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Building A Community Icon: The Evolution of the Burns Road Community Center
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.
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 www.pbgfl.gov for hours of operation and program opportunities.
BURNS ROAD COMMUNITY CENTER GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION
FREE Grand Opening Event
Saturday, May 31, 2025
3 - 6 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting with Mayor & Council: 2:45 p.m.
Face painting | Inflatables | Refreshments | Giveaways | Passport to Recreation Activity | Camp Gardens Open House Reopening of Burns Road Playground
