By Dale M. King
BOCA RATON – If you’re planning to visit Boca West Country Club, make sure to put on your walking shoes. And toss a few pieces of equipment into the trunk of the car – golf clubs, tennis racquet and spa wear.
And don’t forget to bring your appetite.
long-time President Jay DiPietro
DiPietro said the club’s 54 private villages are bordered by four championship golf courses, 33 tennis courts, waterways and wooded areas.
The Boca West president walks proudly around the facility, stopping by at dining places (including the delicatessen that makes great, thick sandwiches right in front of your eyes), the golf pro shops, the spa with its many amenities and the swimming pools with cool water sparkling in the sun.
The award-winning community located off Glades Road between Powerline Road and Florida’s Turnpike was originally developed by the Arvida Corporation in 1971. Since 1985, Boca West Country Club facilities are owned by the membership, directed by a 15-member Board of Governors elected by the general membership, and operated through the general manager.
During season, Boca West is home to some 8,000 residents (3,380 families) who are tended to by a staff of 800 (also at peak season). DiPietro said about one-third of homeowners are permanent residents, so in summer, the pace is slower.
That doesn’t mean you won’t find golfers getting their carts ready for a day’s play. It doesn’t mean you won’t find people enjoying lunch or dinner in one of several dining locations overlooking the beautiful landscaped grounds. And it doesn’t mean you won’t find people enjoying games in the many card rooms that pepper the site. They seem to be everywhere, and they aren’t small nooks. At least two of them have seating for up to 115.
DiPietro said he became president of Boca West when it changed hands from Arvida to membership-owned in 1985. He has served in that capacity since then – and literally seems to know everyone’s name.
Harvey Frauser, former chairman of the Board of Directors, had kind words for DiPietro when he stepped down from that post earlier this year.
“When I first became chairman, I was fortunate to work closely with our general manager and president, Jay DiPietro. He not only helped me with my transition from a board member to chairman, but guided me through the intricacies of Boca West.”
Hauser noted that members created the Boca West Charitable Foundation this year. Its first venture was to give $14,000 to the Wayne Barton Study Center to upgrade its computers to the same level as regular high schools. Boca West residents also mentor kids.
As DiPietro guides you around the grounds, you’ll see the Country Club which is the hub of social activities. Check the calendar and you’ll see all kinds of special events, from the Sweetheart Ball for Valentine’s Day to the Chris Evert Tennis Exhibition in December.
Palate-pleasing sites include the Hibiscus Dinning Room with seating for 350. It features a daily lunch buffet and Sunday brunch. Dinners are highlighted by a “wood burning grill,” nightly themed menus and fish market and prime rib buffets.
The Grand Ballroom seats up to 700 (or 1,500 theater style).
There is also a very special restaurant outside by one of the golf courses. DiPietro commissioned it, but the staff named it – Mr. D – in honor of the club president. Inside are walls festooned with photos of DiPietro with some of the notables he has met.
The Sports Center and Spa is a separate, but welcoming facility. Opened in December 2008, it creates distinct environments for indoor and outdoor sports. The 120,000 square foot facility – built at DiPietro’s request and to his specifications – includes more than 20,000 square feet of fitness programming space, a group fitness studio with cycling and pilates classes, aerobics, a fitness center with more than 140 cardiovascular and weight resistance machines and sports center locker areas for men and women.
Outside is a large tropical free form pool surrounded by a lap pool, water aerobics pool, adult pool with large grotto waterfall, whirlpool and children’s pool with playground area.
If you get hungry while working out at the sports center, you’re in luck. You can stop at MyPi, featuring an open pizza kitchen and eclectic menu serving lunch and dinner, the On the Rocks patio with seating for 80 al fresco style, and the Onyx Lounge, serving trendy cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres nightly.
There’s also the splash pool bar and grill for poolside lunch dining, a quick salad or sandwich.
DiPietro said the original clubhouse has been transformed into a total golf facility based on flexibility and comfort. The four 18-hole championship courses have been designed by Jim Fazio and Pete Dye, and two by Arnold Palmer.
There is also a golfer’s grill room, sports bar, separate locker rooms, storage for 4,000 golf bags and under-roof storage for golf carts.
No one has a negative word to say about Boca West. Oh, yes, one visitor did comment: “One bad thing about going here is that nothing will ever compare afterwards. It’s as good as it gets. This is beyond five stars in every way.”
