5 minute read
HOW P3 PROJECTS WORK
Written by Candice Temple
In the ever-changing City of Palm Beach Gardens publicprivate partnerships, or “P3” as they are commonly known, are sparking enthusiasm! Celebrated for their track record of delivering top-tier recreation services cost-effectively, governments increasingly turn to these public-private partnerships to trim expenses while ensuring— or even enhancing—services valued by residents.
So, how do P3 projects work? P3s offer direct benefits to the public, accelerated project completion, and reduced costs, which in turn, allows for funds to be allocated elsewhere. P3s also allow the government agency to share the risk and financial burden with the private entity.
At Gardens Park innovative collaborations have borne two standout projects. These partnerships aren't just about meeting operational needs— they're about transforming community life. Imagine cutting-edge facilities and fields, funded in part by taxpayer dollars and bolstered by visionary private investments.
One example in Palm Beach Gardens is the 2019 partnership with The Miracle League of Palm Beach County. Seeking to expand their program for special needs families, they worked with local business Nuvo Riverside, LLC to help secure $350,000 in funding to construct state-of-the-art fields accessible to all athletes. The remaining funds were covered by City monies previously allocated for the baseball expansion project.
The funding afforded the construction of a showcase field, two synthetic turf fields, baseball diamonds made of recycled rubber and oversized dugouts to make them accessible to athletes who use walkers, wheelchairs, or who are visually impaired. This partnership isn't just about infrastructure; it's about enriching lives and creating enduring opportunities.
Another example of the magic that can be created by public-private partnerships can be found at Cressey Sports Performance. This isn't your average gym—it's a magnet for elite youth athletes and professional athletes from Major League Baseball and the NFL. It has also provided physical fitness training expertise for Palm Beach Gardens Police and Fire Rescue departments. Since opening its doors in 2020, it's not only boosted the local economy but also put Palm Beach Gardens on the map for athletic skills development & training.
Behind the scenes, the numbers tell an impressive story. In its Economic Impact Statement detailing business activity from June 2022 to May 2023, Cressey Sports Performance trained over 175 players, with 78% of clients spending a month or more in Palm Beach Gardens—boosting our local economy significantly. Based on assumptions provided by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, the economic impact during that timeframe was estimated at $8,361,921, underscoring the profound influence of these partnerships.
The agreement has been so successful that Cressey was approved by the City Council earlier this year to expand their operations. In the next few years, they will pay to construct a 9,000 square foot building. They will also purchase the existing covered cages, mounds, and the existing building for $500,000, and they will pay to construct additional covered batting cages elsewhere in Gardens Park for use by the general public.
These projects aren't just about facilities; they're about collaboration, innovation, and community spirit. The demand for recreation services is at an all-time high in Palm Beach Gardens and the City has responded to this demand with multiple approaches. In some cases, tax dollars fund the building and maintenance of new facilities, fields, and playgrounds. But in other cases, public-private partnerships have provided the solution.
According to the responses of the 2023 Resident Opinion Survey, about 71% of respondents stated they would prefer to pay user-based fees for enhanced recreation opportunities rather than pay increased property taxes should the City need to increase revenue. A P3 is a great way to provide an enhanced opportunity while steering clear of placing any increased tax burden on residents.
And there is more partnership on the horizon for P3 projects in the Gardens. The recent Stanley Cup win by the Florida Panthers in June 2024 has only fanned the flames of what has been a growing demand for ice-related sports in south Florida, with the Palm Beach County Sports Commission calling ice hockey the ‘number one growing sport right now in our county.’
The next P3 project possibly on the horizon in Palm Beach Gardens could be the indoor ice rink facility proposed by thePalm Beach North Athletic Foundation. While a previous plan in 2020 at The Gardens North County District Park ultimately did not work out, the Foundation brought forth a new, trimmeddown plan to build the indoor ice rink facility at Plant Drive Park on Lilac Street.
The P3 agreement has been signed and the project is now in its early stages of traffic studies and impacts on the location. Plans for the facility will be thoroughly vetted by the City’s Development Review Committee, the Planning and Zoning Appeals Board and the City Council before any construction begins. The Foundation will also be required to meet its funding milestones by next spring according to the terms of the agreement.
The project creates an exciting opportunity for local families who are currently traveling to southern portions of Palm Beach County to access these services. The city will lease the land to Palm Beach North Athletic Foundation for 40 years, but the Foundation will be responsible for funding the construction and management of the facility. This will limit the financial risk and provide a source of revenue for the City. It also allows the residents the benefit of indoor ice recreation close to home.
By harnessing the capabilities of private sector expertise alongside the public sector's commitment to community welfare, P3s unlock a world of possibilities. They promise not only enhanced infrastructure and services but also economic growth and job creation. Embracing PPPs is not just a choice for progress—it's a commitment to a brighter future built on collaboration and shared success.
