(L to R)
Steve Wilson, Belle Glade Mayor; Regina Bohlen, City of Pahokee Vice Mayor; C’Jon Armstead, Quantum; Foundation Program Director; Eric Poms, Orange Bowl Committee Chief Executive Officer; John P. “Jack” Seiler, Orange Bowl Committee President & Chair; Melissa McKinlay, Palm Beach County Commissioner; Verdenia C. Baker, Palm Beach County Administrator; Sean Pittman, Orange Bowl Committee Past President; Eric Call, Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Director; Dorritt M. Miller, Palm Beach County Assistant Administrator; Robert L. Rease, Belle Glade City Manger.
The Orange Bowl Committee and Palm Beach County broke ground yesterday, December 14, on Phase II of Orange Bowl Field at Glades Pioneer Park in Belle Glade.
Phase I was completed in December 2019 and included a synthetic turf field and maintenance, an electronic scoreboard, an entry monument, fencing, walkways and signage. Phase II includes construction of a neighborhood center and restroom that will host a variety of educational, wellness and civic uses.
The park serves as the playing site for several teams from the Glades Youth Football League, which is a current member of the Orange Bowl Youth Football Alliance (OBYFA). In addition, many current and former NFL players from the area have used the field to conduct youth football camps.
“The continued renovation of Glades Pioneer Park furthers the county’s commitment to youth enrichment and sports and athletic programming and facilities,” said Commissioner Melissa McKinlay.
The Orange Bowl Committee selected Glades Pioneer Park as a recipient of a $1.5 million matching Legacy Grant for the design, permitting and construction of the Orange Bowl Field and other related amenities. The amount was matched by the Board of County Commissioners providing a total of $3 million toward the renovation project. An additional $400,000 in grant funding was received from the Quantum Foundation and the NFL Foundation to assist with the second phase of the project. “The Orange Bowl Committee is extremely proud to begin Phase II of Orange Bowl Field at Glades Pioneer Park, as part of our 5th Legacy Park Project across South Florida and 1st in Palm Beach County,” said Orange Bowl Committee President & Chair Jack Seiler. “We are happy to complete our 1st Palm Beach County park and further our legacy of building and serving community in South Florida with a fantastic new facility for all ages to enjoy. The mission of the Orange Bowl Committee since its inception in 1935 is to inspire youth, engage our community, and enhance South Florida. This building will accomplish that and much more for years to come.”
Phase II improvements will cost approximately $1.9 million and is expected to be completed in June 2022. Future plans include a new destination playground, picnic pavilion, grand entry plaza and a vehicle drop off area near the neighborhood center.
Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation 