Park Safety by Design: How Huizenga Park Creates a Safer Experience
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
May 4, 2026
We’ve heard it again and again: Huizenga Park feels safe. We couldn’t agree more, and that calm, comfortable atmosphere isn’t an accident. It’s the product of lots of thoughtful choices, from big-picture planning to day-to-day operations.
Early on, we did our homework and leaned on guidance from the Urban Land Institute. The takeaway: the best safety feature is people, lots of them, throughout the day and into the evening. That’s why we’ve welcomed crowd-pleasers like Mr. Smash Burgers and why we’re excited for Sweetwaters Restaurant to open later this year. Add in programming and activation, and the Park really stays lively: since late January, we’ve hosted nearly 100 free events and programs for everyone to enjoy.
Design matters, too. With our partners at Perkins&Will, we shaped spaces that feel open and easy to see across, no tucked-away corners, no hidden spots. We also took lighting seriously, dialing in fixture types, placement, and brightness. Even the materials were selected with safety and comfort in mind.
And then there are the people who make it all work. If you haven’t met them yet, say hi to Will, our Groundskeeper, and Andrea, our Parks Attendant. Behind the scenes, we also invest in 24/7 cleaning and security with Clean Space and GardaWorld. When we saw how much round-the-clock security helped, we expanded the scope, and GardaWorld stepped up with an in-kind contribution. If you’d like to support our efforts to keep the Park clean, welcoming, and safe, we’d love to hear from you. Until then, see you at Huizenga Park!
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 Elizabeth Van Zandt, FTLDDA's Executive Vice President & CFO, who oversees the budget and legal agreements for Huizenga Park, as well as the Huizenga Park Foundation.
