Guest Essay: Celebrating Community Progress, Masterplan update and community meeting set for Friday, May 17

BY FRIENDS OF BOCA GRANDE

The Master plan to transform the Boca Grande Community Center Campus is being designed to benefit the entire community, offering state-of-the-art facilities, and versatile spaces for various activities. Yet, it is more than just physical improvements to the campus. It is a pledge to the continued enrichment and honored traditions of the island for years to come.

Among the highlights of this master plan are:

• New Theater: A modern 242 seat theater, with expanded lobby space, that is fully accessible for all from seating and mobility to cutting-edge audio/visual capabilities, as well as meeting all safety and environmental regulations. 

• Multi-Purpose Space: Repurposing the former auditorium into usable space for all groups, including larger functions like duplicate bridge clubs, black-box performances, and exercise classes.

• Efficient Operations: Consolidating and relocating offices to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.

• Enhanced Facilities: Refreshing the Crowninshield Community House with paint, lighting upgrades, and a renovated commercial kitchen to better serve the community’s needs.

• Improved School Space: Creating additional office, counseling, and multi-purpose space for The Island School staff and students. 

• Repurposed Recreation Areas: The sand volleyball court, the basketball court, and the playground will be realigned to make room for the Island School expansion and maintain maximum green-space.

• Retail and Historical Enhancements: Reimagining Boca Bargains retail shop and relocating the Boca Grande Historical Society to a more public location with expanded exhibit space.

The feedback from community members and island organizations has been crucial in helping to develop this plan. Every comment, conversation, pledge, and donation has been so very appreciated.

All community members are invited to come together for a meeting to discuss the planned changes, address any questions or concerns, and celebrate the positive impact the improvements will have on our Community Center. We look forward to connecting with you and sharing more about the exciting developments!

Community Meeting Details:  Friday, May 17 at 10 a.m. in the Boca Grande Community Center Auditorium