During a Wellington Village Council meeting on October 22, the proposed development of K-Park, a 66-acre parcel of village-owned land along State Road 7, sparked extensive public debate. This land, one of the last major undeveloped tracts in the area, has been subject to various unrealized plans over the years. Now, Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and his company, Related Ross, envision a mixed-use development for K-Park, including residential apartments, retail stores, dining establishments, and a private K-12 school.
Many residents voiced mixed feelings about the project, especially around the proposed 400-550 residential units and the private school. The private school, expected to serve around 1,675 students, would be part of the Education in Motion (EIM) network, though EIM leaders emphasized that the Wellington school would operate independently and without foreign investors. This independence, they said, would make the school financially self-sustaining, with a board of governors overseeing operations and profits reinvested into the institution.
At the council meeting, Related Ross President Ken Himmel presented plans for around 40-50 commercial spaces on 130,000 to 150,000 square feet of the K-Park development. Options discussed included markets or grocery stores, “destination” restaurants, cafés, and wellness or fitness centers. The commercial spaces would be connected by trails, green spaces, and pedestrian-friendly streets that could close temporarily to host special events like farmers' markets or art fairs.
Some council members expressed interest in adding “boutique” housing options above retail spaces and even considered the possibility of including a hotel.
Once completed, the mixed-use project and school could contribute over $300 million in annual economic benefits to Wellington, helping to retain families who currently leave the area for private schooling options in other parts of Palm Beach County.
Though K-Park’s future remains undecided, the meeting underscored the council’s commitment to addressing public concerns as it moves forward with Wellington’s development plans. Further discussions, including potential land sale agreements with Related Ross and the private school, are expected to take place in November, pending a thorough review by the village’s advisory boards and final approval from the council.
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