Tamarac staff outline East Side Community Park and Center plans, commissioners press for broader public outreach

City of Tamarac staff on Monday presented a conceptual site plan and list of amenities for the East Side Community Park and Center, reviewed the project timeline and described grant conditions linked to the property acquisition.

Mustafa Abelsam, the city's director of public services, told the commission the city acquired the property on Jan. 31, 2025, demolished the existing structure in April 2025 and completed an updated survey and geotechnical report in July. Abelsam said the request for proposals for design services has been advertised.

Melissa Petrone, director of parks and recreation, described proposed outdoor features including a 10-foot multi-purpose trail with benches and a water fountain, a 6,000-square-foot playground with a shade structure, an observation deck and a fishing pier, tennis and basketball courts, a picnic pavilion, park benches, upgraded landscaping and space for public art. For the community center…