Between shopping, riverfront dining, and downtown sightseeing, Huizenga Park is now a destination worth building into your itinerary when visiting Greater Fort Lauderdale. Just steps from Las Olas Boulevard and along the New River, the reimagined 3.6-acre park blends shaded green space, public art, and daily programming into one natural stop on a downtown day.
Following a two-year, $15 million transformation, the park has reopened with features designed for visitors and locals alike, from Riverwalk strolls to kid- and dog-friendly spaces and free yoga classes between meals. Huizenga Park will host more than 150 events this year, with most programs offered free of charge. Here’s what visitors can expect from Fort Lauderdale’s newly reimagined downtown park.
At a Glance:
Location: 32 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (along the New River)
Hours: Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
What You’ll Find:
- Shaded green space ideal for midday breaks or sunset strolls
- Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s first enclosed off-leash dog run
- A restored Spirit of Fort Lauderdale Fountain and a playful children’s moundscape
- Large-scale public art installations by artists Manolo Valdés and Cey Adams
- Daily and weekly programming, including free yoga classes, outdoor movies, and a bi-weekly makers market
Getting Here
By Car:
If you're driving, park at one of these nearby locations, all within a short walk of the park:
- Street parking on SE First Ave. (just north of Las Olas Blvd.)
- Riverwalk Center Garage (150 SE Second St.)
- 10X Riverwalk Garage (4 W. Las Olas Blvd.)
By Water Trolley:
Take the Water Trolley to Huizenga Park at Stop #2.
By Brightline:
The park is a 10-minute walk from Fort Lauderdale’s Brightline station.
Named after legendary Fort Lauderdale entrepreneur and philanthropist Wayne Huizenga in 2003, the park has long been a downtown destination. Thanks to its recent transformation, walking through Huizenga Park today feels like a series of outdoor “rooms,” giving visitors different ways to experience the park throughout the day.
“It feels like a true riverfront destination, with more green space and shade, walkability, and connectivity, designed to bring people together for recreation, culture, and everyday moments,” shares Jenni Morejon, president and CEO of the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority. “It’s still the park downtown has always loved, but it’s been reimagined into something the entire community can truly enjoy.”
Throughout the park, guests will encounter two new public art installations by renowned artists Manolo Valdés and Cey Adams, along with landscaping that includes more than 13,500 plants across 58 species and 88 new shade trees. Valdés' work features a whimsical butterfly sculpture, while Adams created a bold “Love” mural.
“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,” says Charlie Ladd, owner of Barron Real Estate and DDA Board Member.
Join Year-Round Programming
One of Huizenga Park's biggest draws for visitors is its steady rhythm of year-round programming, built around three pillars: Health & Wellness, Arts & Culture, and Dogs & Pets. Nearly all of it is free, and most activities are drop-in friendly, whether you're in town for a long weekend or a full vacation.
“The programming is what gives the park its rhythm,” Morejon says. “Huizenga Park becomes a place you return to, not just somewhere you pass through on your way to something else.”
The Health & Wellness lineup is backed by a multi-year partnership with Cleveland Clinic, which is sponsoring more than 100 free wellness programs throughout the year. Visitors may find weekly yoga classes from area studios, dog-friendly sessions like Pooches & Poses, recovery pop-ups featuring cold plunges and breathwork, and high-energy Zumba classes that bring movement to the lawn.
“Huizenga Park is meant to serve the community in real, everyday ways, and the Health & Wellness Series makes that tangible by creating consistent opportunities for people to show up, move, reset, and connect outdoors,” she says.
Arts & Culture programming adds to the park’s appeal throughout the month, featuring outdoor movies, poetry nights, painting classes, and live music. The popular Sunny Side Up Market will pop up in the park twice a month, where you can browse local vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and veggies to eclectic jewelry and handmade candles. For travelers visiting with dogs, the programming even extends to training classes and pet-focused activities, like Yappy Hour.
Good Eats on the Way
Opening in fall 2026, the park will debut Sweetwaters, a full service waterfront restaurant. The park will also feature a rotating concession program highlighting local food vendors, including Mr. Smash Burgers. Guests can order a gourmet burger for a quick bite on the lawn or enjoy it in one of the many shaded cafe-style seating areas throughout the park.
Get Out & Explore
Whether you're visiting downtown Fort Lauderdale for the first time or returning for another stay, Huizenga Park is a natural starting point—or midday break—during a day of exploring.
For a first visit, Morejon recommends entering through the main entrance on Las Olas Boulevard and making your way toward the Civic Lawn—the park’s central greenspace—where sweeping views of downtown set the scene. From there, continue toward the restored Spirit of Fort Lauderdale Fountain, a gift from the Huizenga family. Its surrounding benches make this a natural gathering point or place of respite within the park’s new design.
Shaded seating areas lead down toward the New River, offering space to slow down, people-watch, or enjoy a river breeze between activities. Visitors traveling with kids or dogs will want to spend time at Poppy’s Play Patch and downtown’s first enclosed dog run, “The Dog Spot,” ideal for playtime and outdoor fun.
“This reopening is a real milestone for Downtown Fort Lauderdale and the entire city,” says Morejon. “Not just because the park looks different, but because it’s been thoughtfully built for long-term impact.”
The transformation of Huizenga Park aligns with downtown Fort Lauderdale's evolution. Over the past decade, as the area has attracted more families and visitors, the park has been reimagined as a riverfront space that keeps pace with the city's momentum. For visitors, it offers a distinctly local atmosphere you can build into your itinerary for a few minutes or an entire afternoon. For the full program lineup, visit huizengapark.org.