The Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority and the Huizenga Park Foundation have announced the grand reopening of Huizenga Park, a 3.6-acre riverfront public space in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, following a two-year, $15 million redevelopment effort. The park will officially reopen to the public during a two-day community celebration scheduled for January 24 and 25, 2026.
Located along the New River, Huizenga Park has been reintroduced as a reconfigured civic landscape designed to support daily use, community programming, and waterfront activation. The redesign was led by global architecture and landscape architecture firm Perkins&Will, with construction carried out by MBR Construction, Inc. The project was completed through a public-private-philanthropic partnership involving the City of Fort Lauderdale, the State of Florida, the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority, and private donors.
Credit: Perkins & Will.
“The vision behind Huizenga Park has always been to create a public space that belongs to the people of Fort Lauderdale,” said Jenni Morejon, President and CEO of the Fort Lauderdale DDA.
“Walking through the redesigned park, it’s clear this space will serve our community in meaningful ways,” she added.
Credit: Perkins & Will.
“Huizenga Park now offers everything downtown Fort Lauderdale deserves – a place for connection, engagement, and enjoyment .”
The redesigned park is organized as a series of outdoor spaces intended to function as flexible gathering areas. New features include a central open lawn, shaded seating areas, a children’s play moundscape, Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s first designated dog run, and expanded riverfront seating. The project also restored the Spirit of Fort Lauderdale Fountain and introduced contemporary landscaping that reinforces visual connections to the New River.
Credit: Perkins & Will.
More than 13,500 new plants representing 58 species were installed across the site, along with 88 new shade trees. Two permanent public art installations by artists Manolo Valdés and Cey Adams were also incorporated into the park’s design.
“As someone who has lived and worked downtown for years, I’ve seen how vital public spaces are to the life of our community,” said Charlie Ladd, owner of Barron Real Estate and DDA Board Member.
Credit: Perkins & Will.
“The renewed Huizenga Park brings fresh energy to the heart of the city, with lush green spaces that invite people to linger, connect, and enjoy the riverfront. That vibrancy supports nearby restaurants, shops, and offices, strengthening our local economy and reflecting the bright future of our city.”
Dining and concessions are a key component of the park’s long-term activation strategy. Sweetwaters, a full-service waterfront restaurant developed by the team behind Miami’s Rusty Pelican, is planned for the park and is expected to open in fall 2026. The restaurant is operated by Specialty Restaurants Corporation and was designed by ICRAVE, a Journey studio, in collaboration with JVB Architect, LLC. Construction on the restaurant began in November.
Credit: Perkins & Will.
In addition to the permanent restaurant, the park will host a rotating concession program focused on local food vendors and small businesses. The first participant, Mr. Smash Burgers, is launching a branded food stand within the park, marking the beginning of a broader culinary program intended to support daily park activity.
The grand reopening celebration will take place over the weekend of January 24 and 25. A ribbon-cutting ceremony sponsored by MBR Construction, Inc. is scheduled for Saturday morning and will be led by Laurie Jennings, a six-time Emmy Award-winning former television news reporter and anchor. Saturday programming will include guided tours, a showcase of park programming initiatives, and an evening outdoor movie screening.
Credit: Perkins & Will.
Sunday’s events will include the Sunny Side Up Market, a morning yoga session, and a guided sunset meditation. Ongoing recurring programming at Huizenga Park is scheduled to begin on January 27.
“From the start, this project has been driven by the community’s vision and dedication,” said Steve Hudson, Chairman of the Huizenga Park Foundation.
Credit: Perkins & Will.
“The reopening of Huizenga Park reflects what can be achieved when residents, organizations, and leaders come together to create a space that brings people closer and strengthens downtown’s identity.”
The Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority will oversee the park’s long-term operations and maintenance under a newly established funding model designed to ensure sustained public use and programming.
“Huizenga Park now stands as a central destination where the city’s residents and visitors can come together,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis.
“Its reopening is a clear example of how strategic investment in public spaces enhances community life and preserves the energy, spirit, and character that make Fort Lauderdale unique.”
The park’s reopening aligns with broader public realm investments underway across Fort Lauderdale, including the restoration of War Memorial Auditorium at Holiday Park and the development of DC Alexander Park along the beachfront, as the city continues to expand walkable and connected civic spaces throughout its urban core.
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Went by. Look real good.. only thing that I feel is so so about us the future. Restaurant. I feel it’s over kill ,too large But other than that. Excellent