Update No. 12 | July 9, 2025
 

Here's the latest: Big moves are happening, and one of the most exciting updates is the newest addition to our team. And speaking of transformation—construction progress is moving full steam ahead! Keep reading to see what’s new, what’s on the rise, and what’s just around the corner.


What's happening: 

  1. Meet the DDA's new Urban Park Manager
  2. Park improvements are taking shape
  3. Public art lights up 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.

Introducing DDA's New Urban Park Manager

We are thrilled to announce that Juan Rodriguez will be joining the DDA next week as the newly hired Urban Park Manager. Selected from more than 140 interested candidates and vetted during a multi-step interview process, Juan demonstrated the capability, commitment, and chemistry we wanted for this incredibly important role and newest member of our team. 


As Huizenga Park's Urban Park Manager, Juan will oversee the daily operations, maintenance, and programming of the reimagined Huizenga Park, ensuring it remains clean, safe, and vibrant for all. The will also help bring the park to life through activations, partnerships, and exceptional guest experiences.


About Juan:

Juan Rodriguez is an accomplished public sector leader with more than a decade of experience in municipal operations, community engagement, and performance improvement. Throughout his career, Juan has been committed to building high-performing teams, improving public service delivery, and designing spaces and systems that center the needs of the community. His work spans policy development, event management, and organizational culture-building initiatives. He holds a Master’s in Public Administration from The George Washington University and certifications in Lean Six Sigma, NIMS emergency response, and CPR/First Aid.


Juan brings a passion for placemaking, public space activation, and inclusive programming, inspired by Walt Disney World theme parks and their continual evolution and focus on hospitality. Juan is excited to prepare Huizenga Park for its grand reopening and successfully operate the park as a dynamic, welcoming destination in the heart of Downtown Fort Lauderdale for all to enjoy.

Transformation in the Making

Huizenga Park as of July 8, 2025

Huizenga Park is steadily evolving—and now, the changes are more visible than ever. We’re excited to continue unveiling what’s next as Huizenga Park moves closer to becoming downtown’s signature green space.
 

Huizenga Park's bathroom continues to shape up.

  • The future bathroom building shell and roof structure are in place, with work continuing on the interior and exterior of the building.
  • Notice the openings for floor to ceiling windows, offering plenty of natural light and visibility to the bathroom's hallway.
  • In addition to the bathroom, this small facility will be home to some of the park's important infrastructure, including the equipment for the rehabilitated Spirit of Fort Lauderdale Fountain.

Exterior view of the park's bathroom building.

Interior look at the park's bathroom building.
 

Poppy's Play Patch rises along the Riverwalk.

  • The play mounds in Huizenga Park, Poppy's Play Patch, are now taking shape - literally! The construction team has started forming the new moundscape that can be seen from the Riverwalk.
  • Curious about the name? Wayne Huizenga's grandkids affectionately called him "Poppy," and we couldn't think of a better way to honor our park's namesake in this playful room of the park.
  • Fittingly, this space is a gift from the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital.

Poppy's Play Mounds taking shape, with the base in place.

New River Landing deck rises above ground, a gift from AutoNation.
 

Did you know that there will be public art in Huizenga Park?

  • Broward County Cultural Division recently installed an artisitc lighting project on the Andrews Avenue Bridge! Designed by artist Susan Narduli, color-changing lighted panels are installed under the bridge and can been seen from the Riverwalk.
  • In partnership with the City of Fort Lauderdale, there will be a large sculpture installed in Huizenga Park. The piece has been donated to the City by the estate of the late James Winder Laird, that recently donated the larger-than-life stainless steel seashell located at Tunnel Top Plaza. We can't wait to share details soon!
  • Through a partnership with the Community Foundation of Broward and Business for the Arts Broward, a mural will be designed and installed by artist Cey Adams through their "Lead with Love" campaign. Cey designed the mural on Hoffman's Chocolates on Las Olas.

Daytime view of the artwork on the Andrews Avenue Bridge.

Marc Quinn's Broken Sublime at Tunnel Top Plaza, donated to the City by the Laird estate.

30-Day Outlook

Views from above looking down at Riverwalk Reimagined.

Here's what's next: With the major Riverwalk improvements in place and underground work largely complete, the reimagined park's amenities will continue to rise above ground. Working from south to north, you'll start to see the transformation along the Riverwalk.

 

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.

In the News: Riverwalk Reimagined at Huizenga Park

In case you missed it, Riverwalk Reimagined is now open at Huizenga Park! Last month, we were thrilled to take the first stroll with generous donors and project partners as we celebrated this exciting milestone.


This is only the beginning. With the Riverwalk now open to the public, construction of Huizenga Park Reimagined will continue through the the end of this year. Check out some highlights of the Inaugural Walk to get a glimpse of what's to come in the park!

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 at 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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