Update No. 2 | September 4, 2024

Here's the latest: Progress is underway on Huizenga Park Reimagined!

What's happening: Since the official renovation kick off on August 19th, our construction team has been setting the stage for more visible changes at Huizenga Park.

In the news:

Go Riverwalk Magazine (Page 22): Progress in the Making: Renovations to Huizenga Park have finally begun
South Florida Business Journal: Construction has started for Huizenga Park after several years of planning
South Florida Business & Wealth: Construction Begins on Huizenga Park in Fort Lauderdale

Stay in the Loop: From a live construction camera, to regular email blasts, and updates on social media, 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.

Looking Ahead: Huizenga Park's Transformation

Now that construction is underway, we are looking ahead to some of the biggest improvements coming to Huizenga Park!

Did you know Huizenga Park will have 230 new canopy trees, flowering trees and palms, 58 new plant species, and over 13,5000 new plants?

This lush landscaping and expanded tree canopy will yield a 250% increase in biodiversity and a 216% increase in shade, making Huizenga Park the coolest spot in town.

30-Day Outlook

Forging a new path: Pedestrians will be diverted soon from the Riverwalk to the water's edge so the contractor can begin work on underground utilities under the red bricks. We hope you enjoy getting closer to the New River and checking out the beautiful vessels that pass by! And don’t worry; all the personalized bricks will be inventoried, stored and replaced as part of the project.

Here's what's next: The construction team will continue on-site prep and demolition activities by removing the existing fountain mechanical building and the foundations of the former bandshell.

Potential 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 couple of months.

Meet the Project Team

Alex Saiz, Jenni Morejon, Matthew Schnur, Marti Brown, and Elizabeth Van Zandt

Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority staff (pictured left to right)

It takes a village to transform a major downtown public space like Huizenga Park. Here's a behind the scenes look at the team making it happen.

Alex, the DDA's Planning & Program Manager, serves as the project manager for Huizenga Park Reimagined. She oversees the construction team and consultants to deliver the project on-time and on-budget.

Jenni, the DDA's President & CEO, leads the team to successfully build a new and improved park for Downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Matthew, the DDA's Research & Innovation Manager, is developing the park's operations, maintenance, and programming plan and builds support from donors and community partners.

Marti, the DDA's Office Manager, provides administrative and accounting support for the team.

Elizabeth, the DDA's Vice President, leads the effort to build a sustainable budget for the park, both during construction and operations.

Our team will continue to be available to answer questions and provide updates. Stop by and say hello if you see us along the Riverwalk sometime soon!

About the DDA

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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