Huizenga Park Reopens as Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Signature Gathering Place

February 11, 2026

Huizenga Park is officially back, and Downtown Fort Lauderdale felt it immediately.

After years of anticipation, the reopening of Huizenga Park marked more than the return of a beloved public space. It signaled a renewed sense of energy, connection, and possibility in the heart of the city. From the moment the park reopened, it was clear this wasn’t just a ribbon-cutting—it was a homecoming years in the making.

“From the very beginning, this project was guided by a simple but powerful idea to create an iconic park for everyone forever that is uniquely Fort Lauderdale,” said Steve Hudson, the Huizenga Park Foundation Chair. “When you look around, we’ve done just that.”

The data from opening weekend tells a powerful story about Huizenga Park’s appeal as both Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s signature park and a regional destination for all of South Florida.

Grand Reopening Weekend By the Numbers

• Huizenga Park welcomed more than 4,000 guests on January 24 and 25.

  • 35% of park guests live in DowntownFTL, underscoring its role as an iconic gathering space for urban dwellers.

  • 65% of guests came from outside Downtown, reinforcing the park’s appeal as a regional destination.

  • 17% of guests were from destinations 30+ miles away, a strong signal that Huizenga Park is a must-see venue for visiting tourists.

  • By the end of the first week, Huizenga Park welcomed 6,000+ total guests.

• 11 unique programs were hosted during opening week.

  • 110+ participants in the Cleveland Clinic Health & Wellness series of events

  • 300+ attendees at the inaugural Movie on the Lawn

  • 42 vendors at the Sunny Side Up Community Market

  • 36 Dillard High School marching band members kicked off the festivities

  • 6 custom hand-painted parasols created by talented artists

Together, these numbers reflect the park’s unique ability to serve both locals and visitors, anchoring downtown life while inviting the broader region to experience Fort Lauderdale in a new way.

James Philips, the Perkins&Will lead landscape architect behind the park transformation, told the Miami Herald that “our goal was to create a park that responds to the evolving demographics of downtown Fort Lauderdale, creating a space that is flexible, multi-performative, and supports the everyday needs of the community.”  It’s clear that Huizenga Park is truly emerging as Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s iconic outdoor living room, dining room, and backyard.

Over 200 free events and activities are planned for Huizenga Park’s inaugural year, with many having made their debut during opening week. The park has already hosted its first movie night, community market, sunset yoga class, and yappy hour—all made possible through the generosity of the park’s founding donors and programming sponsors. To explore what’s next, visit the Huizenga Happenings calendar at huizengapark.org/calendar.

One of the park’s early standouts is Mr. Smash Burgers, located in Huizenga Park’s Legacy Terrace, which has quickly become one of downtown’s most popular new eateries, selling thousands of burgers since opening day and drawing lunchtime crowds akin to the original Shake Shack at New York City’s Madison Square Park. Huizenga Park’s culinary scene will continue to emerge thanks to the opening of Sweetwaters restaurant later this year.

As Huizenga Park enters this next chapter, its reopening has already proven to be more than a moment; it’s a movement. With strong early attendance, diverse programming, and spaces that invite people to linger and gather, the park is quickly reclaiming its role as the heart of Downtown Fort Lauderdale. As new events, dining, and community traditions continue to unfold, Huizenga Park is not just back, it’s setting the stage for a more connected, vibrant, and energized downtown for years to come. Whether you are experiencing Huizenga Park for the first time or are one of its regular guests, this renewed space is yours to enjoy, explore, and make your own.

Did you attend the Huizenga Park Grand Reopening? You can find all images here.