Canyon Civic Complex in Palm Beach County

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Overview

Boynton Beach – The Canyon District Park project is a collaborative effort between GL Homes and Palm Beach County, paving the way for a 52-acre district park in the west Boynton area of unincorporated land donated for public use. The west Boynton area is a hub for many of GL Homes’ developments, including Canyon Lakes, Canyon Isles, Canyon Springs, Canyon Trails, Valencia Reserve, Valencia Cove, Valencia Bay, Valencia Sound, and Valencia Grand.

Background

Before the entitlement of these developments in the early 2000s, Palm Beach County requested GL Homes’ assistance in providing 50+ acres of land to be used recreationally by the county’s growing population. County requirements dictate that 2% of gross developable site area must be allocated for public use through land dedication for civic sites. GL Homes proposed assembling the 2% civic dedication requirements from multiple developments into one large civic dedication, resulting in the requested 50+ acres for the park. In return, GL Homes received credits against the 2% civic dedication requirement for each development. This collaboration ensured the County’s acquisition of the land without burdening taxpayers with the cost of purchasing it.

Other Civic Contributions

Beyond the park, GL Homes significantly enhanced community infrastructure through several initiatives:

  • Charter School: 14 acres were allocated to Somerset Canyons Charter School, sold far below market value, reflecting the developer's commitment to affordable civic solutions.
  • Fire Stations: Land was designated for two fire stations, with one actively under construction near Valencia Sound and another planned near Lotus Edge.
  • Library and Amphitheater: As part of the Canyon Town Center commercial development, an additional 10.8 acres were dedicated for a library and amphitheater. The library’s grand opening is scheduled for January 11, 2025.
  • Postal Services: A space at Canyon Town Center was leased to a USPS satellite facility at below-market rates to provide convenient postal services for residents.
  • Public School Sites: Eagles Landing Middle School, Canyon Middle School, Sunset Palms Elementary, and Sunrise Park Elementary were built on lands dedicated by GL Homes to the School District of Palm Beach County.

Park Development

Canyon District Park, located near the intersection of Boynton Beach Boulevard and Acme Dairy Road, began with a $12 million first phase funded through impact fees and infrastructure sales tax proceeds. This phase includes:

  • Soccer fields
  • Fitness trails
  • Parking for over 100 vehicles
  • A 2,600-square-foot maintenance building
  • Two lakes that serve as natural buffers for nearby developments

The second phase, with an additional investment of $10 million, will feature:

  • Lighted sports fields
  • A showcase playground
  • Picnic facilities

Results

The collaborative development approach achieved the following:

  1. A fully operational 52-acre district park.
  2. Civic amenities, including a charter school, USPS satellite facility, fire stations, and public school sites, enhancing the community’s infrastructure.
  3. A future 33,000-square-foot public library set to open in January 2025 on land dedicated by GL Homes.

Conclusion

The Canyon District Park project exemplifies a model of public-private collaboration that addresses civic requirements while maximizing community benefits. By leveraging innovative land use strategies and engaging with local authorities, GL Homes has demonstrated a commitment to fostering vibrant, resource-rich neighborhoods. This case study highlights the potential for developers and local governments to collaborate effectively, achieving sustainable and impactful growth.



© G.L. Homes of Florida Corporation. Each community described is owned, developed, and sold by a separate and distinct entity, and therefore, no entity is liable or responsible for the acts or omissions of any other entity. All features and initiatives are subject to change at any time and without prior notice. Some photography used herein may be stock photography, which is used to depict the spirit of the lifestyles to be achieved rather than any that may actually exist or that may be proposed.