Commissioner Karen Marcus Attends Opening of Light Harbor Park

May 12, 2009

	Commissioner Marcus and Commissioner Koons assist with the ribbon cutting of the new Light Harbor Park. « Previous | Next »

Commissioner Karen Marcus attended the opening of Light Harbor Park in Riviera Beach on Saturday, May 9, along with several county officials, area boaters, partnering agencies and boating industry representatives.  Commissioner Jeff Koons also attended.

The new park includes three new boat ramps, 72 boat/trailer parking spaces and 20 standard parking spaces.

Jim Barry, former Environmental Enhancement & Restoration Division Director for the Environmental Resources and Management Department, was recognized for his significant role in securing the necessary permits so that Light Harbor could be developed for public use and boating access.

 “I am especially proud of this project and my involvement with it,” he said. “I went after it vigorously due to its geographic location directly across from Peanut Island and across from the Palm Beach Inlet which gives you access to the ocean.”

Boaters can now use three new boat ramps in Light Harbor Park, with four fixed boarding docks approximately 55-feet long next to the boat ramps and an additional 250-feet of floating staging docks surrounding the boat ramp basin. Additional amenities include two pavilions, park benches, restrooms, landscaping and site lighting.

Initial funding for the development of Light Harbor Park was provided by Palm Beach County Impact Fees and the 2004 voter-approved Waterfront Access Bond. The remaining funds were provided by partnering agencies.

Since 1986, Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) has provided about $24 million in waterway assistance funding to 130 projects in Palm Beach County. An additional $987,000 was provided for Light Harbor Park.

“In addition to keeping the Intracoastal Waterway properly dredged, we partner with local governments and agencies on projects that can enhance public use and access to the Waterway. One of our great partners is Palm Beach County,” said FIND Commissioner Donn R. Colee, Jr. of the Florida Inland Navigation District.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissioner Ron Bergeron presented a check for $500,000 for their contribution to Light Harbor Park.

Riviera Beach Council Chairwoman Dawn Pardo, Council Chair Pro-Tem Judy Davis, and Mayor Thomas Masters were also on hand for the opening day celebration and were acknowledged for their support and partnership. Riviera Beach Maritime Academy students also participated in the dedication with a ceremonial launch of an Academy-built vessel.

Light Harbor Park is located at 1800 Broadway in Riviera Beach, approximately half a mile south of Blue Heron Boulevard.