Carter Park Transformation

The Fort Lauderdale City Commission has approved a resolution accepting $2,180,314 in grant funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection through the Land and Water Conservation Fund's Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program to advance major improvements at Joseph C. Carter Park.

This state funding represents a significant addition to the improvements already funded through the voter-approved Parks Bond. By leveraging these additional dollars, the City is expanding the impact of its $33.2 million signature park project.

A signature park in Fort Lauderdale's District 3, Carter Park was originally Sunland Park when it opened in 1953. It was renamed in 1994 in honor of Joseph C. Carter, who spent more than 40 years working for Fort Lauderdale and Broward County parks and recreation departments. Carter supervised Sunland Park for 24 years until he retired in 1977.

The addition of the grant funding will help advance major upgrades to transform the park into a modern, inclusive recreational destination. Improvements will expand access to high-quality outdoor amenities while honoring long-standing community priorities.

The City continues to actively engage residents in shaping the park's future. A community outreach meeting was held on Thursday, February 5, and encouraged residents to provide additional input by completing a project survey. A second community outreach meeting is also scheduled for Monday, March 9, at 6 p.m. at Joseph C. Carter Park, where community members will have another opportunity to share feedback and learn more about the project.

Project highlights include but are not limited to:

• New community center

• New playground with shade structures

• Walking trails and outdoor fitness stations

• Swimming pool mechanical and structural system improvements

• Water playground renovation

• Synthetic turf field and bleachers

• Parking and site access improvements

• New field lighting improvements

"These improvements reflect years of community input and a clear commitment to equitable access to high-quality recreational spaces," said Mayor Dean Trantalis.

"This grant empowers us to bring our vision to life, while honoring the community's voice," said Commissioner Pam Beasley-Pittman.