|
Update No. 13 | August 13, 2025 |
| |
Here's the latest: From new trees taking root to custom benches along the Riverwalk, Huizenga Park is quickly transforming into a vibrant, welcoming space for our downtown. Construction is moving steadily, with new amenities, fresh plantings, and upgraded walkways all coming together.
What's happening:
🌳 New trees and statement plantings
🛠️ Park features and amenities taking shape
🚶 Riverwalk improvements beyond the park
Stay in the Loop: There are several ways for you to follow along on our journey.
Check out some other exciting Huizenga Park news below – a 4 min read.
| | |
Hi there! I'm Juan and I’m so excited to introduce myself as the DDA's new Urban Park Manager.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been getting to know every corner of Huizenga Park, mapping out plans to keep things running smoothly after its reopening, and planning fun, engaging programs to bring our community together.
This park holds so much potential, and I can already feel the energy and love this space inspires. Whether you're stopping by for a quiet moment by the river, grabbing lunch with friends, or joining us for programming on the lawn, I want every visit to feel meaningful and memorable.
I can't wait to welcome you back to Huizenga Park — the best is yet to come!
- Juan Rodriguez
| | Transformation in the Making | Huizenga Park as of August 12, 2025 | From fresh plantings to new pathways, Huizenga Park is beginning to transform before our eyes. With construction moving steadily from south to north, the park is shaping up to be a dynamic destination for nature, play, and riverfront relaxation in the heart of our city. | |
Huizenga Park is coming to life with the addition of new trees.
- Over 20 new trees have been planted within Huizenga Park over the last two weeks! These are the first of many new plants in the park, with the contractor continuing to work from south to north.
- Tree species planted so far include Gumbo Limbo, Wild Tamarind, Traveler's Tree, and Purple Glory.
- Did you know that Huizenga Park has a big statement tree? A massive talipot palm tree was delivered and planted today at the peak of the civic lawn. This new palm stretches over 25 feet high and will continue to grow for years to come.
| View of the massive talipot palm tree getting installed in the park at the peak of the civic lawn. | Lush new trees have been planted around The Dog Spot, a gift from Cassidy and Dan Towriss, surrounding the existing oak trees. | |
Foraging forward.
- The construction team has gotten started on concrete work within the park! New sidewalk and curbing has been started along Las Olas Blvd, and will be wrapping around SE 1 Avenue this week.
- Concrete bands are scheduled to be poured over by Poppy's Play Patch this week, outlining the path for the future walkways in the park.
- The New River Landing wood deck's framing is in place, reading for the railings and decking to come soon.
| Crews removed and began forming a new sidewalk along Las Olas Boulevard. | Crews laying out the landscape areas and future walkways within the park. | | |
Site amenities are taking shape.
- New benches have been assembled along the Riverwalk—and they’re anything but ordinary. These custom seats will be part of the River Terrace, giving you front-row views of the New River.
- Progress on Poppy's Play Patch continues, with the rubber padding now in place, ready for the artificial turf topping.
- Light poles have been installed within the park and along Riverwalk, awaiting light fixtures and final park power. Fun fact: some poles will have up to 10 lights on them!
| Custom bench in the River Terrace, a gift from the Motwani Family, along the reopened Riverwalk. | | Crews installing the rubber padding on Poppy's Play Patch, a gift from Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. | | The Huizenga Park Pavilion, a gift from Stiles, with stucco work underway. | |
Here's what's next: Working from south to north, the park continues to shape up! The contractor continues to work throughout the site, from finalizing electrical work underground to installing ductwork in the bathroom, and planting new trees to installing new site amenities. It’s the little design details that will make Huizenga Park feel truly special—built just for our DowntownFTL community.
Traffic and Access Updates:
- One eastbound lane on Las Olas Boulevard will remain closed between Andrews Avenue and SE 1st Avenue to allow construction trucks safe access into the park — helping reduce traffic impacts on SE 1st Avenue.
- The sidewalk along E Las Olas Blvd in front of Huizenga Park has been closed temporarily to replace the sidewalk and curb. The contractor anticipates the sidewalk to be reopened before the end of the month.
| | Riverwalk Improvements Expand West | | In partnership with the City of Fort Lauderdale, the DDA has taken proactive steps to enhance the Riverwalk west of Huizenga Park. While this area—between Andrews Avenue and the FEC tracks—is slated for a future seawall replacement project, we recognized the need for immediate attention. To help brighten things up in the meantime, our team refreshed the space with new plantings and irrigation repairs, offering a more welcoming environment as plans for the larger construction effort continue to take shape. | | Project history and timeline | |
After years of planning and design, Huizenga Park is undergoing a complete renovation that kicked off in August 2024. Construction is expected to take just over a year to complete, reopening in early 2026.
Big Vision: Huizenga Park will become Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s signature gathering place, exquisitely designed, activated, safe and comfortable. A space for everyone, to be used from morning through the evening, and every day of the year. A series of uniquely designed outdoor rooms will set Huizenga Park apart from traditional parks, offering opportunities for leisure, dining, physical activity, events, and meet-ups. A reimagined Huizenga Park will set the new standard for urban parks in Fort Lauderdale.
| | About the Huizenga Park Foundation | | The Huizenga Park Foundation is a nonprofit established in 2022 to promote, advance, foster and support the reimagining of Huizenga Park. | | | |
If you wish to opt out of future Huizenga Park emails, please simply REPLY TO THIS EMAIL with "unsubscribe" in the body and we'll take it from there! Do not use the unsubscribe option below or you’ll be removed from ALL future DowntownFTL communications. | | | | |
