Huizenga Park Reopens Following $15M Transformation

• Huizenga Park, located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has reopened following a major transformation, bringing back a signature public gathering space.
• More than 4,000 people visited during opening weekend, with 65% coming from outside downtown and 17% traveling from more than 30 miles away.
• The park hosted 11 programs during opening week, with more than 200 free events and activities planned during its first year.
• New amenities, restaurants and community programming are positioning the park as a major destination for both residents and visitors.

What the Reopening Means for Downtown Fort Lauderdale

Huizenga Park has reopened in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale following a major $15 million transformation, giving residents and visitors a refreshed place to gather, relax and spend time outdoors. The reopening marks a significant moment for the downtown district, bringing back a signature public gathering space with expanded amenities and flexible areas designed for dining, entertainment, wellness programs and community events.

The transformation was supported by $7.9 million raised from more than 100 private donors, reflecting strong community and private-sector investment in the revitalization of the park.

What the Park’s Programming Offers

Huizenga Park is designed to serve as more than just a green space. Its flexible layout allows it to host a wide range of activities and community programming throughout the year.

More than 250 free community events are planned during the park’s inaugural year, giving residents and visitors numerous opportunities to enjoy the space. Programming includes movie nights, community markets, sunset yoga, wellness activities and Yappy Hour, along with other events designed to bring people together.

The variety of programming is intended to make Huizenga Park an active destination throughout the week, rather than a space used only for occasional large events.

What the $15M Transformation Brings to the Park

The redesigned park was created to respond to the changing population and activity patterns of downtown Fort Lauderdale. The transformation introduces flexible, multi-use spaces that can accommodate everyday visitors as well as larger community gatherings.

The design allows the park to support a variety of uses, including recreation, dining, entertainment, wellness and social gatherings. This broader approach gives Huizenga Park a more central role in downtown life while creating a welcoming outdoor destination for residents and visitors.

New Dining Options Coming to Huizenga Park

Food and beverage offerings are an important part of the park’s new identity. Mr. Smash Burgers, located at Legacy Terrace, has already become one of the park’s early dining attractions, drawing lunchtime crowds and giving visitors another reason to spend time in the space.

Two additional food and beverage offerings are also expected to open soon. Sweetwaters and Ophelia will add new dining options to Huizenga Park, further expanding the park’s appeal as a destination for food, drinks and social gatherings.

With these additions, visitors will have more opportunities to combine time outdoors with dining and entertainment, helping create a more active and engaging park experience.

What the Transformation Could Mean for Downtown Fort Lauderdale

The reopening of Huizenga Park adds another significant amenity to a downtown district that continues to evolve as a place to live, work, dine and spend time.

With more than 250,000 anticipated visits during its inaugural year, 50,000 programming participants and more than 250 free community events, the park is positioned to become an important destination for both residents and visitors. The addition of Sweetwaters and Ophelia will further strengthen its food and beverage offerings, while the $7.9 million raised from more than 100 private donors highlights the level of investment behind the transformation.

As downtown Fort Lauderdale continues to grow, Huizenga Park provides a new gathering place that combines public space, dining, recreation and community programming in the center of the city.