After two years behind construction fencing, Huizenga Park is set to reopen next month, unveiling a $15 million redesign that repositions one of downtown Fort Lauderdale’s most visible waterfront spaces for the city’s next era of growth. A partnership between the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the Huizenga Park Foundation, the project represents one of the most ambitious public space investments the district has seen in more than a decade.
Situated on 3.6 acres along the New River, the reimagined park was designed to create a greener, more welcoming environment for residents, office workers, and the millions of visitors who pass through downtown each year. What was once an underutilized patch of riverfront has been transformed into a vibrant community hub that blends recreation, culture, and open-air gathering spaces with improved access on all sides.
The redesign expands usable green space with a large open lawn intended for concerts, outdoor fitness and community programming. New shaded seating areas encourage daytime use, while children’s play zones add family appeal. Downtown’s growing residential population will also benefit from the park’s first dedicated dog run. The landscape itself has been refreshed with more than 13,500 new plants and 88 shade trees that improve cooling and contribute to the riverfront’s ecological resilience. Two new permanent public art installations were added as well, integrating culture directly into the park’s design.
Construction was led by MBR Construction Inc. with architectural and landscape planning by Perkins and 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 DDA. “This redesign delivers a park that is more beautiful, more accessible, and more reflective of what our community wants downtown.”
Dining will follow the park’s initial reopening. A full-service waterfront restaurant called Sweetwaters is slated to open in fall 2026. The concept comes from the team behind Miami’s iconic Rusty Pelican and is expected to become a major addition to the downtown dining scene. Until then, the park will introduce a rotating concession program showcasing local food operators, beginning with a branded stand from Mr. Smash Burgers.
Huizenga Park will welcome the public with a two-day grand opening celebration on January 24 and 25 featuring a ribbon cutting, guided tours and themed programming centered on arts and culture, health and wellness and pet activities. Regularly scheduled programming is set to begin January 27.
The reopening arrives as downtown Fort Lauderdale continues to expand as both a residential and employment center. According to the DDA, about 26,000 people now live downtown and the district hosts an estimated 13 million visitors annually. The area generates a 43 billion dollar economic impact each year and accounts for a quarter of all jobs in Broward County.
Steve Hudson, chairman of the Huizenga Park Foundation, emphasized that the project reflects a community driven effort supported by public, private and philanthropic partners across the region. As new residential towers, offices and hospitality projects rise along the riverfront, the redesigned Huizenga Park is positioned to serve as a central gathering place and a civic anchor for the district’s continued growth.
With renewed landscaping, expanded amenities and a stronger focus on activation, the new Huizenga Park is poised to become one of Fort Lauderdale’s most dynamic public destinations and a welcoming front yard for the downtown community.
