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Downtown Fort Lauderdale The Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority recently secured 2 million to fund future capital improvement projects to enhance parks and open spaces as well as streetscapes in the urban core The DDA is in the early stages of planning to significantly improve Huizenga Plaza a park owned by the DDA as part of a strategic approach to improve the DowntownFTL parks system This document showcases the vision for a reimagined Huizenga Plaza and the framework to make this vision a reality Who is the DDA The DDA is a public private partnership agency that powers the experience growth and prosperity of Downtown Fort Lauderdale a vibrant metropolitan city that is evolving at the center of the South Florida region where all are inspired to live like locals 2 Huizenga Park The DDA strives to grow DowntownFTL with major investments in real estate infrastructure and transportation improve public spaces like streets and parks for all to enjoy and connect the city with partnerships that cultivate an environment where people come together For more information please visit www ddaftl org

Contents p03 1 2 3 Importance Context p04 History Precedents p08 Action Plan p12 4 5 6 Huizenga Park Design p14 Funding p24 Summary Next Steps p26

Why do parks matter High quality urban parks are essential infrastructure for vibrant growing cities This sentiment has only been magnified with the COVID 19 pandemic Environmental Health CO2 CO2 CO2 According to the CDC from 2000 to 2018 the prevalence of adult obesity increased from 30 5 to 42 4 1 see last page for footnotes 4 Huizenga Park Parks provide climate and health benefits which prepare humans for the greatest environmental threat climate change Trees can sequester carbon and combat heat while rain gardens and green infrastructure can filter pollutants that would otherwise go in our waterways and slow urban flooding Native plants increase animal and plant species by providing refuge and food for local fauna Physical Health Parks have the ability to reduce some of our primary public health challenges such as asthma diabetes and obesity These provide affordable and accessible solutions to practice sports and physical activities These activities can improve cardiovascular health strength and flexibility

By 2025 the downtown Fort Lauderdale population is expected to be over 27 000 As the population grows the amount of park space becomes that much more important Therefore we need to improve the current park space assets in Downtown to better serve our community physically mentally equitably and environmentally SE According to NASEM more than 1 3 of adults 45 and older feel lonely and 1 4 of adults 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated 2 MIN RE ATU 20 IN N Equitable Access Places to gather are cornerstones of neighborhoods Parks are a vital source for communities physical environmental and mental health Improved park amenities can reflect the surrounding context and provide welcoming opportunities for people to meet Providing equal access to parks can help build community and forge new connections among diverse park visitors Ultimately they act as a symbol of unity a common ground for all ROTONIN Wellness and Mental Health There is no safer way to see someone than meeting them outdoors at a park Providing areas where friends and family can come together is critical to reduce feelings of loneliness and increase happiness and well being Studies show that just 20 to 30 minutes of exposure to urban nature can reduce stress By connecting to nature and spending time outdoors humans can improve their health 3 2021 5

2 1 acres Anchored by a large fountain this riverfront park currently consists of a large lawn amphitheater walkways picnic tables benches HISTORIC SISTRUNK STRANAHAN PARK N W 1 4 T H W AY 2 NW 7TH HUIZENGA PLAZA 1 6 acres This botanical park is attached to the Fort Lauderdale Woman s Club The private public partnership features over 500 varieties of plants within six gardens 3 N AVE OF THE ARTS 1 NW SISTRUNK PARK 1 7 acres This park is home to many neighborhood and cultural events It features a mounded lawn with community mural and a playground 4 TO I 95 TRI RAIL PETER FELDMAN PARK W B R O W A R D B LV D 1 3 acres This park offers a lawn playground benches and shaded picnic tables SW 2ND ST 5 5 ESPLANADE PARK 2 4 acres The riverside park features a covered stage and hosts many year round events It is at one end of the city s Riverwalk 6 AV E 6 NEW R I V ER SMOKER PARK 1 7 acres On the south side of the Riverwalk is a conservation area called Smoker Park This park is mainly used for leisure activities such as taking a stroll Huizenga Park 4T H THE RIVERWALK 18 2 acres 1 5 miles This linear promenade sits next to the New River providing access for residents and visitors The park consists of a meandering walkway linking together attractions restaurants and shops 7 SW Urban Core Parks TA R

L A O F R P N ST 3 N FEDERAL HWY NE 3RD AVE H O L I D AY PA R K 4 NE 4TH ST N ANDREWS AVE W 4TH ST E B R O W A R D B LV D 2 TUNNEL TOP LAURA WA R D FEC RAIL S ANDREWS AVE 1 N EW RIVER Heart of Downtown SE 5TH SW 6TH ST SE 7TH ST HARDY PA R K L A S O L A S B LV D 7 S FEDERAL HWY 6 Most of DowntownFTL core is located within a 5 minute walk of Huizenga Plaza This space is at the intersection of art business education and entertainment It acts as a meeting point for surrounding amenities Huizenga s central location offers natural respite among the bustle and density of downtown s built environment When reimagined it will become the beating heart of DowntownFTL 2021 RIV ER 7

Park History A 01 1996 1970 The DDA purchased the land for Huizenga Plaza in the 1970s as part of a larger land acquisition effort to revitalize Downtown Fort Lauderdale by bringing civic and cultural amenities to the urban core The DDA initiated land use and zoning policy for a compact mixeduse Downtown allowing for the development of thousands of residential units to create a live work play destination In 1996 the DDA evaluated the development potential for the site and determined that the best use would be for a signature park centered on the Riverwalk 1980 A 03 A 02 8 Huizenga Park 1997 original concept revised fountain design actually constructed

1998 This Yellow Tabebuia species was introduced to Broward County by Annie Beck who started the first garden club in Fort Lauderdale Beck planted a yellow tab in the 1930s Tom Chancey an arborist saved the tree in 1998 by supervising its relocation from Beck s 334 E Las Olas property 2003 The park is named after H Wayne Huizenga to recognize his contributions to the growth of Downtown Fort Lauderdale Broward County and South Florida He and his late wife Marti were generous community philanthropists who left a lasting positive impact on the community What s next for Huizenga Park 1997 The DDA approved the design of a 1 million dollar fountain for Wayne Huizenga a prominent American businessman and entrepreneur The original design featured life like bronze wildlife sculptures of birds alligators and other animals that live in the Everglades erected 30 feet high The renovation of other features in the park was also done by Landscape Architect Rhett Roy 2021 The reimagined park will become the physical heart of the DowntownFTL park network connected by the New River Las Olas Boulevard and Andrews Avenue The new park will demonstrate the DDA s commitment to the future health and prosperity of the city and inspire more investments in downtown public spaces 2021 9

What are other cities doing From Dallas to Detroit Sarasota to Tampa Minneapolis and Houston built and managed urban parks were studied to understand their challenges and opportunities This information helps to inform future decisions about Huizenga Park These are the six lessons we learned and applied to this project 1 Local Champion Successful parks projects are championed by local philanthropists and business leaders who make investing in public space their top civic priority 4 2 Downtown park projects thrive under organizations created to solely focus on creating managing programming and preserving public space Early Planning Creating a signature Downtown park is a long term and deliberative process This means extensive planning for design construction park operations maintenance and programming 3 Sustainable Revenue A self sustaining business model for park operations with a dedicated revenue stream or endowment for future capital renovations is a must 10 Huizenga Park Create Organizations 5 Engage Stakeholders Public involvement builds a mandate for the project Residents and stakeholders will become advocates for the long term success of the park 6 Active Daily Programming 70 of all park visits are generated by scheduled programming

Go to www ddaftl org ulipanel for more information A 01 Precedent Study Pacific Plaza Park in Downtown Dallas by SWA Group In 2019 the DDA solicited guidance from national experts at the Urban Land Institute to guide DowntownFTL park investments Their recommendations include Use existing public owned land to add new Downtown park space Connect parks through a pedestrian and bike network Include climate adaptive components in new and remodeled parks Initiate a public engagement process to allocate City s Parks Bond funds Identify additional resources to supplement the City s Parks Bond for needed investments A 02 Utilize a public private partnership to manage and activate Downtown parks ULI Panel at Huizenga Plaza in 2019 2021 11

Action Plan Phase II Phase I What is an action plan An action plan or framework plan includes a set of steps that need to be accomplished over a defined time frame to meet the project objective FUNDRAISING and ultimate goal a successfully Solicit funding opportunities based on feasibility plan models that will support O M Capital for the entire project renovated Huizenga Park WE ARE HERE DESIGN CONSTRUCTION Initiate procurement process to prepare final design package PLAN Determine the capacity and resources needed to successfully build and operate an improved Huizenga Park ENGAGEMENT Reach out to potential partners funders park users and supporters COMMUNICATIONS MARKETING Develop communication and marketing strategies to support project goals VALUES VISION GOALS 2020 12 Huizenga Park Develop guiding documents precedents action plan and design concepts 2021 2021

Phase III CONSTRUCTION PARK ACTIVATION Develop a plan for activation based on revenue potential and stakeholder priorities OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT Develop protocol with standards and procedures down to unit costs with budget for implementing N DOCUMENTS 2021 2021 2022 2021 13

Park Vision Huizenga park will offer residents a reminder of the rich cultural historical and natural capital assets that belong to them in Downtown Fort Lauderdale The design provides a multi generational appeal and takes advantage of the prime open space location to connect the public to the New River both physically and socially The improved park space will be a place where visitors are introduced to a vibrant outdoor lifestyle to boost health and well being while connecting with their neighbors The waterfront park will offer residents a reminder of the rich cultural historical and natural capital they have as their public asset in Downtown Fort Lauderdale Arts and Culture Event Lawn Interactive Art Sculptures Botanical Walks Outdoor Conference and Classroom Plazas Performance stage A 01 A 02 14 Huizenga Park A 03

B 02 B 03 B 01 B 04 Wellness Recreation Lawn Running Walking Paths Dog Park and Agility Trail Therapeutic Gardens Edible Gardens Resilience Native Planting Design Pervious Pavers Open Air Pavilion Shaded Paths and Seating Plazas Cooling Mist Columns Educational Signage Environmental Art River Viewing Decks and Loungers Enhanced Sea Wall and Observation Decks Reclaimed Water Supply C 01 C 02 C 03 2021 15

Current Conditions 4 3 2 16 Huizenga Park

5 6 CHALLENGES OPPORTUNITIES 1 1 Both entrances from Las Olas lack clear visual and physical connections to the New River 2 Outdated stage and pavilion blocks River views and does not allow for more regular use of this space along the Riverwalk 3 Park is physically separated from the New River and Riverwalk 4 Great shaded area under canopy of trees is underutilized space 5 Huizenga fountain not integrated into park circulation or visibly connected to intersection 6 Lawn serves large events but lacks shade and variety of seating types for daily use 2021 17

Meet me at Huizenga 21 22 7 18 8 R 18 N E W R I V E 11 23 2 19 10 9 2 20 13 12 22 18 Huizenga Park 4 14

PARK FACILITIES STORAGE S O U T H A N D R E W S A V E N U E 17 6 1 2 Note All designs and renderings included within are concept designs and should not be construed as final implementation drawings Illustrations are developed for inspiration and guidance toward further design development Final park design is subject to change and further detail development 5 3 1 H Wayne Huizenga Spirit of Fort Lauderdale Fountain 2 Interactive Fog Columns 3 Custom Plaza Lighted Bench Seating 4 Lawn 29 300 SF 5 Central Promenade with Engraved Poetry Seating 6 Forest Walk Outdoor Table Games 7 Dog Park with Agility Apparatuses Dog Bar Grooming 14 450 SF 8 Interactive Tide Markers 9 Marine Rope Sculpture Playscape 10 New Dock River Observation Decks 11 Marine Industry Ecosystem Educational Signage 12 Two story Restaurant 6 500 SF with Green Roof 1 950 SF 13 Outdoor Terrace Dining Ground Floor Seating 1 300 SF Roof Deck Bar 1 550 SF E A S T L A S O L A S B LV D 4 LEGEND 15 16 14 Coffee Shop 620 SF Dining Plaza 8 500 SF 15 Shade Structure with Outdoor Conference Classroom and Performance Space 16 Annie Beck Historic Yellow Tabebuia 17 Public Restrooms with Art Facade 18 Existing Tree Canopy 19 Existing Legacy Oak Tree 20 Ornamental Trees 21 Outdoor Beverage Garden 22 Riverwalk 23 Relocated Poinciana Tree 2021 19

RIVER VIEW RESTAURANT WITH MULTI LEVEL DINING TERRACE LEGACY H Wayne Huizenga s contribution to Downtown Fort Lauderdale is celebrated with the existing fountain finding new glory as the park s northern focal point The fountain reminds residents of the great connection to the water and provides a direct path to the New River along the park s central promenade COFFEE SHOP DINING PLAZA ANNIE BECK TREE OUTDOOR CONFERENCE AND CLASSROOM OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE SPACE Building on the history of Annie Beck s love of nature and the specimen Yellow Tab Tree that was moved to the site in 1998 several existing trees will be relocated to new locations within the site and a substantial native Florida Plant Garden will be on display throughout the park CONNECTION The central promenade makes a strong connection to the Riverwalk and New River viewing decks Playful seating and vast lawns welcome visitors with a variety of sun and shaded seating Ample space is provided for social connection and events large and small O L A S B O V A R D Huizenga Park S E 20 LA L Meet me at the lawn ST U Connection to the Museum of Art and the natural environment can be found through interactive sculpture planting design and environmental art installations Artistic metal columns throughout the park provide a visual connection to the New River and celebrate marine activity by releasing a cooling mist during the day and color lighting at night timed with the openings and closings of the Andrews Avenue bridge EA

RIVERWALK THE DOWNTOWNER MARINE ROPE SCULPTURE WATERFRONT OBSERVATION DECK RIVER VIEW SEATING RIVERWALK DOG PARK MULTI PURPOSE LAWN RELOCATED OAK TREES INTERACTIVE FOG COLUMNS FOREST WALK AND OUTDOOR GAME TABLES PUBLIC RESTROOMS WITH ART FACADE H WAYNE HUIZENGA SPIRIT OF FORT LAUDERDALE FOUNTAIN 2021 21

MARINE INDUSTRY NEW RIVER Day or night visitors will be reminded of the important connection to the New River and Marine Industry with new observation decks leaning rails river view seating educational and interactive signage Opportunities for vessel docking and Water Trolley boarding will be explored to promote public access to the water RIVERWALK MARINE INDUSTRY AND ECOSYSTEM EDUCATIONAL SIGNAGE LEGACY OAK TREE RIVER VIEW SEATING WATERFRONT OBSERVATION DECK Meet me on the river 22 Huizenga Park INTERACTIVE FOG COLUMNS DOG PARK

RESTAURANT DINING TERRACE WITH RIVERWALK VIEWS MARINE ROPE SCULPTURE COFFEE SHOP DINING PLAZA ON THE WATER FOOD BEVERAGE The Huizenga Park improvements are designed with the idea to drink eat stroll and enjoy views of the New River Iconic sculptures and environmental art elements illuminate the space during dusk and help visitors orient themselves The restaurant on site has open views toward the river connection to Riverwalk and Hyatt Centric Las Olas A Food Truck Court on SE 1st Avenue is situated to provide multiple concession options and seating opportunities for visitors 2021 23

Funding Creative funding sources are needed for specific design elements and project phases Parks can be funded by infrastructure public health cultural and educational programs Capital Private Fundraising Federal Government State Government Private Local Government Federal Government Corporate Sponsor State Government Foundations Local Government Donor Opportunities Foundations DESIGN CONSTRUCTION 24 Huizenga Park OPERATIONS MAINTENANCE

STRONG ECONOMY PARK INVESTMENT Parks are key components of vital infrastructure that keep residents safe and healthy Parks when designed and managed at a high standard of quality directly impact positively economic growth environmental health and social equity of a place HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT SOCIAL EQUITY Local Government Foundations Private Private Corporate Sponsors Corporate Sponsors ACTIVATION MANAGEMENT ENDOWMENT 2021 25

What s Next Designing a dream city is easy rebuilding a living one takes imagination Jane Jacobs The DDA will be meeting with stakeholders over the summer of 2021 to present the vision for a reimagined reactivated and reclaimed Huizenga Park Feedback received from our community partners will help us form a preliminary funding and operations strategy to successfully build and operate the improved park 26 Huizenga Park By the end of 2021 a robust public engagement effort will be underway while the DDA prepares a final business plan and initiates the formal design process With fundraising in place by early 2022 the DDA anticipates construction could begin as soon as late 2022 with a revitalized park open to the public in 2024

Footnotes and Credits Contributions Statistics page 06 page 07 Professional Advisory Committee for 1 CDC Centers for Disease Control and Downtown Park Strategy Prevention 2017 2018 Architecture Alliance Landscape 2 National Academies of Sciences Cadence Landscape Architects Engineering and Medicine 2020 Corradino Group 3 Landscape Performance Series Hunter Kathy Blaha Consulting MaryCarol R Brenda W Gillespie and Sophie Matthew Schnur Yu Pu Chen 2019 Book Designed and Prepared by Images A01 A02 A03 page 08 Cadence Landscape Architects Fort Lauderdale DDA Fort Lauderdale DDA Images A01 A02 page 10 Preliminary Strategy Document Links SWA Group ULI Advisory Briefing Book https drive google com file d 1URYC8_ lNtCGUXda1n4yxiTdgBeONjM3T view Images A01 A02 A03 page 14 Janet Echelman Art Downtown Dallas Inc https drive google com file d 1iNel7tnmi01X Orly Genger Sculpture 8ogLxhPcTi7OU3QlgGP2 view Images B01 B02 B03 B04 page 15 May 2021 All rights reserved OJB Landscape Architecture SWA Group Fort Lauderdale DDA Images C01 C02 C03 page 15 Lake Flato Architects SAAM Architecture Cadence Landscape Architects 2021 27

HUIZENGA PARK ddaftl org 954 463 6574 110 E Broward Boulevard Suite 1610 Fort Lauderdale FL 33301 Follow us ddaftl Scan with your phone to participate in our survey