The Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) will partner with the City of Fort Lauderdale to develop Huizenga Park after the city committed $5 million to the project. The Fort Lauderdale City Commission unanimously approved the funds, along with $950,000 from the State of Florida, towards the $15 million transformation. The DDA and City jointly own the three-acre site at 32 E. Las Olas Blvd. The highly visible public space offers direct access to the Riverwalk and the New River.
“Our partnership with the City of Fort Lauderdale demonstrates our joint belief that well-designed, highly activated parks are essential infrastructure in our growing downtown,” Jenni Morejon says, president and CEO of the Fort Lauderdale DDA. “This is an exciting time for Downtown Fort Lauderdale as the city seizes meaningful opportunities to enhance our public realm. We’re proud to be working alongside our long-standing partners at the City of Fort Lauderdale to reimagine Huizenga Park and are thankful to the Mayor and City Commissioners for their strong support of this project.”
The park’s revitalization will feature a series of outdoor rooms offering opportunities for leisure, dining, physical activity, events and meet-ups. The redesign includes an updated Spirit of Fort Lauderdale Fountain, an enhanced section of the Riverwalk, a lush shade canopy and civic lawn, a dog run, and a restaurant along the water.
“For decades, Huizenga Park has been a special gathering place for our community,” Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis says. “The investment being made by the City and DDA will greatly enhance a signature park at the heart of our downtown. Huizenga Park will become even more of a jewel along the New River, representing the dynamic destination that Downtown Fort Lauderdale has become.”
