Five things to know about Boca Raton's new waterfront park: Ocean Strand Park

A vacant lot will soon be transformed into Boca Raton's newest waterfront park, created to preserve history and showcase the city's natural beauty.

The permitting process for Ocean Strand Park, 14 acres of land between Spanish River Blvd. and Palmetto Park Road, was completed in September. The spectacular plans for the park that stretches from the beach to the intracoastal waterway, include hiking and biking paths, benches and picnic tables and a kayak launch.

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Here are five key things to know about the park:

1. The park is scheduled to be completed this year

The park is scheduled to open December 30, 2022.

Though work on the park will start this month, heavy machinery is not permitted on the land because of the archaeological finds.

So everything that's being done now, such as the invasive plant removal requested by city officials, must happen manually, extending the process.

2. The park is a finalist in a national contest

The park is also a finalist in a national contest by Niagara Bottling awarding $75,000 to the winner to ‘Perk your Park’.

Currently, Ocean Strand Park is fifth in place, out of 10 contestants, for the award. The prize money would be awarded toward the park's cost. Park officials expect to know the winners on or around Oct. 20.

Winning the contest will help cover the park's budget of $300,000.

To vote on Ocean Strand Park in the Niagara contest, click here.

3. There were items found at the site that date to 800 AD

Archaeological digs often turn up items in coastal communities, where objects tend to wash up.

In the case of the new Boca park, some artifacts include ancient pottery and there are plans to display it at the Boca Raton Historical Society. If the team there does not accept the pieces, they will be preserved at one of Boca Raton's parks or community centers, she said.

4. The park will feature all kinds of cool amenities

The park is in Phase 1 right now, meaning the work will focus on natural walking trails through the mangroves, ADA accessibility and educational opportunities.

Future phases could bring electricity and running water to the park, as well as picnic tables, a kayak launch and space for parking.

5. There are nearly 50 parks in Boca Raton

The newest park will be the 48th in the city. Check out the full list and map here. Among the more popular ones are Sugar Sand Park and Patch Reef Park.

Sugar Sand Park, 300 S. Military Trail, features pavilions, a carousel, nature trails, a science playground, a theatre and a science museum.

Patch Reef Park, 2000 Yamato Road, features fitness trails, athletic fields, a community center, picnic pavilions, a playground and tennis and basketball courts.

You can read a more comprehensive story about the park here.

Jasmine Fernández is a journalist covering Delray Beach and Boca Raton at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at jfernandez@pbpost.com and follow her on Twitter at @jasminefernandz. Help support our work. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Five things to know about Ocean Strand, Boca Raton's new waterfront park