Commissioner Hosts Ribbon-cutting Ceremony for DuBois Park Redevelopment Project

(l to r): FWC South Regional Director Chuck Collins, Commissioner Karen Marcus, FIND Commissioner Donn R. Colee Jr.

(l to r): FWC South Regional Director Chuck Collins, Commissioner Karen Marcus, FIND Commissioner Donn R. Colee Jr.

On March 29, 2012, Commissioner Marcus hosted a ribbon-cutting event for the completion of the DuBois Park Redevelopment Project adjacent to the Jupiter Inlet.

The completed project enhances an already beautiful and popular tropical destination for local residents and visitors. Swimmers and snorkelers can explore a new one-acre snorkeling lagoon and an artificial reef, and rest afterwards on a new adjoining beach. Picnickers can take advantage of upland improvements including ADA-compliant picnic tables and grills, new sidewalks, benches, and showers that are nestled throughout the new native vegetation.

DuBois Park has become a new boating destination with the addition of 17 fixed, day-use docks. Three fixed-dock slips with lifts have been provided for public safety and law enforcement.  A concrete boat ramp was renovated for the public launching of nonmotorized boats.  A floating water taxi landing, shelter, and an ADA-compliant ramp were installed to accommodate water taxi service.

A portion of the DuBois House Museum, listed on the National Register of Historical Places, was also restored as part of this redevelopment project.

In addition to showcasing the new park amenities, the event celebrated many valuable funding partnerships. These include the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Florida Communities Trust, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Loxahatchee Guild.

FIND Commissioner Donn R. Colee Jr. presented a check to Palm Beach County Commissioner Karen T. Marcus for $987,000.

The Florida Inland Navigation District, a special taxing district established in 1927 by the Florida legislature, is the official sponsor of the Intracoastal Waterway in Florida. It is a significant economic driver for the state and for Palm Beach County. “The Intracoastal Waterway generates $1.9 billion in annual sales in Palm Beach County, $688 million in personal income, and over 16,000 jobs,” said Colee. “In addition to unglamorous projects such as dredging, we give money back to the community every year in support of projects that enhance recreational and commercial access to the waterway. As a matching grant partner with Palm Beach County, we’re celebrating one such project at this spectacular park today.” 

FWC South Regional Director Chuck Collins presented a check for $500,000. “Together, the saltwater and freshwater fishing, wildlife viewing, boating, and seafood industries support more than 400,000 jobs in Florida and contribute more than $30 billion to Florida’s economy,” said Collins. “Palm Beach County is a leader in establishing places such as this to enhance our quality of life and provide access to our wonderful environment here in Florida.”

A special ceremony for the renaming of a large, popular picnic pavilion followed the ribbon cutting. It was dedicated in memory of the late Roy Schallern Rood, a member of a pioneer family in Palm Beach County who made many significant contributions to the community. A tree donated by Rood Landscaping, Inc. was also planted in his honor.

“Mr. Rood exemplified a true sense of community. His numerous contributions to northern Palm Beach County will be remembered for generations to come,” said County Commissioner Karen T. Marcus.