Pictured above from left are BRAA staff; Christine Landers (Office Manager) Robert Abbott (Finance Director) Richard Gurzo (Accounting Coordinator) Clara Bennett (Executive Director) Leonel Romero (Operations Intern), Hannah Naveda (Operations Coordinator) Travis Bryan (Operations Director) Katy Guerra (Accounting Intern).
The Boca Raton Airport Authority (BRAA) held a groundbreaking ceremony on July 9 to mark the start of the construction of the new Observation Area. The Observation Area will provide the public with the opportunity to experience aircraft up close and photograph planes without hindrance.
The upcoming Observation Area will feature a modern, circular design with shaded seating for the public as they watch planes arrive and depart the airport. The observation area will be on a four-foot-tall platform with ADA-accessible concrete ramps and aluminum handrails. It will also have bicycle parking that can house eight bicycles and ample parking spaces for motor vehicles including accessible parking.
Additionally, the Observation Area will have several educational features incorporated into its design to help guide guests as they view a variety of aircraft. One exciting educational feature will be signage displaying background information on several aircraft housed at the airport. The observation area will also include an anemometer that will allow guests to observe the wind speed at the airport and a compass explaining different departure paths. These educational elements will hopefully create a fun experience for children and adults alike!
“The observation area will be a place where people of all ages can come and enjoy seeing planes take off at a close, safe distance,” said Boca Raton Airport Authority Executive Director Clara Bennett. “The Airport understands the importance of community and that is why we are excited to provide this area that will educate, inspire, and create memorable experiences.”
The Airport awarded the contract to build the Observation Area to Recreational Design & Construction, Inc. (RDC) in Fort Lauderdale. RDC was selected due to its impressive portfolio and 29 years of experience in the South Florida community. The Boca Raton Airport Authority looks forward to working with RDC to complete the Observation Area by the end of the year.
