Update No. 6 | January 8, 2025

Here's the latest: To kick off the new year, we're giving you an inside look at all the exciting progress taking place along the New River for Huizenga Park Reimagined.

What's happening: 

1. Marine demolition is underway.
2. Improvements along the New River and Riverwalk are coming soon.
3. Presenting Huizenga Park's core values.

Stay in the Loop: There are several ways for you to follow along on our journey. 

• Follow @huizengapark on Facebook, Instagram and X
• Go to www.huizengapark.org
• Feel free to call or email if you have questions: 954-463-6574

Check out some other exciting Huizenga Park news below – a 3.5 min read.

Transformation in Progress

Huizenga Park as of January 7, 2024

You'll see some exciting progress in motion when you take a stroll on the Riverwalk and walk through the temporary path within Huizenga Park!

Marine work is underway.

• Demolition is in progress, with the removal of the dilapidated wood decking, concrete support structures, and wooden piles stretching out over the water.
• The removal of the existing sawtooth decking will be a positive impact for vessels on the New River by a reduction of 600 square feet of decking extending into the water.
• The contractor has discovered remnants of the former New River Drive, the roadway that ran along the river's edge before Riverwalk was built in the 1980s.

Crews removing the dilapidated wood decking along the New River.

Exposed concrete support structures and curbing from New River Drive under the wood decking.

Marine improvements coming soon.

• By exposing the existing seawall and pouring a new cap, we are raising the seawall height to today's elevation standards.
• Our marine contractor will be driving concrete piles starting tomorrow. Once piles are in place, we will be installing riprap to protect the New River from soil erosion.
• The contractor will soon begin building a concrete deck to support the new Riverwalk overlook structure. This new structure will bring you out closer to the water with better views up and down the river.

Concrete piles in place ready for piling driving to begin.

Rendering of the future Riverwalk Terrace and River View overlook structure.

30-Day Outlook

Transformation in progress: Huizenga Park's marine work is underway!

Here's what's next: The construction team got started last month on marine improvements that will continue through the end of January. A temporary pedestrian walkway has been put in place to make way for these marine-focused improvements, along with upgrades to the Riverwalk. Our team is expediting this work along the Riverwalk to have it fully reopen soon!

Other impacts: One eastbound lane along Las Olas Boulevard will remain closed from Andrews Avenue to SE 1 Avenue. This serves to provide truck access into the park and minimize the number of construction vehicles that need to enter SE 1 Avenue. The sidewalk on the west side of SE 1 Avenue will remain closed for pedestrian safety and the Riverwalk will continue to be detoured for the next few months.

We expect some noise for the remainder of the week tied to the pile driving needed to continue with enhancements along Riverwalk.

Presenting Huizenga Park's Core Values

Future view from Huizenga Park's Civic Lawn looking to activities in the Legacy Terrace.

As we kick off 2025, we're committed to bringing to life a Huizenga Park that fosters community and creates lasting memories for everyone, forever. This vision is guided by six core values that will be embedded in the day-to-day operations of Huizenga Park.

Spirit of Community

Huizenga Park connects, serves, and inspires the Fort Lauderdale community.

A Safe and Comfortable Space

Huizenga Park provides an exceptional experience: clean, safe, comfortable, and well-maintained.

Beautiful by Design

Huizenga Park embraces design elegance through its built and natural forms.

Collective Wellness, Personified

Huizenga Park builds a healthier and more socially connected city.

Authentically Fort Lauderdale

Huizenga Park celebrates the unique character of our city.

A Park for Everyone, Forever

Huizenga Park will be open for all, now and always.

Meet the Project Team

Meet the Levy team! Levy has been working with the DDA since the beginning of our journey to reimagine Huizenga Park. Instrumental in securing media coverage, hosting successful events, and spreading our message day-to-day on social media, the Levy team continues to work behind-the-scenes with us to celebrate our major milestones and progress.

About Levy Public Relations + Events

Levy is a global communications agency based in South Florida, offering clients an innovative approach to marketing. Specializing in public relations, social media, marketing, and events, Levy is committed to developing forward-thinking strategies that introduce brands, strengthen their presence, and increase their visibility.

Project history and timeline

After years of planning and design, Huizenga Park will undergo a complete renovation that kicked off in August 2024. Construction is expected to take just over a year to complete, reopening by the end of 2025. 

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.

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