Boca Raton’s Spanish River Park Earns Prestigious Blue Flag Award

The City of Boca Raton has announced that the beach at the Spanish River Park — stretching from Tower 18 to the park’s southern boundary — has been awarded the coveted international Blue Flag beach award.

This is the first time a Boca Raton beach has received the prestigious designation, marking a significant achievement in coastal management, environmental sustainability and education. Spanish River Park beach is one of only three beaches in the United States to be recognized.

The Blue Flag beach award is among the world’s most respected eco-tourism honors. It is granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and managed in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, by the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA). The qualify, beach destinations must meet and maintain over 30 strict criteria related to environmental education, water quality, safety and sustainable management.

In celebration of the Blue Flag season, the city will install new informational boards at Spanish River Park’s central pavilion, highlighting local conservation efforts, water quality initiatives, safety measures and eco-friendly practices.

“This international recognition is a testament to the city’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable coastal management,” says Mayor Scott Singer. “Our residents and visitors can take pride in knowing that Spanish River Park beach meets some of the highest standards in the world.”

The city’s free educational programming, offered through Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, played a key role in earning the Blue Flag designation. These initiatives have set Boca Raton apart from other municipalities by fostering environmental awareness and community involvement in protecting coastal ecosystems.

“This is not just an honor — it's a reflection of the passion and hard work our team invests in maintaining our natural coastal resources,” says Tina Batoh-Jennings, the city’s sustainability manager. “Being awarded on our very first application is an extraordinary achievement for the city and our community as a whole.”

For more information, visit myboca.us.

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Spanish River Park