creates an important link in the landscapes, creating a sort of land bridge for wildlife to traverse.
Photo by Candice Temple
“One of the fundamental reasons that the conservation area in Avenir is so critical is it was the last piece of privately held land between separated conservation lands that go from Lake Okeechobee all the way to the Loxahatchee River,” Weinberg explains.
When it comes to knowledge of the Avenir Conservation Area, few know its history and topography as intimately as Ed Weinberg. He is the natural resource management specialist whose firm EW Consultants, Inc. has been put in charge of this daunting restoration project. Not only is he one set of boots on the ground today, but he has been involved with the property for decades and personally knew the land's previous owner Charles Vavrus.
Most commuters see new traffic signals, grand entryways and new houses sprouting up as they traverse Northlake Boulevard. But few venture into the development to explore the wetlands and trails that have been sculpted there today. With the new Coconut Boulevard entrance opening, it’s a straight shot past the gated communities to the conservation area.
Those who have lived in Palm Beach County for decades may remember the location as cattle land. Newcomers to the city pass that same area and see the name “Avenir”. This is why there may be competing philosophies about what is happening to the former site of the Vavrus Ranch. The land has a long history, but few think about what it was before the ranch came along. The wheels currently in motion are returning this area to the historic condition that existed before it was drained for farming and ranching- wetlands.
The complete Avenir landholding consists of 4,752 acres, however only about half of that has been developed with homes, a town center and public safety facilities. Planners chose to restore the northern portion to wetlands to provide a connection between all the conservation areas to the west and east.
“It just made sense to connect it”, shares Weinberg. “It was the best ecological decision to make to benefit both the property itself, as well as all the surrounding conservation areas.”
According to Weinberg, restoring the land consists of two big tasks. The first is to reverse all of the drainage that was done for agriculture. This undertaking involved filling in around 70,000 linear feet of canals and ditches to slow down runoff and allow the rain to collect in natural areas where they can sit for a while.
“Then it benefits the wildlife”, he says. “It cleans up the water. All kinds of functions occur in wetlands and surrounding areas. Reversing the drainage has enabled us to increase the residence time of the water on-site.”
The other major task in restoring the land was ridding the area of invasive, non-native species of vegetation. It turns out, not all trees are good trees. Weinberg explains that if the name of the plant starts with the name of another country, it’s probably not native to Florida. Brazilian Pepper or Australian Pine, for example. His team is deep into the process of eradicating this harmful vegetation by grinding them up in place and using the stored energy of those plants as mulch to nourish the soil.
“The reason they’re a problem is that the wildlife that’s native to Florida is not adaptive to feeding on them, to having cover or nesting in them. To the untrained eye, it looks like a plant or a big group of plants, but it’s really just a desert as far as the wildlife is concerned”, he explains. “The most important thing to support a broad variety of wildlife is having a diversity of vegetation from ground cover to shrubs to canopy.”
That notion explains why the restoration efforts in Avenir rely heavily on the planting of native species. Having invasive species present creates what is known as a monoculture. Wildlife does not take up residence in these areas. There are also no natural pests to control these plants, and they expand and expand until they are the only plant that’s in a given area. These plants tend to eliminate everything but themselves.
Environmental expert Ed Weinberg is responsible for restoration work in Avenir.
Photo by Candice Temple
Photo courtesy of Avenir Development, LLC.
As one can imagine, restoring thousands of acres with a meticulous eye on plant life and wildlife can take some time. Weinberg’s team is about five years into the restoration work and has seen the completion of about 1,000 acres, with another 1,000 remaining. In addition to planting vegetation, they have installed a system of monitoring wells (above and below ground), as they work to maintain an extensive trail system that covers approximately 300 acres.
The trail system, which includes remnants of the old farm trail, recently opened to the public and residents of Avenir and beyond can now enjoy them. If you explore this area, be prepared to see a plethora of wading birds, snails, grasshoppers of every kind, and even deer, which we saw during our visit. A perimeter trail around the preserve contains multiple access points that lead to the larger system.
On the horizon, the city was just awarded a Land and Water Conservation Fund matching grant for $1.5 million for the Gardens Nature Park and Trail. Through a survey issued to residents in the area, the city received feedback regarding the desired recreation uses it should plan for 24 acres of land available to it through a development partnership established with Avenir Holding, LLC in May 2016. Those survey responses included a desire for nature areas and outdoor passive spaces.
In this year’s budget, the city has allocated $900,000 to begin the design of the park which will include a hiking trail with trailhead connections, an educational pavilion, a butterfly habitat, and picnic, restroom and support facilities. Construction is planned to begin in 2026 and completion is estimated for the fall of 2027.
In the meantime, residents can escape to the nearby nature of Avenir and explore the existing trail system. Now that Avenir has turned ownership of the conservation area over to the city, it will be added to the city's inventory of outdoor recreation. As the property owners pass the torch, they are reflecting on the work they have done with the city in bringing the vision to life, says Rosa Schechter of Avenir Development, LLC.
"The Conservation Area at Avenir is the result of a unique collaborative effort between Avenir Development and the City of Palm Beach Gardens," recalls Schechter. "The project demonstrates the power of partnership in sustainable development and serves as a testament to how developers and innovative municipalities can work together to create a public benefit of regional significance.”
by
Drone photo shows a restored section of the Avenir Conservation area following recent rains.
Photo
David L. Williams II
Gardens Park Batting Cages
Baseball and softball players will soon have a new place to practice their swings. The City of Palm Beach Gardens is building six, covered batting cages at Gardens Park as part of the City’s public-private partnership with Cressey Sports Performance, who funded the new amenity’s construction. It’s expected to open in November 2024.
Street Address: 4301 Burns Road
Written
Waterway Café
Waterway Café is getting a major makeover. When the iconic eatery reopens its doors, patrons will be greeted with entirely redesigned indoor and outdoor eating areas, including a completely new floating dock. The new owners have also added a new front entry water feature, a covered drop-off porte-cochere, and architectural enhancements. It’s expected to reopen in late 2024.
Street Address: 2300 PGA Boulevard
by Candice Temple
Drone Photos by David L. Williams II
City Social
Staff Shout Out!
The Palm Beach Gardens Recreation Department was recognized at the 2024 Florida Recreation and Parks Association Annual Conference this August in Orlando, Florida & received the following awards:
INNOVATION PROGRAMMING AWARD FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION Splash into Storytime
AGENCY EXCELLENCE FOR ECONOMIC IMPACT & DEVELOPMENT
SPORTS TOURISM FOR MID-LARGE MARKET
Congrats to our Recreation & Parks team for being a state leader for community programming!
City of Palm Beach Gardens
