Currie Park Plans Approved

Following more than 26 virtual meetings and 207 interviews with stakeholders and focus group participants, the input of West Palm Beach residents was incorporated into the final design, which was unanimously approved by the City Commission on June 27, 2022. The park’s future elements will include the following:

• Improved Park Amenities including a redesigned playground area and a splash pad; redesigned and improved tennis courts; construction of pickleball courts; fitness equipment, health trails and great lawn.
• Resiliency Hub – Development of a 7,270 sq. ft. enclosed resiliency hub that will function as a community center with an event/classroom space available for rent by the public. During crisis events, the space can serve as a resiliency hub for recovery. Construction will be funded through a Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (FDEO) grant.
• Café – Development of a 5850 sq. ft. enclosed single-story café.
• Waterfront Access- Refurbished docks, maintained access to boat ramps, and kayak rentals.

Working with the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency and the City of West Palm Beach Department of Parks and Recreation, consultant Chen Moore and Associates designed the renovated park.

Reconstruction is expected to commence in winter of 2022 with completion anticipated in spring of 2024.

The project cost is projected at between $29.4 - $38.7 million. Funding sources include the following origins and amounts:

• West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency$3,247,100
• Parks & Recreation Bond$8,000,000
• FDEO Grant$16,740,000
• Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant$1,000,000
• Florida Department of Environmental Protection Resilient Grant $1,875,000

“The new, improved design for Currie Park will enhance the experience, enjoyment and well-being of all park visitors,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “The City of West Palm Beach is pleased to advance the renovation of Currie Park, which will ensure the park’s evolution as an iconic, inclusive public space and world class amenity for all.”

“The CRA is thrilled to move forward on the long-awaited redevelopment of Currie Park with the support of the City Commission and the West Palm Beach community,” said West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Executive Director Christopher Roog. “Currie Park is a wonderful asset to our city, and its progress will be of great benefit to all.”

“Reimagining Currie Park is exciting for the City’s parks system, because Currie Park will truly offer something for everyone,” said City of West Palm Beach Parks & Recreation Director Leah Rockwell. “It is essential that in an urban environment, public spaces such as Currie Park afford residents the opportunity to experience coastal beauty, play, and connect with one another for the health, well-being and resilience of our city.”

Former West Palm Beach Mayor George Graham Currie deeded Currie Park, formerly known as Bethesda Park, to the City of West Palm Beach in 1920.