Fort Lauderdale parks update: parking garage P3, Holloway Park phase 2, tennis center feedback and dog stations

Parks and recreation staff reported program and facility updates at the meeting, including capital projects, event programming and operational improvements.

Director Wright Goodrich reviewed immediate public events — a jazz brunch at Esplanade Park, the noon-tunes lunch concert series at Lower Ward Plaza (next on Feb. 4) and neighborhood support nights intended to connect residents with city departments.

Staff highlighted capital work at Holiday Park: a public–private (P3) contract for a parking garage with rooftop space and an attached fire/EMS substation was described as recently approved, and resurfacing of an adjacent lot is planned. Holloway Park phase 2 was noted to include demolition of the existing playground, new equipment, shade structures, seating, irrigation and drainage improvements. A new mural at the Holiday Park activity center and temporary exhibits at Hardy Park and the Southside Cultural Arts Center were also described.

Goodrich told the board the commission decided to move forward with fireworks and a drone show for the upcoming Fourth of July. Staff said the Jimmy Edwards Tennis Center — opened in October and used for the USTA Orange Bowl tournament — will have a forthcoming stakeholder meeting and a survey for pass holders to gather feedback on outstanding issues such as furniture and operations.

Staff also said they purchased dog leash stations and expect to install them across roughly 115–120 parks. The board asked about sponsorships; staff noted the possibility of local sponsorships (one mention: Chewy.com) for amenities.

On public art, staff said a shading/structure installation on Las Olas paused briefly because of an outdoor permit conflict but is expected to finish in about three weeks, with completion by mid-February at the latest.

The meeting concluded after no additional new business was offered and the chair adjourned the meeting at about 06:34.