SignatureCity magazine is a free publication produced quarterly by the City of Palm Beach Gardens Public Media Relations Division. SignatureCity is mailed to every household in Palm Beach Gardens, as well as distributed at city facilities.
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CITY BRIEFS
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Thursday, June 5, 2025
Thursday, July 10, 2025
OTHER WAYS TO WATCH
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.
Our City Council meetings are streamed live via the City’s website. Can’t make it to the meeting in person? Stay informed from the comfort of your own home!
Fireworks start an average of 19,500 fires and cause 9,100 injuries every year. Many of these injuries, 36% of them, involve children under the age of 15.
Here are some ways to safely enjoy them this summer.
% Attend public firework displays and leave the lighting to the professionals.
% Sparklers account for roughly one-quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries. Please only purchase sparklers from the approved list provided by the Florida State Fire Marshal.
% If you do choose to use fireworks, please do so wisely.
. Purchase fireworks from a licensed, reliable source.
. Do not let children handle fireworks, ever.
. Never relight a “dud.” Wait five minutes and then douse it with water.
. Only use them in a clear, open area. Away from other people.
. Always have a fire extinguisher and water source close by.
Have you downloaded the City’s new mobile app? PBG Now is our latest way to keep residents in the know! Receive timely notifications for traffic alerts, events and important City news in the palm of your hand. Download it here for Apple or Android.
South Florida Water Management District’s mandatory restrictions allow enough water to maintain healthy landscapes year-round. A healthy landscape only needs 1-inch to 1.5 inches of water per week during summer growing season and only as needed to supplement rainfall. In Palm Beach County there is a year-round restriction.
3-Day-A-Week Watering
• Even-numbered addresses or other locations without an address may irrigate only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and/or Sundays.
• Odd-numbered addresses may irrigate only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and/or Saturdays.
MONDAY IF YOUR ADDRESS ENDS IN
0, 2, 4, 6, 8 (or no address)
1, 3, 5, 7, 9
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
*(Even-numbered schedule includes those with no street address or those that irrigate both even and odd addresses within the same zones, which may include multi-family units and homeowners associations.)
New Landscaping Irrigation
The SFWMD Year-Round Landscape Irrigation Rule allows additional watering for up to 90 days following the installation of new lawns and landscaping.
• On the day new landscaping is installed, new plantings and the soil may be irrigated once without regard to the normally allowable watering days and times. Soil irrigation is also allowed immediately prior to planting.
• New plantings that have been in place for 30 days or less may be watered on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and/or Sundays.
• New plantings that have been in place from 31 to 90 days may be watered on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and/ or Saturdays.
• Irrigation is limited to the areas containing new landscaping only. An entire irrigation zone may be watered only if new landscaping is planted on at least 50 percent of that zone. If new landscaping is planted on less than 50 percent of an irrigation zone, only the new plantings may be watered.
Exclusions to the SFWMD Year-Round Rule
• Use of low-volume irrigation methods – including micro-irrigation, container watering and hand-watering with a hose (with an automatic shut-off nozzle) – is allowed anytime.
• The use of reclaimed water and harvested rainwater for irrigation purposes is allowed anytime.
• The rule applies only to water used for landscape irrigation. There are no restrictions on other outdoor uses such as pressure cleaning or vehicle/boat washing, although voluntary, waterconserving practices are highly recommended.
QUESTIONS? Call the South Florida Water Management District “Water Conservation Hotline” at 1-800-662-8876. Email a water conservation expert at conservation@sfwmd.gov.
Building a Community Icon
The Evolution of the Burns Road Community Center
By Charlotte Presensky, Leisure Services Administrator
1977
When the City of Palm Beach Gardens purchased 12.88 acres of land from Royal American Industries in 1977 for just over $224,000, no one could have predicted that this property would become the heart of recreational life for the growing community. Thanks to the foresight behind that land purchase, the vision of the City Administration, and the support of the City Council, the Burns Road Community Center and other recreational amenities in the park have served generations past and will continue to serve many more in the future.
1983
On February 5, 1983, the original 27,468-square-foot Burns Road Community Center opened its doors to the public for the first time. Over the years, it has welcomed hundreds of thousands of residents, offering a wide variety of programs and activities. Often simply referred to as "Burns Road," the center has supported countless residents from the youngest of age to our cherished senior citizens.
For over four decades, Burns Road Community Center has been the hub of the Palm Beach Gardens community. Upon its opening, the center featured a gymnasium, an art gallery and studio, a dance studio, and a theater/multi-purpose room. One of the center's standout features was its outdoor stage, a unique space that hosted numerous community events. In 1989, the center's excellence was recognized with the prestigious National Gold Medal award from the National Park and Recreation Association and The Sports Foundation.
As the city continued to grow, so did the need for expanded facilities. In the early 2000s, the City acquired the adjacent Westminster Parcel and renovated the building there, now known as the Lakeside Center. With this addition, the property grew to 15.91 acres.
2006
In June of 2006, Burns Road Community Center underwent significant renovation and expansion. This project added 20,000 square feet of space, including a wing with locker rooms, a second gymnasium, and a revamped service desk. The existing parts of the center received a much-needed upgrade. The expansion aimed to keep up with the demands of a rapidly growing community.
Between 2006 and the start of the Community Center renovation, the Aquatic Complex was expanded with a new building with locker rooms and lifeguard areas, and plenty of shade on the deck. The original main pool was demolished and replaced with a new pool with a zero-depth entry and many play features for families to enjoy. The competition pool also received a facelift during this time.
2025
The most recent community center project started in late 2023 with much of the original structure being demolished and rebuilt to offer state-of-the-art facilities and programming spaces. In total, the expansion added 33,058 square feet, with 28,509 square feet of renovated space, bringing the facility's total size to 61,567 square feet. The reimagined Burns Road Community Center will feature a variety of new and improved spaces.
• TWO (2) MULTI-PURPOSE ROOMS: Each room has abundant natural lighting and views into the park. Planned with audio-visual equipment to support any recreation program or private event rental, these spaces are very versatile.
• STEM ROOM: Designed to be the perfect teaching space for young entrepreneurs, current and future chefs, and those who like to dabble in science.
• KIDS CORNER: Looking for entertaining and learning opportunities for your preschooler? This will room be the place for classes targeting motor skills, music, and play fun.
• THE STUDIO: Looking to relax, exercise, or learn a new dance? A variety of movement and wellness classes will be held “in the Studio”.
• TWO (2) GYMNASIUMS: Look for new flooring and a refreshed look as you participate in drop-in or programmed sporting activities.
• TWO (2) ART ROOMS: Those with a fondness for art will enjoy the solitude of the new art rooms- one for a variety of mediums and the other for clay work and pottery.
Toddler Room
Complementing the new look of the community center is a complete replacement of the playground. This boundless playground is geared towards the youngest child but also boasts a few elements that will challenge the older kids in play. Planned so that everyone, regardless of age or ability, will have the opportunity to engage in this play structure.
Looking forward to the future also means honoring the past. The community center continues to be the home of "Camp Gardens," a beloved program that has been part of the community for many years. In fact, some of today's campers are the children or grandchildren of former campers. The new facility will continue to offer familiar programs, such as clay and art classes, which have been part of the center since 1988. But it will also introduce exciting new offerings, such as "Drone Legends" for kids, "Baby Bump & Beyond" parenting classes, and lessons in guitar and violin. As always, the center will remain a hub for seniors, providing a wide array of activities, programs, and trips to help them stay active and engaged.
The renovation and expansion of Burns Road Community Center were designed by Sam Elsheikh, Architect & Senior Principal of OLC, with construction led by Kast Construction. The project also benefited from the hard work and dedication of City staff, including Project Managers Angela Brown, Deputy Community Services Administrator; Todd Engle, City Engineer; Cory Wilder, Deputy Community Services Administrator, and the entire Capital Improvements Team. A special thank you goes to the Recreation Department Team for the many hours of pre-construction planning so that each space in the Center will serve the Gardens community for many years.
As the Burns Road Community Center enters its next chapter, it will continue to be a place for residents of all ages to come together, grow, and create lasting memories. You are invited to stop by and check out your new community center when it opens to the public in late May. Please check out the website pbgfl.gov for hours of operation and program opportunities.
BURNS ROAD COMMUNITY CENTER
GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION FREE Grand Opening Event Saturday, May 31, 2025 • Ribbon Cutting with Mayor & Council: 2:45 p.m. • 3 – 6 p.m.
Boundless Playground
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
NOW - MAY 15
GardensArt Exhibition
Chelsi Smith
“The Color of The Wheat” Mixed Media
Weekdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. City Hall Lobby
NOW - MAY 28
GardensArt Exhibition
Dr. Helga Jensen-Ruopp
“Florida Fauna and….” Acrylic Paintings
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.
*Daily start and end times may vary over the duration of the tournament.
APRIL 30
Senior Picnic
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Mirasol Center
After School Golf Clinic
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Sandhill Crane Golf Club
MAY
MAY 1
Jamie’s Angels Youth Adaptive Tennis Clinic
1 – 2 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Center
MAY 4, 11, 18, 25
The Gardens GreenMarket
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus
MAY 7
After School Golf Clinic
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Sandhill Crane Golf Club
MAY 9-11
Palm Beach Cup
Various Times & Locations
MAY 10
Brunch with Live Music by Mr. Ron at The Nest
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Nest Par 3 Golf Clubhouse
MAY 10-24
ITF World Invitational
International Tennis Tournament
8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Center
*Daily start and end times may vary over the duration of the tournament.
MAY 13
Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board Meeting
6 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
MAY 14
After School Golf Clinic
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Sandhill Crane Golf Club
MAY 16
Tot Time: Summer Splash 10 - 11 a.m. Mirasol Center
MAY 19 – AUGUST 14
MAY 22
Artist’s Reception for Ilene Gruber Adams
6 - 7:30 p.m.
City Hall Lobby
MAY 24-26
Open Swim Hours for Memorial Day Weekend Sat, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sun, Noon – 5 p.m. Mon, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Aquatic Complex
MAY 26
Memorial Day
Administrative Offices Closed
Memorial Day Ceremony Sponsored by FPL & Flower Kingdom 9 a.m.
Veterans Plaza Amphitheater
MAY 28
After School Golf Clinic 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Sandhill Crane Golf Club
MAY 29 – AUGUST 19
GardensArt Exhibition Sonia Sousa “Feathered Friends” Photography Dawn to Dusk Sandhill Crane Golf Clubhouse Reception: TBA
MAY 30 – AUGUST 21
GardensArt Exhibition Laura Steinhauer “Coastal Wonders: Birds, Butterflies & Beyond” Oil on Canvas 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 Reception: TBA
MAY 31
City Council Meeting
6 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
MAY 3
Stories in the Park
feat. Safari Sue
10 – 11 a.m.
PGA National Park
Adult Rec 1-Day
Singles Tournament
11:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Center
GardensArt Exhibition Ilene Gruber Adams “Chromatic Convergence: An Abstract Odyssey" Mixed Media Paintings Weekdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. City Hall Lobby
MAY 20
Special Magistrate Hearing
2 - 5 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
FREE Infant/Child CPR Class
6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Fire Station 61
Burns Road Community Center Grand Opening Celebration Burns Road Community Center 2:45 - 6 p.m.
Pool Open for Summer! 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Aquatic Complex
JUNE
JUNE 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
The Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
JUNE 2 – AUGUST 8
CAMP GARDENS
Classic & Specialty Camps
Various locations & times More info at pbgfl.gov/camp
JUNE 3,10,17,24
Splash into Storytime on Toddler Tuesdays
9 – 10:55 a.m. Aquatic Complex
JUNE 5
City Council Meeting
6 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers
JUNE 9 – 13
LSA Adaptive Tennis Summer Camp
Daily 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Center
JUNE 10
Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board Meeting
6 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
JUNE 10, 11, 12
Golf Summer Camp #1
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sandhill Crane Golf Club
JUNE 14
Angler Classic Kids Fishing Event
8 – 11:30 a.m.
PGA National Park
Brunch with Live Music by Mr. Ron at The Nest
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Nest Par 3 Golf Clubhouse
JUNE 14-15
Swamp Classic Lake Catherine Sportsplex
JUNE 17
FREE Hands-Only CPR Class
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Fire Station 61
JUNE 17, 18, 19
Golf Summer Camp #2
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sandhill Crane Golf Club
JUNE 24
Special Magistrate Hearing
2 - 5 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
JUNE 29
Stretch & Shop:
Yoga on the Plaza
8 – 9 a.m.
Veterans Plaza Amphitheater
JUNE 24, 25, 26
Golf Summer Camp #3
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sandhill Crane Golf Club
JUNE 23-27
Girls on Fire Camp Fire Training Complex
JULY
JULY 1-31
National Park & Recreation Month
Celebrate Every Sunday at The Gardens GreenMarket
More info at pbgfl.gov/events
JULY 4
Independence Day
Administrative Offices Closed Party at the Pool!
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Aquatic Complex
JULY 6
Slide into Summer at the Gardens GreenMarket
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus
JULY 6-13
USTA “Summer Smash” Boys Clay Court Championships
8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Center
*Daily start and end times may vary over the duration of the tournament.
JULY 8
Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board Meeting
6 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
JULY 8, 15, 22, 29
Splash into Storytime on Toddler Tuesdays
9 – 10:55 a.m.
Aquatic Complex
JULY 8, 9, 10
Golf Summer Camp #4
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sandhill Crane Golf Club
JULY 10
City Council Meeting
6 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
JULY 12
Brunch with Live Music by Mr. Ron at The Nest
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Nest Par 3 Golf Clubhouse
JULY 13
Rec n’ Rescue at the Gardens GreenMarket
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus
JULY 15
FREE Infant/Child CPR Class
6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Fire Station 61
JULY 15, 16, 17
Golf Summer Camp #5
8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sandhill Crane Golf Club
JULY 20
Roll with Recreation at the Gardens GreenMarket
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus
JULY 27
Stretch & Shop: Yoga on the Plaza 8 - 9 a.m. Veterans Plaza Amphitheater
Ongoing:
Celestial Nexus
Written and Photographed by David L. Williams II
Renowned artist Mark Fuller’s Celestial Nexus is a stunning sculpture that brings together art, technology and the mysteries of space. Located at LRP Media Group (360 Hiatt Dr.), this piece is inspired by its placement within Northrop Grumman, a leading space technology company that played a key role in developing the James Webb Space Telescope.
The sculpture celebrates human curiosity and innovation, drawing inspiration from the advancements in space exploration. Surrounding the sculpture is an intersecting cross-form, featuring four vertical and four horizontal arched fins made out of aluminum plates. The front of the core features a honeycomb-patterned grill over a goldmirrored panel, paying tribute to the golden mirrors of the James Webb Telescope. The back end has a concave, faceted cone, giving the sculpture a sense of depth and precision.
The cross-shaped structure extends outward with four vertical and four horizontal fins, symbolizing humanity’s endless quest to explore beyond Earth. These fins serve as guides, directing the viewer’s eyes toward the sky. The sculpture’s slightly upward tilt creates a feeling of movement,
as if it is launching into space. With its highly polished surfaces, it reflects the changing light, making it seem alive as it interacts with its surroundings. Mounted on a pyramidshaped concrete pedestal and lit by ground-level lights, Celestial Nexus stands out, especially at night. The way light and shadow play on its surfaces reminds us of satellites and telescopes that search the universe for answers.
Beyond its beauty, Celestial Nexus carries a powerful message. It encourages people to think about the connection between human creativity and the mysteries of space. This sculpture is not just a piece of art; it is a symbol of progress, inspiring us to dream bigger, explore further and to keep reaching for the stars.
Ross Gilmore
Indian Trail Groves Community
3,897 Homes approved
Westlake Community
NORTHLAKE BOULEVARD
The
approximately 14,399 Homes
3,035 Homes built to date
Residents traveling along western Northlake Boulevard have likely noticed increased congestion and traffic delays. While the issue is often attributed to growth in the City of Palm Beach Gardens, the causes span multiple jurisdictions and are the result of compounding regional factors. These include Florida Department of Transportation projects along this route, development approved by Palm Beach County and unbuilt roadway improvements.
This region, which includes Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, and unincorporated Palm Beach County, is facing pressure from both infrastructure projects and rapid development.
Avenir Development
1,800 Homes constructed to date
BEELINEHIGHWAY
NORTHLAKE BOULEVARD
What’s Causing the Congestion?
Several key issues are contributing to the current traffic conditions:
Rapid Growth in Westlake and Western Communities
The City of Westlake, one of the fastest-growing cities in Palm Beach County, has experienced a dramatic rise in population and housing development in the last decade. There are currently 3,035 of the approved 6,500 homes (currently approximately 17,000 residents). In addition, Palm Beach County has approved the construction of Indian Trail Groves which will bring 3,897 homes, 300,000 sq ft commercial, 50,000 sq ft of a future potential office on 4,871 acres.
FDOT Road Construction
The Florida Department of Transportation’s ongoing work on State Road 710 (Beeline Highway) has added delays. The construction has required some lane closures and detours, impacting traffic volumes and patterns on connecting roads like Northlake. This project will affect traffic through 2026.
Necessary Road Projects that Remain Unbuilt
One of the causes of congestion along the western portions of Northlake Boulevard are the unbuilt projects that Palm Beach County have yet to complete. There are several projects that Palm Beach County is constructing which will improve the traffic flow along this corridor, of which two are significant to mention. The first is the widening of Northlake Boulevard from two- to fourlanes from Seminole Pratt-Whitney Road to east of Hall Boulevard. The County has indicated this project will be completed by late 2028. The next segment is to widen Northlake Boulevard from two- to six-lanes from east of Hall Boulevard to Coconut Boulevard. This segment is estimated to be complete by late 2029 according to the County. The City has urged the County to expedite these projects. Unfortunately, the City does not have any authority on the permitting or construction schedule for these projects.
How We Can Move People East and West?
Local governments are working on numerous projects to manage both current and future traffic concerns.
Support for Long-Term Road Planning
Palm Beach Gardens supports the alignment of future road extensions for Seminole Pratt Whitney Road as outlined in Palm Beach County’s 2040, 2045, and 2050 Long Range Transportation Plans, which aim to manage regional growth responsibly while minimizing impacts on established neighborhoods. In March 2025, the Palm Beach Gardens City Council approved Resolution 18, which objects to a County plan to realign Seminole Pratt Whitney Road to extend east along 100th Lane North then connect to Avenir Drive, a two-lane, narrow neighborhood road.
Coconut Boulevard Extension
One of the projects that the City does control is the new connection of Coconut Boulevard. When Avenir was approved for development, they were required to pay for road expansion and improvements along the Northlake corridor from S.R 7 to Grapeview Blvd. The City of Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach County, and the Avenir developers all agreed, and funding was provided to Palm Beach County a number of years ago. Additionally, Avenir was required by the city to build a two-lane road extending Coconut Blvd. from Northlake to the Beeline when certain milestones were reached in the development. The City of Palm Beach Gardens has requested that this Coconut extension be widened to four-lanes, instead of two, and has allocated funding to pay for the additional lanes. Construction of the four-lane road is underway with initial clearing complete and construction bids have been received. It will take less than two years to complete. This roadway will be under the jurisdiction and control of the City of Palm Beach Gardens until it reaches the Beeline Highway, which is a state road.
Opening State Road 7
Construction of the extension would allow traffic going to the Acreage, Westlake and communities south to be able to bypass western Northlake completely by utilizing the proposal extension. West Palm Beach is currently legally challenging this citing environmental issues.
Avenir/Northlake Widening
Ahead of schedule, Avenir has completed the widening of Northlake Boulevard from west of State Road 7 to just west of Coconut Boulevard.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
A new eatery is coming to Palm Beach Gardens. Legacy Place will soon be home to Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, a fine dining restaurant. The restaurant will be located along Legacy Ave near Five Guys and across from Niklaus Children’s Palm Beach Gardens Urgent Care Center. The finished project will have a new wooden entry door, new exterior lighting and a valet lane. Construction is expected to finish in Spring 2026.
Street Address: Legacy Ave
Written by Ki Ki Hobbs Drone Photo by David L. Williams II
PAL COMPETE
ComPete is a baseball organization founded by MLB player Peter Strzelecki, who grew up playing in Palm Beach County. Driven by his passion for giving back, Peter launched ComPete after reaching the big leagues. His brother, Joseph Strzelecki, a Palm Beach Gardens police officer and former baseball player, shares this mission. Together, they created PAL ComPete, sponsored by the Palm Beach Gardens Police and Fire Rescue Foundation. This 12U team, coached by Joseph and local officers, provides quality coaching, leadership and mentorship. Their goal is to instill sportsmanship, character and community bonds through baseball.
Stronger Together: Community Support and Collaboration in Action
In a remarkable display of community collaboration, the BallenIsles Charities Foundation (BICF) and the Palm Beach Gardens Police and Fire Rescue Foundation joined forces to ensure the Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue Department was fully equipped to face the challenges of Florida’s hurricane season and the threat of flooding. Through their combined efforts, they raised $67,000, enabling Fire Rescue to purchase a much-needed rescue boat, an essential asset that will greatly enhance emergency response capabilities in times of crisis.
City Social
City of Palm Beach Gardens
10500 N Military Trail Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
