Huizenga Park: Creating Community in the Heart of DowntownFTL

May 28, 2026 

Since reopening in early 2026, Huizenga Park has quickly emerged as one of Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s defining gathering places, where Las Olas Boulevard meets the New River, and the energy of the city comes to life.

From sunset wellness classes and movie nights under the stars to dog-friendly gatherings, live performances, and spontaneous moments along the waterfront, the park has become a daily destination for residents and visitors alike. With something happening nearly every day, Huizenga Park is creating opportunities for connection, discovery, and community in the heart of Downtown.

In just a few short months, the response has been remarkable. Since reopening, the park has welcomed more than 80,000 visitors, reflecting the growing demand for vibrant, walkable public spaces in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.

The diversity of park visitors also highlights Huizenga Park’s growing role as both a neighborhood amenity and a regional destination:

• One-third of visitors arrive by walking

• One-third drive in from the surrounding neighborhoods

• One-third are visiting from outside the area

Programming has become a major driver of engagement, with one in five guests participating in events and activations organized by the Huizenga Pak team. This season’s lineup reflects our continued commitment to activating Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s signature riverfront gathering space with experiences that bring residents, employees, families, and visitors together.

Popular health and wellness programming, including Yoga, Zumba, and Pilates, presented by Cleveland Clinic, has quickly become a favorite among parkgoers, offering residents a unique opportunity to stay active along the New River. The park has also become a platform for pop-up performances, community gatherings, and weekly experiences that bring people together in unexpected ways. We’re excited to introduce Weekly Trivia nights each Wednesday at 6:30 PM, where guests will bring a mix of brainpower, fresh air, and a little friendly competition to Huizenga Park. For the full schedule of activities, please visit https://www.huizengapark.org/calendar.

More than a park, Huizenga Park is helping shape the future of Downtown Fort Lauderdale by creating the kinds of experiences and everyday moments that define great cities. As Downtown continues to grow, the park stands as a welcoming front porch for the community — a place where people gather, connect, and experience the energy of Fort Lauderdale together.

About the Author

The team behind Huizenga Park is guided by a shared commitment to fostering community, creating lasting memories, and building an exceptional park experience.

This post was written by Matthew Schnur, FTL DDA's Research and Innovation Manager, who oversees fundraising and donor relations for the Huizenga Park Foundation.