DDA committee unveils conceptual Veterans Park redesign; project to rely on private fundraising

A volunteer committee for the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority presented conceptual designs from University of Florida landscape architecture students on June 8, outlining options to revitalize Veterans Park and better connect the waterfront, boardwalk and memorial elements.

Shelley, who is leading the committee update, said the UF students visited the site and returned with a second set of site plans and renderings. The concepts are intended to emphasize the park’s role as a veterans memorial while improving circulation and activation: options include relocating the central gazebo to open the lawn for events, expanding use of the boardwalk, adding interactive seating and landscape features, and creating a central garden or memorial space.

Committee members were explicit that neither the city nor the DDA has committed funding for construction. "There is no funding from the city or the DDA for this. We're probably going to have to concentrate very heavily on private funding," a committee member said. Mark, speaking for the committee, said while a $50 million scheme was not realistic, the work likely will exceed $1 million and the group will attempt to keep costs modest and durable.

The committee emphasized the current phase is conceptual; no cost estimates or contractual commitments have been approved. City participation is intended but was not active in early concept development — committee members said the city had been invited previously and would be approached again as concepts advance because the park is city‑owned.

The committee expects to receive a final concept package from UF before the end of July and will then develop next steps for fundraising and implementation planning.