ort Lauderdale just turned the page on a new chapter of downtown outdoor life with the grand reopening of Huizenga Park — the city’s signature riverfront space redesigned, refreshed, and ready to become the go-to hub for play, connection, culture, and yes … dogs too.
Located at 32 East Las Olas Boulevard in the heart of downtown, Huizenga Park officially reopens to the public on January 24–25, 2026 with a weekend celebration full of free activities, arts, wellness experiences, and events for pets and people.
👉 Visit the official park site: https://www.huizengapark.org
🏞️ A Reimagined Urban Oasis
Originally built in the late 1990s and named in honor of business leader and philanthropist Wayne Huizenga, the park underwent a $15 million redesign led by Perkins&Will and completed in early 2026.
The renovation expands the park’s footprint to 3.6 acres of lush green space, waterfront views, shaded seating and thoughtful design — almost like Fort Lauderdale’s outdoor living room, dining room, and backyard all in one.
Highlights include:
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A new dog run — the first dedicated space of its kind downtown, perfect for off-leash play within a safe, enclosed area.
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A large Civic Lawn and shaded terraces for relaxing or gathering.
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The iconic Spirit of Fort Lauderdale Fountain, restored and refreshed.
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Over 13,500 new plants and 88 shade trees that create a cool, inviting environment.
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New public art installations by well-known artists such as Manolo Valdés and Cey Adams.
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A lush children’s play moundscape for families.
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🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun at Huizenga Park
One of the most exciting features for local dog parents is The Dog Spot — a dedicated off-leash dog run designed with pups in mind. This area gives dogs a chance to stretch their legs, play, and socialize in a central downtown location.
Fort Lauderdale’s dog rules apply here too: pets must be under control, leashed when outside designated areas, and owners must clean up after them — part of the city’s initiative to make parks welcoming while keeping them safe and clean.
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📅 Grand Reopening Weekend Details
The official Grand Reopening Celebration takes place over two days:
🗓️ Saturday, January 24, 2026
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10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Ribbon-cutting, tours & programming showcase
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6:30 PM – 8:30 PM: Movie on the Lawn under the stars (family-friendly outdoor film night)
🗓️ Sunday, January 25, 2026
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11:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Huizenga Park Community Market (local vendors, makers, food, art)
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Sunrise yoga and sunset meditation sessions round out the weekend.
Regular programming — from arts and culture nights to health and wellness classes — begins the week of January 27, 2026.
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🧘♂️ Wellness, Arts & Dogs — Something for Everyone
The park’s year-round schedule is built around three core themes:
🩺 Health & Wellness
Thanks to a partnership with Cleveland Clinic, free weekly fitness and wellness programming — from yoga to dog-friendly movement classes — is offered throughout the year.
🎨 Arts & Culture
Expect pop-up performances, art classes, movie nights, and events that bring creativity into the open air.
🐾 Dogs & Pets
Yappy Hours, pet meetups, dog training pop-ups, and other furry-friendly activities are planned as part of the regular schedule — making the park a community destination for pet parents.
👉 Check the full event calendar: https://www.huizengapark.org/thingstodo
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🍔 Dining & Amenities
While many food experiences will start smaller, the park’s dining scene will grow throughout 2026 and beyond. Concession partners like Mr. Smash Burgers keep hunger at bay during weekend events, and the upcoming Sweetwaters waterfront restaurant — by the same team behind Miami’s Rusty Pelican — is expected to open in late 2026.
Outdoor seating, shaded areas, and comfortable spaces make Huizenga Park an ideal destination for picnics, casual gatherings, and evenings by the river.
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🚶♂️ Getting There & Tips
Huizenga Park is easy to reach:
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In downtown Fort Lauderdale just off Las Olas Boulevard
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A short walk from Riverwalk Center Garage and 10X Riverwalk Garage
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Water Trolley access stops at the park beginning January 24th
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Ten-minute stroll from Brightline’s Fort Lauderdale train station
Dogs are welcome, but must remain leashed outside designated zones and owners must follow city pet guidelines.
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🌟 Final Thought
Huizenga Park’s grand reopening is a milestone for Fort Lauderdale — a modern, lively, and pet-accommodating public space that invites every resident, worker, visitor, and dog lover to connect, explore, and enjoy downtown life. Whether you’re there for a weekend market, a dog-friendly meetup, a sunset yoga session, or a waterfront walk with your pup, this redesigned urban oasis has become a must-visit destination in 2026.
