Broward County Parks and Recreation was established in February 1956 by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. By April 1965, the system consisted of a County beach and three undeveloped areas, with an annual operating budget of $10,000 and average attendance of 950,000 people per year. Today the agency has grown to include 14 regional parks and four nature centers, 14 specialty parks, six staffed and two unstaffed neighborhood parks, and more than 20 natural area sites at various stages of completion, for a total of almost 6,500 acres.
Such growth and expansion have been made possible with broad public support: a $73 million
bond issue in 1978, supplemented with state and federal grants that came to more than $7 million; 1989’s $75 million Environmentally Sensitive Lands Bond Issue, used to purchase more than 1,100 acres of the best remaining natural area sites; and the 2000 Safe Parks and Land Preservation Bond Referendum, approved by 74 percent of County voters, which authorized $400 million toward preserving and reclaiming remaining natural lands and restoring the aging park system.
The emphasis throughout has been on diversity of programming and facilities: from aquatics centers to an outdoor target range, from horse stables
to campgrounds, from classes for children, adults, and special populations to athletic leagues and one-time special events. Parks and Recreation has long been committed to the idea that recreation isn’t a luxury, it’s an essential component that improves the mental and physical health of residents and visitors of Broward County.
ROLE & FUNCTION
As one of the largest units of Broward County Government, Parks and Recreation is primarily a regional provider, with 14 regional parks, four nature centers, 21 natural areas, and 14 specialty parks strategically located from sawgrass to seagrass so that all areas are served by at least one
Easterlin Park
major park. Among the facilities unique within the system are a target range, a velodrome, an educational farm complex, dog parks, disc golf courses, an observatory, airboat rides, and a campground featuring platform tents and tepees. Other one-ofa-kind recreational opportunities are made possible by innovative partnerships with private enterprises and concessionaires, such as airboat rides and alligator shows at Everglades Holiday Park; Marine Environmental Education Center at Carpenter House; outdoor Memorial Fitness Zones; AllGolf at C.B. Smith Park; Butterfly World at Tradewinds Park & Stables; and Ski Rixen USA (cable water-skiing) at Quiet Waters Park.
Four of the agency’s units are also responsible for programming on a countywide basis. The Special Populations Section develops and implements a variety of year-round recreation
and leisure programs, special events, and services to meet the interests and needs of children, teens, adults, and seniors with disabilities; programs are designed to develop, enhance, and/or maintain leisure skills, motor skills, socialization, and overall well-being, as well as to provide fun and enjoyment.
SWIM Central is Broward County’s primary resource and referral service for available swim programs and was established in 1999 by the Broward County Commission, in cooperation with various cities and nonprofit organizations. Housed at Parks and Recreation, SWIM Central has become the county’s chief coordinating agency for water-safety instruction. It maintains the most comprehensive database in Florida, tracking swimming pools and water-safety programs in the County.
The Marine Advisory Committee (MAC), one of three advisory boards maintained by the division, oversees the Broward Boating Improvement Program (BBIP). The BBIP provides funds for projects such as the construction of boat ramps, recreational channel marking, public docking and mooring facilities, access roads, derelict vessel removal, and recreational boating-related support facilities and utilities. The annual allocations for this program are approximately $320,000. Since its inception in 1974, the MAC has recommended $19.2 million for the development of recreational marine facilities and projects.
Parks and Recreation and UF/ IFAS Extension Education have an agreement to provide research-based information to County residents and businesses for improved quality of life and business profitability.
AllGolf at C.B. Smith Park; water-safety instruction by SWIM Central
Extension Education is a collaborative effort between Broward County Government and the University of Florida. Information and educational programming cover a variety of areas.
Parks and Recreation is responsible for half a dozen staffed neighborhood sites and two unstaffed neighborhood parks all in the Broward Municipal Services District. The County stills owns McTyre Park but it is managed by the City of West Park. These neighborhood parks provide facilities and customized year-round programs to meet the diverse recreational needs of their communities and, in some cases, the region, including free classes and summer and after-school programs for children; the NewGen program for teenagers; programs for senior citizens; athletic leagues for youths and adults;
and community centers and meeting rooms for clubs and organizations as well as rental spaces for family reunions and other special events.
The agency has also had primary responsibility within Broward County Government for the stewardship of the County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands program. This includes developing Resource Management Plans for each site, as well as the development of individual site Master Plans that, in addition to site protection, may provide for appropriate and controlled public access and use. To date 14 such sites have been opened to the public, 13 of which are managed by Parks and Recreation.
The Parks Emergency Management Section manages the Logistics Section during emergencies. This includes the Logistics
Services Branch, which includes ESF-11 (Food and Water), ESF15 (Volunteers and Donations), County Staging Area (CSA), and Emergency Distribution Center (EDC). The Logistics Resource Management Branch includes the EOS Support Unit, Mission Tracking Unit, and the Procurement Unit that also falls under the responsibilities of this section. The Emergency Management Section oversaw the Broward County COVID-19 Logistical response from 2020 through 2022.
PERFORMANCE & PRACTICES
Parks and Recreation conducts extensive internal selfassessments of its business and professional practices. The results are compared with a comprehensive and rigorous set of 157 national standards of excellence in the field of parks
Summer Recreation Program at BMSD
and recreation, as established by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). These standards include desirable practices essential for agency professionalism, efficiency, and effectiveness in administration, planning, operations, and the quality of community services.
Results of the self-assessments in 1996, 2001, 2006, and 2011 were submitted to CAPRA. Shortly thereafter in each instance, a multiday, on-site visit was conducted by a team of parks and recreation
directors and educators from across the country, assigned to observe and review the agency’s performance and practices. The on-site visitation teams’ reports reflected 96 percent, 100 percent, 100 percent, and 100 percent compliance, respectively, in meeting the national standards of parks and recreation excellence. Maintaining the high standards of service led to the Division achieving CAPRA accreditation in 2023.
In 2010 Parks and Recreation commissioned a comprehensive analysis, or efficiency study, to assess the agency and focus on changes it could make to
achieve financial stability without sacrificing the value of the parks’ assets and amenities or reducing the services and experiences offered to patrons. Recommendations have already been implemented, such as reducing the size of the park district system from four districts to one unified team, to reduce costs and streamline maintenance operations; and establishing a Parks Foundation of Broward County.
One of the recommendations from the efficiency study – a community needs assessment – was completed in 2012. The public was invited to provide input at a series of focus groups
Parks Aide Aaron holds the Capra Award Gabby pets a horse at Tradewinds Stables
designed to assess customer satisfaction with the county park system and identify potential partnership opportunities and strategic planning issues, as well as to supply feedback about the community’s recreational needs. This needs assessment process was initiated and conducted by the Parks and Recreation Division, in conjunction with a consulting firm.
The Needs Assessment for the Parks and Recreation Division is available in its final form. The report includes key issues facing Parks, along with recommended strategies for addressing these issues.
The first Master Plan in the agency’s history was released in 2023. The Master Plan documents the current facilities and practices of Parks and Recreation, highlights key trends, and identifies opportunities for the future.
As part of that process, Parks and Recreation collaborated with PROS Consulting and sought public input utilizing a variety of methods. This included statistically valid mailed surveys, electronic surveys, and in-person community meetings. With the help of this feedback, along with an evaluation of the County’s Level of Services,
the final Master Plan includes overall program assessments, public input, equity mapping, and market analysis. PROS Consulting and Parks and Recreation worked together to design a framework for the next decade of parks and recreation as we strive for #BetterParksBetterBroward.
Ruff Ryders: four-time Competitive Flag Football sports league champions at Brian Piccolo
OPERATING BUDGET
30225 Parks Impact
*Budget information as of 10/1/2024; Operating and capital budgets only include FY25 appropriations, no rollover funds.
**Includes Administration, Extension Education, and SWIM Central.
***New fund which started in FY23, previously in Regional Parks (GF).
ATTENDANCE FY24
Regional Parks*, Nature Centers, Natural Areas - 8,070,933 • Neighborhood Parks - 276,463
Total - 8,347,396
*Includes Target Range and Everglades Holiday Park
Disclaimer: Attendance data is currently being tracked on an internal basis only while the Division researches and procures a new attendance tracking software.
MISSION STATEMENT
RECREATION. PRESERVATION. EDUCATION.
“The Parks and Recreation Division is dedicated to providing a countywide park system with diverse facilities and recreation opportunities, along with natural area conservation and research-based educational outreach, to enhance the well-being of all residents, businesses, and visitors.”
VISION STATEMENT
The Broward County Parks and Recreation Division Envisions:
Opportunities for Recreation through programs, events, and facilities that provide a sense of community and enhance the quality of life
Preservation of our natural resources, open spaces, and environment through responsible management and stewardship
Innovative programming to promote Education through learning experiences for all segments
Easterlin Park
COUNTY MAP WITH PARK/ NATURAL AREA SITE LOCATIONS
REGIONAL PARKS AND NATURE CENTERS
1. ANNE KOLB NATURE CENTER 751 Sheridan St., Hollywood; 954-357-5161
2. BRIAN PICCOLO SPORTS PARK & VELODROME 9501 Sheridan St., Cooper City; 954-357-5150
3. C.B. SMITH PARK 900 N Flamingo Rd., Pembroke Pines; 954-357-5170
4. CENTRAL BROWARD PARK & BROWARD COUNTY STADIUM 3700 N W 11th Place, Lauderhill; 954-357-5400
5. EASTERLIN PARK 1000 N.W. 38th St., Oakland Park; 954-357-5190
• *William J. Kelley Rookery, 5150 N.W. 31st Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 – 16.7
District 9, Commissioner
Hazelle P. Rogers
• Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, 3700 N.W. 11th Place, Lauderhill, FL 33311 – 109.4
KEY
* = Property owned by Broward County and managed by a municipality.
** = Property owned by Broward County and entrance available by appointment only.
Miramar Pineland Delevoe Memorial Park Broward Stadium
ADVISORY ORGANIZATIONS
The Parks and Recreation Division maintains three advisory groups consisting of members appointed by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
The function of the advisory board will be to:
• Provide an ongoing process allowing public access to the planning, development, management, and programming of the County parks and recreation system.
• Plan and recommend to the Board of County Commissioners proposed projects and
activities for the non-land acquisition components of the 2000 Safe Parks and Land Preservation Bond Issue.
• Serve in an advisory capacity to the Board of County Commissioners on matters relating to the Parks and Recreation Division.
Each County Commissioner is represented by up to two appointees from his/her voting district. The advisory board holds meetings at various park locations on the first Friday of scheduled months at 7:30AM. The Board also holds a public participation forum one evening a year. All meetings are open to the public.
Urban Wilderness Advisory Board
The function of the advisory board will be to:
• Develop and maintain a list of the lands within Broward County that are suitable for designation as wilderness areas.
• Submit to the Commission reports on those lands that should be given the highest priority for designation as wilderness areas.
• Submit to the Commission reports on feasible methods for the acquisition of lands suitable for designation as wilderness areas.
Herman & Dorothy Shooster Nature Preserve
• Formulate rules and regulations to govern the use of designated wilderness areas that may be adopted by the Commission.
• Promote and solicit bequests, donations, and contributions for the benefit of the Urban Wilderness Park System.
• Review and comment on staff-developed resource management plans and master plans and periodically readdress resource management plans for modifications.
The board is composed of nine members with one member appointed by each County Commissioner. Each member
of the board must have either a professional degree or demonstrated knowledge and practical experience in at least one of the following scientific fields: biology, botany, physical sciences, zoology, environmental science, archaeology, history, and hydrology.
Marine Advisory Committee
The committee consists of up to 18 members appointed by the County Commission, with each Commissioner having up to two appointments. The committee meets the first Thursday of every month at 2PM, if need is determined by the chair, at Secret Woods Nature Center.
The function of the advisory board will be to:
• Advise the County Commission on marine- and recreational boating-related matters in Broward County.
• Review boating improvement projects submitted by cities, the County, and other governmental agencies, and make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners for the expenditure of funds received from the state (based on vessel registration fees and based on a percentage of actual fees collected) for the Broward Boating Improvement Program (BBIP).
Boaters Park
• Review enhanced marine safety and boating safety education projects submitted by law enforcement agencies or other boatingrelated agencies, via their governing bodies, and make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners for the expenditure of local funds from the Broward County Enhanced Marine Law Enforcement Grant program (EMLEG).
• Recommend policies and programs to the Parks and Recreation Division for consideration by the County Administrator and the County
Commission, for all existing and future needs of Broward County regarding recreational marine facilities and services.
Funding
The BBIP provides funds for projects such as the construction of boat ramps, recreational channel marking, public docking and mooring facilities, access roads, derelict vessel removal, and recreational boatingrelated support facilities and utilities. The annual allocations for this program are approximately $335,350. Since its inception in 1974, the MAC has recommended $19.2 million for the development of
recreational marine facilities and projects.
EMLEG is funded by a 50 percent increase in vessel registration fees, approved by the County Commission under the Local Option Vessel Registration Fee provisions of the Florida State Statutes. The funds are collected by Broward County, with one dollar for each vessel registration sent to the State for manatee protection. The balance of the funds is kept in Broward County until it is distributed to fund the EMLEG program. The annual allocations for this program are approximately $425,000.
West Lake Park
PARKS FOUNDATION OF BROWARD COUNTY
The Parks and Recreation Division recognizes the Parks Foundation of Broward County Inc. as its official charitable partner. This not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization was formed in 2013. The mission of the organization is to support and .enhance the wellbeing of Broward County’s residents, visitors, and businesses through the assets available in our county parks system, including its precious green spaces.
Current members include:
• Teri Goldsmith, Chair
• Sheila Rose, Vice-Chair
• Alex Lazowick, Secretary
• Tom Oates, Treasurer
• Carlton Gillespie
• Laurie Rich Levinson
• Charlotte Mather-Taylor
• Senator Eleanor Sobel
• Ryan Thieme
• Roy Rogers, Chair Emeritus
Audience at ParkFest
The foundation hosts virtual meetings at 3PM on the second Thursday of the month.
Nestor Torres and members of the Florida Youth Orchestra perform at ParkFest
FRIENDS GROUPS
The Parks and Recreation Division has 12 not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizations that were established to benefit the park or facility they support. The friends groups are always looking for new members to help attain their goals.
• Broward Model Boat Club 16001 W. State Rd. 84 Sunrise, FL 33326
browardmodelboatclub@ yahoo.com
Email for details on meetings.
• Florida Velodrome Association (FVA)
c/o Brian Piccolo Sports Park & Velodrome
9501 Sheridan St. Cooper City, FL 33024
954-357-5150
Lenny@EnduranceFloor.com
Email for details.
• Friends of Anne Kolb Nature Center
c/o Anne Kolb Nature Center 751 Sheridan St. Hollywood, FL 33019
954-357-5161
FriendsofAKNC@gmail.com
Meets the first Thursday of the month at 7PM in the nature center’s Mangrove Hall.
• Friends of Deerfield Island Park
P.O. Box 656
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
954-357-8707
Info@FriendsofDIP.org
Meets the second Tuesday
of the month at 2PM in the Hillsboro Cove Clubhouse.
• Fern Allies
c/o Fern Forest Nature Center 201 Lyons Rd. South Coconut Creek, FL 33063
954-357-5198
FernAllies@Broward.org
Meets regularly in the nature center’s Royal Fern Hall. Email for details.
• Friends of Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center (FOLK)
c/o Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center 3501 S.W. 130th Ave. Davie, FL 33330
954-357-8797
FolkInMember@gmail.com Meets regularly in the nature center’s Oak Hammock Hall. Email for details.
• Friends of Secret Woods Nature Center c/o Secret Woods Nature Center 2701 W. State Rd. 84 Dania Beach, FL 33312
954-357-8884
KayBTaylor@yahoo.com
• Friends of T.Y.
(Topeekeegee Yugnee) Park 4600 Sheridan St., Suite 300 Hollywood, FL 33021
954-357-8811
Friends@FriendsofTYPark.org Email for details on meetings.
• Markham Park Pilots Association 16001 W. State Rd. 84 Sunrise, FL 33326 mppapilots@gmail.com Email for meeting details.
• Markham Park Trail Building Fund Inc. 1288 S.W. 18th St. Boca Raton, FL 33486 561-302-9060
Info@mptbf.org RideMarkham.com
Trail maintenance first Sunday of the month at 8:30AM.
• Mountain Bike Trail Builders at Quiet Waters Park 2925 S.W. 22nd Ave., Apt. 205 Delray Beach, FL 33445 NickCalabro94@yahoo.com Trail maintenance second and fourth Saturdays of the month at 9AM.
• Tradewinds Farm Hands c/o Tradewinds Park & Stables 3600 W. Sample Rd. Coconut Creek, FL 33073
954-491-4605
TWFarmTours@gmail.com Meets the third Monday of the month at 7PM in the park’s Welcome Center.
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are VIPs at Broward County Parks
For many years the Division has depended heavily on its volunteers to augment and enhance park staff. That’s why they are a part of the VIP Program, short for “Volunteers Improving Parks.” It makes sense to use volunteers to extend our limited workforce through a more centralized and coordinated effort.
In a park system as large and diverse as Broward County’s, volunteer opportunities are virtually limitless, regardless of the volunteer’s background, experience, interests, and availability. We need volunteers for maintenance assistance and general cleanup – picking up litter, painting, weeding, minor plant-
ing, etc. We need volunteers who can contribute to security by keeping an eye out for potential vandalism and maintenance issues. We need volunteers who can answer phones and assist at park offices. In short, we need people with ideas, initiative, motivation, and an eagerness to chip in and help with whatever needs doing.
The VIP Program provides excellent opportunities not just for individuals but also for neighborhood organizations as well as businesses to become directly involved in maintaining and improving our parks, landscaped areas, greenways, and recreational facilities to help build community spirit and a sense of civic pride and responsibility. Park staff are
always available to offer training, supervision, and any other resources necessary for both individuals and groups willing to contribute.
How the VIP Program Works
The first step for a would-be volunteer is to find a project that’s in line with his/her talents and interests and the amount of time he/she is willing to commit. The Parks and Recreation Website includes a list on our current volunteer opportunities.
In most cases, potential volunteers visit the park of their choice and pick up a volunteer application packet to be approved as a regular volunteer. Those who are volunteering
NSU University School students remove invasive snake plants at Hollywood North Beach
for a special event or a workday download and fill out one of the following applications prior to their arrival at the park:
• Special Event Volunteer Application
• Workday Volunteer Application
For volunteers who are under 18 years of age, parental signatures are required, along with photo identification.
The Benefits of Volunteerism
Judging from the feedback we get from our volunteers, they get a great deal of satisfaction from a job well done. Here are a few examples of the things you can accomplish with only a few hours a week of volunteer
service:
• Acquire skills and gain experience that can be applied in a variety of jobs and careers
• Assist in organizing and staffing special events that help the community
• Increase public awareness of the importance of South Florida’s remaining natural areas
• Improve the environment by clearing natural areas of trash and invasive plants
• Instill sportsmanship, leadership, and team building in young people
• Meet the education system’s requirement for community service hours
The Track Record for Volunteers at Broward County Parks
As one of Broward County’s largest agencies, the Parks and Recreation Division is especially dependent on the contributions of its volunteers. While more than 700 Parks employees may report to work on an average day, that workforce may be supplemented by as many as 545 volunteers, especially on weekends. In fiscal year 2024, volunteers donated 12,387 hours. Corporate volunteer groups, including American Express, FPL, Invitation Homes, and Wells Fargo, to name a few, are giving back to the community through a variety of volunteer projects.
Volunteers from Expedition South Florida worked near West Lake Park’s marina
REGIONAL PARKS AND NATURE CENTERS
• Brian Piccolo Sports Park & Velodrome
9501 Sheridan St., Cooper City, FL 33024; 954-357-5150
West Lake Park/Anne Kolb Nature Center, Miramar Pineland
NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS (BMSD)
Staffed
• Boulevard Gardens Community Center
2870 N.W. Fourth St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
954-357-6867
1.5 acres
• Franklin Park
2501 Franklin Dr., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
954-357-7080
2.9 acres
• Lafayette Hart Park
2851 N.W. Eighth Rd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
954-357-7970
3.1 acres
• McTyre Park*
3501 S.W. 56th Ave., West Park, FL 33023
18.5 acres
• Reverend Samuel Delevoe Park
2520 N.W. Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
954-357-8801
33.5 acres
• Roosevelt Gardens Park 2841 N.W. 11th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
954-357-8700
5.4 acres
• Sunview Park
1500 S.W. 42nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317
954-357-6520
20.8 acres
*McTyre Park is managed by the City of West Park.
Unstaffed
• Lewis-Chisom Park
2620 N.W. Eighth St. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
954-357-8700
0.6 acre
• Washburn Park 1955 S.W. 50th Ave. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
954-357-6520
0.6 acre
Camp Delevoe
SPECIALTY PARKS
• Boaters Park (accessible by boat or by land) North side of Dania Cutoff Canal, west of Anglers Ave./ Ravenswood Rd., Dania Beach 2450 S.W. 42nd St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 954-357-8811; 7.5 acres
• Carpenter House/Marine Environmental Education Center (MEEC) (MEEC operated by agreement with Nova Southeastern University) 4414 Surf Rd., Hollywood, FL 33019 954-357-5125; 0.5 acre
• Deerfield Island Park (accessible only by boat)
1720 Deerfield Island Park, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441; 954-357-5100; 53.3 acres
• Dillard Green Space (green space with Public Art and Design)
2699 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 954-357-8700; 3.9 acres
• Everglades Holiday Park (open 24/7 and operated by concessionaire)
21940 Griffin Rd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33332
954-434-8111; 39.2 acres
• Hollywood North Beach Park* (parking lot with access to ocean)
3601 N. Ocean Dr., Hollywood, FL 33019
954-357-5161; 62.2 acres
• Sewell Lock (historical site used by bikers, fishers, walkers)
6521 State Rd. 84, Davie, FL 33317
954-357-8898; 3.4 acres
• South Fork Canoe Launch (boat ramp off New River)
4490 S. State Rd. 7, Davie, FL 33314
954-357-8811; 0.3 acre
• West Broward Boat Ramp 3451 N. U.S. Highway 27 Weston, FL 33327
954-357-8868; 7.4 acres
*Hollywood North Beach Park also includes five pocket parks along A1A and the Intracoastal that provide paid parking.
Brian Piccolo Sports Park & Velodrome, 9501 Sheridan St., Cooper City, FL 33024
954-790-7165 and Tradewinds Park & Stables, 3600 W. Sample Rd., Coconut Creek, FL 33073
954-737-0025
MEEC at Carpenter House Everglades Holiday Park Ski Rixen USA, Quiet Waters Park
HOURS OF OPERATION
• Anne Kolb Nature Center – EST: 8AM-6PM. DST: 8AM -7:30PM. Office: 9AM5:30PM.
• Boaters Park – 8AM-5PM.
• Boulevard Gardens Community Center – Monday-Saturday, 10AM-6PM. Closed Sunday.
• Brian Piccolo Sports Park & Velodrome – 8AM-6PM DST: 8AM-7:30PM. Office: 9AM-5:30PM. Velodrome: Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM by appointment; 5:309:45PM. Saturday and Sunday by appointment only.
• C.B. Smith Park – EST: 8AM-6PM DST: 8AM7:30PM. Office: 9AM5:30PM. Tennis Center: Daily, 8AM-9PM. AllGolf: 9AM-10PM.
• Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium – 8AM-6PM. DST: 8AM-7:30PM. Office: 9AM5:30PM. Field Rentals: 8AM-10PM..
• Crystal Lake Sand Pine Scrub – 8AM-6PM.
• Deerfield Highlands Nature Preserve – 8AM-6PM.
• Deerfield Island Park – Friday-Sunday, 9:30AM5PM. Boat Shuttle: 10AM4PM hourly. (Last shuttle to mainland at 4PM.
• Dillard Green Space –8AM-7:30PM.
• Easterlin Park – EST: 8AM6PM. DST: 8AM-7:30PM. Office: 9AM-5:30PM.
• Everglades Holiday Park – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Fern Forest Nature Center – 9AM-5PM.
• Franklin Park – Monday-Friday: 8AM-9PM. Saturday: 8AM-6PM. Sunday: 10AM-6PM.
• Helene Klein Pineland Preserve – 8AM-6PM.
• Herman & Dorothy Shooster Nature Preserve – 8AM-6PM.
• Highlands Scrub Natural Area – 8AM-6PM.
• Kristin Jacobs Natural Area at Hillsboro Pineland – 8AM-6PM.
Markham Park
Long Key Natural Area
Hollywood North Beach Park
• Hollywood North Beach Park – EST: 8AM-6PM. DST: 8AM-7:30PM.
• Lafayette Hart Park –Monday-Saturday, 10AM6PM. Closed Sunday.
• Lewis-Chisom Park –8AM-7:30PM.
• Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center – 9AM-5PM.
• Marine Environmental Education Center at Carpenter House – Tuesday-Saturday, 10AM-5PM.
• Markham Park & Target Range – EST: 8AM-6PM. DST: 8AM-7:30PM. Office: 9AM-5:30PM. Personal Watercraft Lake (March-October only): Saturday & Sunday, noon-6:30PM.
• Military Trail Natural Area – 8AM-6PM.
• Miramar Pineland – EST: 8AM-6PM. DST: 8AM7:30PM.
• Pine Island Ridge Natural Area – EST: 8AM-6PM. DST: 8AM-7:30PM.
• Plantation Heritage Park – EST: 8AM-6PM. DST: 8AM-7:30PM. Office: 9AM5:30PM.
• Quiet Waters Park – EST: 8AM-6PM; DST: 8AM7:30PM. Office: 9AM5:30PM. Marina: Saturday & Sunday, 10AM-4PM (last
rental at 3PM). Ski Rixen USA (closed Monday except on holidays): Noon-6PM.
• Reverend Samuel Delevoe Park – Monday-Friday, 8AM-9PM. Saturday, 8AM6PM. Sunday, 10AM-6PM.
• Roosevelt Gardens Park –Monday-Friday, 9AM-9PM. Saturday & Sunday, 10AM6PM.
• Saw Palmetto Natural Area – 8AM-6PM.
• Secret Woods Nature Center – 9AM-5PM.
• Sewell Lock – EST: 8AM6PM. DST: 8AM-7:30PM.
• Snake Warrior’s Island Natural Area – EST: 8AM6PM. DST: 8AM-7:30PM.
• South Fork Canoe Launch – EST: 8AM-6PM. DST: 8AM-7:30PM.
• Sunview Park – Monday-Saturday: 9AM-10PM. Sunday: 10AM-6PM.
• Tall Cypress Natural Area – 8AM-6PM.
• Tradewinds Park & Stables – EST: 8AM-6PM. DST: 8AM-7:30PM. Office: 9AM5:30PM. General Store: Saturday & Sunday, 10AM3:30PM.
• Tree Tops Park –EST: 8AM6PM. DST: 8AM-7:30PM. Office: 9AM-5:30PM.
• T.Y. (Topeekeegee Yugnee) Park – EST: 8AM6PM. DST: 8AM-7:30PM. Office: 9AM-5:30PM.
• Vista View Park – EST: 8AM-6PM. DST: 8AM7:30PM. Office: 9AM5:30PM.
• Washburn Park –8AM7:30PM.
• West Creek Pineland Natural Area – 8AM-6PM.
• West Lake Park – EST: 8AM-6PM. DST: 8AM7:30PM. Marina: Friday-Sunday, 9AM-5PM.
• Woodmont Natural Area –8AM-6PM.
Holidays
We are open 364 days a year, closed only on Christmas Day. Some Specialty Parks and Special Attractions may observe other holidays. Patrons should call to confirm.
Easterlin Park
AMENITIES
Airboat Rides/Alligator Shows – 1 park
• Everglades Holiday Park, Fort Lauderdale
Amphitheaters – 4 parks
• Anne Kolb Nature Center, Hollywood (1 @ 200 capacity)
• C.B. Smith, Pembroke Pines (1 @ 5,000 capacity)
• Fern Forest Nature Center, Coconut Creek (1 @ 120 capacity)
• Tradewinds Park & Stables, Coconut Creek (around Atala Shelter, around main office, softball field)
• Tree Tops Park, Davie (Oak Ridge Hall, office building lobby
• T.Y. (Topeekeegee Yugnee) Park, Hollywood (conference room, campground, main office, water park)
• Vista View Park, Davie (main building
*also available in the Cypress Room and other areas at Administrative complex
Archery, Markham Park
Outdoor Exercise Equipment, Vista View Park
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Vendor
A&A Adventures Horse Trail Rides
Park(s)
Tree Tops Park
Atlantic Shotokan Karate Club T.Y. Park
BEST Crowd Management
*BikeBox, LLC
*Brandano Displays
*Bridges Everglades LLC
Broward Beekeepers Association Inc.
*Butterfly World
*Casely Tennis
*Florida Renaissance Festival Inc.
*Horses & the Handicapped
Inside Out Fashion
*Jeff Ellis & Associates Inc.
*Kempersports All Golf
Maslau Tennis
McCarty Training
*Nova Southeastern University
PayByPhone
Play Train
*Riverbend Broward
*Ski Rixen USA
Central Broward
Markham Park
Service
Horse trail rides
Karate
Security and crowd management services
Bicycle rental and concession
Tradewinds Park & Stables Holiday Fantasy of Lights
Everglades Holiday Park
Tradewinds Park/Plantation Heritage Park/T.Y. Park
Concession Operations
Management of bee apiaries to protect and stabilize honeybee populations
Tradewinds Park & Stables Butterfly farm, insectarium, and aviary
Brian Piccolo Sports Park & Velodrome
Quiet Waters Park
Tennis facility operations
Florida Renaissance Festival
Tradewinds Park & Stables Equine-assisted therapies
Tree Tops Park
Four aquatics facilities
C.B. Smith Park
Arts & crafts, stitching
Aquatic risk management services
Golf driving range and miniature golf
West Lake Park Tennis
Markham Park/Quiet Waters Park/ Vista View Park Biking class
Hollywood North Beach Park
Hollywood North Beach Park
Markham Park
Reverend Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park
Quiet Waters Park
Marine Environmental Education Center
Mobile payment/parking management services
Dog training
Drainage retention easement
Cable water-skiing facility operations
Tradewinds Park & Stables
Vendor
*South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association
*Tradewinds & Atlantic Railroad
*US Champions (PSG)
*US Soccer 5
*Vermont Systems Inc.
Weston Community Garden Society Inc.
Park(s)
Markham Park
Service
Fox observatory
Tradewinds Park & Stables Steam train operations
Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium
Brian Piccolo Sports Park/ Tradewinds Park & Stables
Division
Markham Park
Total # Facilities – All regional and neighborhood parks
*Total # *Contracts & Agreements – 22
Soccer concession programming
Mini-soccer fields and concessions
VSI license and software support
Organic produce garden for charity
Special Populations tandem bike ride for individuals with visual impairments
SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS
EXTENSION EDUCATION
Parks and Recreation and UF/ IFAS Extension Education have an agreement to provide research-based information to County residents and businesses for improved quality of life and business profitability. Extension Education is a collaborative effort between Broward County Government and the University of Florida. Program areas continually evolve to meet the needs of residents. Information and educational programming cover a variety of areas.
Cooperative Extension Cooperative Extension is a nationwide educational network that brings the research and knowledge of land-grant institutions to people in their
homes, workplaces, and communities. Extension links the resources and expertise of more than 3,000 county Extension offices, 105 landgrant colleges and universities, and the federal government through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service. Extension educators deliver research-based programs through workshops, home-study courses, Webbased learning tools, and other methods to give people the knowledge, skills, and motivation to improve their quality of life and business opportunity and profitability. The emphasis of Extension programs is on sustained action by learners.
Program Areas
• Urban Horticulture - Programs focus on three interrelated areas of emphasis: UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardeners, Sustainable Urban Food Production, and Florida Friendly Landscape Resources (TM) with the objectives that include teaching residents to maintain attractive landscapes while reducing waste, pesticide, fertilizer, and water use. Additionally, the Urban Horticulture Extension Agents are always available to assist with landscape and gardening questions.
and arboriculture account for more than $200 million in annual sales. Hundreds of firms and municipalities employ thousands of individuals growing, installing or maintaining landscaping, helping contribute to a strong Broward economy and a beautiful environment. The Commercial Horticulture program provides educational classes, workshops, on-site testing, and diagnostic services to help these businesses and, along with Broward’s municipal landscapes, be environmentally friendly and successfully managed. The program participants are trained on the cutting edge of new technologies and issues. The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research-based knowledge informs the
curriculum and recommendations.
• 4-H Youth Development –
The Broward County 4-H Youth Development Program operates to connect adult mentors with youth in a learn-by-doing approach to gain knowledge, build life skills, and realize strengths in each individual to improve the world around us all.
4-H Community Clubs, open to all youth ages 5-18, offer direct experience and fun projects in a variety of subject areas such as gardening, sewing and design, food and nutrition, small and large animal care, archery, and environmental conservation.
• Family and Consumer Sciences – The University of Florida and Broward
County Extension is available as a resource on a wide range of topics from health and nutrition, food safety, saving money at the grocery store, gardening, community development, and more. This program is dedicated to providing science-based information and educational programming to the community to empower individuals and families to make informed decisions about their well-being.
MASTER NATURALIST
The Youth Environmental Alliance (YEA) joins the Parks to present the University of Florida IFAS-Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP). The FMNP mission is to “promote awareness, understanding, and respect of Florida’s natural world among (its) citizens and visitors.” The participants learn about Florida’s ecosystems us-
Dr. John Pipoly leads a Master Naturalist class
A great horned owl
ing science-based information and interpretive techniques with the objective of learning to share their knowledge and to “foster principles of sustainability, connectivity, and biodiversity to assist others to understand and respect Florida’s natural world as a community to which we all belong.” There are three core modules: Freshwater, Coastal, and Upland Systems, required to receive certification as a Florida Master Naturalist, a designation recognized in school districts and governmental agencies statewide. Participants must be at least 18 years old.
SPECIAL POPULATIONS
Parks and Recreation’s Special Populations Section develops and implements a variety of year-round recreation and leisure programs, special events, and services to meet the interests and needs of children, teens, adults, and seniors with disabilities. Programs are designed to develop, enhance, and/or maintain leisure skills,
motor skills, socialization, and overall well-being, as well as to provide fun and enjoyment.
Types of Programs
• Social Functions/Events
– to provide opportunities for peer interaction in an appropriate setting.
• Sports/Athletics – to teach or enhance skills; to promote physical activity, friendly competition, fun, and success in individual, duo, and team activities.
• Leisure Education – to explore, examine, and discover personal attitudes, interests, and potential opportunities through experiential discussions and initiatives that focus on Leisure Awareness and Resources in order to promote healthy independent recreation and leisure lifestyles.
• Physical Fitness Programs – to teach and improve general fitness in a group setting.
• General Recreation – to provide for the discovery and experience of a variety of activities that promote learning, skill development, creativity, and life skills enhancement and enjoyment.
Facilitating Integration and Inclusion
Working directly with potential participants, significant others, and Parks and Recreation staff to provide, as needed, resources, assistance, training, modifications, and/ or equipment that will enable persons with disabilities to participate actively in any agency-wide program or event.
Accessibility Activities
An ongoing program of improving accessibility and ensuring that new facilities, renovation projects, programs, and services provide equal access and opportunity for all persons, along with staff training and advocacy.
Camelot Days at T.Y.Park
Food Truck Frenzy
Cooperative Endeavors
Working together as a co-sponsor with other Special Populations service agencies, organizations, and/ or community recreation providers to realize mutual interests and goals of providing communitybased recreation and leisure programs, activities, services, and opportunities for special populations.
SWIM CENTRAL
Broward County’s primary resource and referral service for available swim programs was established in 1999 by the Broward County Commission, in
cooperation with various cities and nonprofit organizations. Housed at Parks and Recreation, SWIM Central has become the county’s chief coordinating agency for water-safety instruction and discount swim lesson coupons. It maintains the most comprehensive database in Florida, for swimming pools and water-safety programs in the County.
The program’s goal is to ensure water-safety instruction to school-aged children enrolled in Broward County Schools, charter schools, and day-care centers for the water-safety program It does so by providing
10 free classes of 30 minutes each over a two-week period to teach basic water-safety and swimming skills. The curriculum-based program is taught by certified water-safety instructors who have been selected and carefully trained through SWIM Central.
The Children’s Services Council of Broward Council provides additional funding of more than $700,000 to pay for the water-safety instruction program and the coupon voucher program.
West Lake Park Fern Forest Nature Center Lights on After School, Franklin Park
PARKS ADMINISTRATION FUNCTIONS
DIRECTOR’S OFFICE
The Director oversees a comprehensive budget that allocates $69.123 million for ongoing operational needs, $80.440 million for vital capital projects, and an additional $10.004 million secured through capital bond funding.
A dedicated team of professionals forms the backbone of the Director’s Office. These highly skilled staff members ensure the seamless operation of all administrative functions within the office, and act as the first point of contact for any inquiries.
They serve as the critical bridge between the Division and County Administration. Their core responsibilities encompass preparing and finalizing responses to commissioner requests, pre-board meeting inquiries, and crafting board agenda items. Additionally, they handle administrative and public records requests and spearhead various special projects that contribute to the Division’s collaborative spirit, actively seeking input and working closely with the Division’s diverse groups, sections, and field staff to address public inquiries promptly and comprehensively.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR’S OFFICE
The Assistant Director’s Office plays a pivotal role in supporting the Director’s Office by providing leadership and guidance for the operational and maintenance functions of the Division. This office is responsible for developing and implementing internal programs, establishing procedures, and reporting key activities to executive-level administrators.
The Assistant Director’s Office is comprised of the Parks Superintendents, who oversee regional parks, nature centers, and Broward Municipal Services District Parks. They serve on all Division committees and provide guidance on operational issues. Additionally, the Parks Operations Administrator oversees critical areas such as the Special Populations Section, SWIM Central, procedural development, registered vendor and instructor programs, Divisionwide special event programming, roving manager coverage, Certificate of Insurance approvals, and the park survey program.
Key functions also include reviewing and recommending proposals for park expansion or modification, advising the Director on park operations, coordinating personnel matters and recordkeeping, and
aligning the capital budget with Business Operations.
The Assistant Director’s Office ensures the proper operation of facilities by conducting inspections focused on public safety, identifying issues, planning corrective actions, and contributing to long-term planning for future park projects. The office also provides direction on employee matters and oversees emergency management procedures.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES GROUP
The Administrative Services Group oversees Business Operations, Human Resources, and Information Technology.
Business Operations Section The Business Operations Section oversees all functions of the Division’s business and financial operations. This section consists of Accounting and Payroll, Budget Management, Business Solutions and RecTrac, Contract Management, Grant Administration, and Purchasing. The operating and capital budget management is handled within this section and is performed in accordance with the guidelines and standards set forth by County Administration and the Office of Management and Budget.
Accounting and Payroll Section
The Accounting Section is responsible for overseeing all accounting functions of the Division in accordance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and Broward County policies and procedures. Functions are performed in conjunction with the County’s Accounting Division and include employee payroll, vendor payments, cash receipt processing, reconciliation, and expense and revenue reporting. In addition, this section assists with tracking and reconciling the Division’s operating and capital budgets.
Contracts and Grants
Management Section
The Contracts and Grants Management Section is responsible
for initiating, administering, and coordinating the Division’s contract and revenue-development functions by way of grant opportunities and revenue-generating agreements, in accordance with Broward County’s Procurement Code and in conjunction with the County’s Purchasing Division, County Attorney’s Office, and the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. This section also assists with analyzing business processes for improvement as it relates to revenue enhancement and sustainability.
Business Solutions and RecTrac Section
This section administers the reservation, registration, and point-of-sale system for the Division, including the public-facing reservation
side. It also provides data analysis support, financial and statistical reporting, process improvement solutions, and administrative support and training for applications used by the Division.
Purchasing Section
The Purchasing Section is responsible for overseeing the purchasing functions of the Division, in accordance with Broward County’s Procurement Code and in conjunction with the County’s Purchasing Division. The team reconciles the Purchasing Card transactions of approximately 150 cardholders, conducts solicitations, issues purchase orders, and maintains operational contracts.
Human Resources
The Human Resources
Parks naturalist teaches Girl Scouts Yellow Crowned Night Heron
Section (HR) is responsible for human resources functions for the Division by providing professional and technical administrative work in the areas of staff and volunteer recruitment, compensation administration, employee/ labor relations duties, benefits support, and training in HR processes and procedures.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY GROUP (PARKS IT)
Parks IT supports the Division’s business by providing a variety of value-added IT services. Parks IT provides technical expertise, support, training, and advice to all Parks and Recreation Division employees. The
Parks IT Group consists of two sections: Infrastructure Services and Application Services. The Infrastructure Services section is responsible for maintaining PCs, voice-over Internet protocol (VoIP) phones, printers, network switches, and security cameras. The section also provides support for integrating specialized hardware into the Broward County network. The Application Services Section maintains more than 880 user accounts and provides support for numerous applications
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT GROUP
Of the nearly 6,500 acres managed by the Parks and Recreation Division, almost 3,500
acres are natural lands, including four nature centers, 22 natural area sites, and portions of 18 regional and specialty parks, and eight neighborhood parks. The natural areas, preserves, and nature centers were acquired with funds from three bond issues spanning more than four decades, along with financial assistance from the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida Communities Trust.
The Environmental Management Group is often the last line of defense when it comes to the protection and preservation of these natural areas and preserves. These lands represent most of the last fragments
Fundraiser at Markham Park & Target Range
Environmental Management Group conducts a prescribed burn with assistance from PMG
of original landscape in highly urbanized Broward County, providing some of the few remaining refuges for many native and migratory animal species as well.
The group works to ensure that these areas and their wildlife inhabitants will be enjoyed by visitors, students, teachers, and scientists for generations to come. This is accomplished through acquisition, legal protection, mitigation, restoration, monitoring, and advocacy, as well as developing a plan for the management of each site. Such stewardship encompasses the removal of invasive species, prescribed fire, wetland rehydration, and mitigation for the restoration of marshes, scrub forests, swamps, mangrove wetlands,
upland hammocks, and prairies throughout the park system.
Education and outreach are vital components of the Division’s environmental management, which includes a wide range of classes for all ages, from preschoolers to graduate students to seniors. Public workdays recruit volunteers to assist in removing invasive plants and replacing them with native ones. Guided hikes and other programs, most of them free, introduce participants to Broward County’s natural areas and their role in preserving the environment and addressing the challenges of changing climate. The Environmental Management Group also serves as liaison to the Urban Wilderness Advisory Board
appointed by the Broward County Commission.
PARKS MAINTENANCE GROUP (PMG)
The Parks Maintenance Group is a divisionwide team who are responsible for coordination of a variety of medium-tolarge-scale renovations and construction and development projects throughout the park system. They are also responsible for the comprehensive management and maintenance of the natural areas and perform larger-scale landscaping and grounds maintenance projects for neighborhood parks, regional parks, and natural areas. PMG consists of approximately 90 skilled, semi-skilled, and general maintenance personnel, including but
not limited to grounds maintenance supervisors, park environmental maintenance supervisors, labor supervisors, skilled trades supervisors, construction project managers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, vehicle mechanics, welders, sign technicians, equipment operators, park aides, maintenance mechanics, natural resource control workers, painters, and administrative staff.
PMG Administrative Team Meets with the Director’s office, Superintendents, and Parks Planning & Design (PPD) weekly or, at minimum, monthly to review projects, check on progress, and overcome obstacles. During any capital or renovation project, the PMG Admin team will meet with Parks
Planning & Design (PPD) Project Managers to resolve any issues or conflicts that may arise throughout all phases of construction. Some of the interactive functions include defining project scope, budgeting, reviewing plans, permitting, revising permits, purchasing, acquiring materials, and meeting with contractors and/or vendors and inspectors. The Admin Team will coordinate throughout project completion and until the CO is obtained.
In addition to working with PPD staff, the Admin Team is the Parks Division liaison with Fleet Services on all vehicle and equipment acquisitions and repairs. Admin Team members are also heavily involved in the logistics operations during a gray-sky event.
From preparing for storms throughout the County and serving as Unit Leaders at the Emergency Distribution Center (EDC) to debris management and cost recovery/FEMA reimbursement projects, the Admin Team provides a core to responding to critical incidents.
PMG Project Team
Reviews park capital and renovation projects with PPD Project Managers and provides input on best construction methods to get the job done. The Project Team members will review draft contractor plans to provide comments/revisions, as well as review the revised draft to reduce the need for change orders. Once the plans are finalized and the permit has been pulled, the Project Team members will work closely with the PPD Project Manager until the work is completed. Project Managers will be the liaison for PMG staff and the consultant who developed the drawings. Project and Admin Teams will acquire all materials needed for the project and work with PPD on appropriate vendors.
PMG Maintenance Managers
Approximately 4,000 work orders from parks throughout the Division go through two Maintenance Managers. Often, PPD Project Managers will be involved with a work order that requires a drawing and permit.
After Hurricane Ian, PMG deployed to Charlotte County
The supervisor and skilled trades employee will define the scope of the work and meet onsite with PPD. PMG, PPD, and the Park managers work together to ensure a successful outcome.
Skilled trades staff that respond to the Division’s work orders include carpenters, electricians, plumbers, equipment operators, vehicle mechanics, painters, sign shop technicians, natural resource control workers, maintenance workers, and park aides. These skilled trades staff offer daily support services to keep the Parks Division system fully functioning and safe for patrons and employees. When not repairing or renovating infrastructure, many of the staff are used in a gray-sky scenario to provide essential life-support functions in an actual emergency.
PMG Natural Areas Management
The Natural Areas Management Crew maintains 22 ecologically significant natural areas, using a comprehensive
approach to managing invasive species while preserving and restoring the habitat.
PARKS PLANNING & DESIGN (PPD)
The Parks Planning & Design Section is responsible for the design, planning, and development of new park and park renovation projects identified under the Five-Year Capital Improvement Program. PPD provides project management and contract administration for the Parks and Recreation Division. PPD’s goal is to manage the design and construction of park improvement projects to ensure safe and functional facilities for the public and to provide design and construction management services for in-house and outsourced projects. The functions and duties assigned to PPD are carried out by several work groups, as follows:
PPD Project Management
• Develops concepts and makes recommendations for park improvements; de-
fines the scope of work and estimates the cost of those improvements; secures and negotiates consultants’ proposals; prepares work authorizations; manages and coordinates all consultant design and construction management services for projects.
• Coordinates development of construction contract documents and technical specifications with staff from the Purchasing Division and County Attorney’s Office.
• Reviews and evaluates construction bid proposals.
• Reviews work product and schedule of consultants performing design and construction engineering services for Parks projects.
• Oversees consultants’ performance and reviews invoices.
• Coordinates project scope and schedule with Parks Maintenance Group.
Miramar Pineland
PPD Construction Oversight & Field Operations
• Is responsible for onsite observation and engineering construction inspection of park improvement projects and work-zone safety.
• Monitors construction schedule and oversees contractors’ work quality and compliance with construction documents.
• Reviews and evaluates contractors’ invoices.
PPD
Engineering Design & Special Projects
• Is responsible for design of miscellaneous small projects.
• Oversees technical aspects of environmental projects and assists with the review of reports and grant applications.
• Coordinates development of construction contract documents and technical specifications with staff from the Purchasing Division and County Attorney’s Office.
• Reviews and evaluates construction bid proposals.
• Provides technical advice to park managers and staff on park structures.
PPD Capital Program Administration
• Is responsible for coordinating the activities of PPD and implementing Parks’ Capital Improvement Program.
• Manages budgeting, design, permitting, construction, and close-out of Parks construction and capital improvement projects.
• Is responsible for reviewing all consultant- and contract-related documents, administration of budget and accounting, agenda items and Commissioner Responses, and preparation of reports and presentations to advisory boards.
• Provides project management and contract administration for Parks improvement projects.
• Reviews all invoices for compliance to contracts and agreements.
• Provides ongoing contract administration projects for the section; reviews, understands, interprets, trains, and provides technical assistance on federal laws, policies, regulations, statutes, and technical manuals; provides professional-level staff assistance to administrative superiors or division or department heads in specially assigned areas of operation.
• Reviews and monitors performance measures as required by Office of Management and Budget.
PARKS ARE AMAZING
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH GROUP
Newsletters – Highlights
Over the course of nearly 20 years this monthly Parks and Recreation newsletter has evolved from a simple two-color piece into a glossy, four-color fold-out, and now into a fully electronic publication, winning multiple awards from the National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) along the way. What hasn’t changed is the newsletter’s basic goal of providing a comprehensive overview of the activities and facilities available at a Broward County Park during any given month. Highlights reaches a readership of more than 18,000 people who have requested inclusion on its email list. It includes links to relevant Websites as well as the Parks Website, where it is also posted after it is distributed
electronically. Circulation is increased by promoting the publication in various ways – on email signatures, at outreach activities, and inclusion on the standard Parks survey.
Park Avenue
As one of the largest agencies of Broward County Government, Parks and Recreation disseminates information on what is going on within the organization to its employees via this monthly electronic newsletter, also a multiple NACIO award winner. It is sent to employees with email access and posted on bulletin boards for those without email.
Advertising Recreation. Preservation. Education.
The Public Communications Group follows a multipronged branding initiative designed to promote the wide variety of ex-
“Earth laughs
in flowers.”
Ads for South Florida Family Life, Port Everglades Cruise Guide, and Travel Host
periences available at Broward County Parks. Using the abbreviated mission statement as its basic building blocks – Recreation. Preservation. Education. – the ongoing campaign uses specific words that target how our guests attain these experiences. As examples, the “Trails With a View” ad promotes natural areas and emphasizes mental health wellness with “Stress Less at a Broward County Park;” and “Parks Are Amazing” promotes a maze that was added to one of our parks for walking and running. Ads are designed in house and run in both print and digital publications, on a weekly, monthly, or annual basis, geared for tourists and residents.
Dillard Green Space Electronic Message Sign
An electronic message display was installed at Dillard Green Space in the Broward Mu-
nicipal Services District. The objective is to provide information about free programs, activities, and events offered by other County agencies, Broward County School Board, and nonprofit organizations that promote education and improve the well-being of members of the BMSD communities. Our internal digital designers complete requests and post and schedule the artwork to run as needed.
Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium
Electronic Message Signs
Digital message signs were installed at the two entrances into this park located on a corner of two heavily traveled streets. In addition to sharing general messages about park
facilities and programs, we also include emergency messages and promote events in other areas of the park system. Our internal digital designers create the artwork and schedule it to run as necessary. We are also accepting messages from groups that rent the park for larger events through the park permit.
Social Media
Facebook
Since 2010, the Parks Division has been promoting facilities, events, and activities on Facebook– Facebook.com/BrowardCountyParks. Posts are done daily, seven days a week, to help our followers plan activities and park visits. We currently have more than 10,600 followers. We were the first County
agency to be given permission to have two-way communication with our audience.
Instagram
We started an Instagram account in 2021. We now have more than 15,540 followers. We share photographs, shoot reels, and create images to promote events and facilities.
X (formerly known as Twitter)
Parks has an official X feed that began in January 2012. With more than 6,500 followers, our Twitter account is used for event promotion and more upto-the minute communication, such as weather events, current events, or retweeting posts from our public/private partners and other Broward County agencies. Several of our parks
Broward County Parks and Recreation YouTube Channel
have Twitter accounts, too. You can find us at Twitter.com/BrowardParks.
YouTube
We help our guests experience activities with a YouTube channel – YouTube.com/BrowardCountyParks. The channel was started in 2010 and includes more than 385 videos and 32 shorts. We’ve received more than 360,000 views and have 863 subscribers. Varied video educational experiences include Wildlife Wednesdays, mountain bike riding, a visit to a dog park, kayaking, an introduction to an international cricket match, eNaturalist natural area site visits, and farm tours, as well as a new series that spotlights individual parks during anniversary months.
Website
The Parks and Recreation Division is updated on a daily basis to keep it fresh for our visitors. The home page includes highlighted events and direct links to our most popular items –such as a list of all of our parks, camping, and special services, including Extension Education, Special Populations, and SWIM Central. Patrons can also complete online Customer Satisfaction Surveys and find registered vendors to help plan their next park event. An events calendar, facility rental information, fees, and information about Parks’ three advisory boards and the Parks Foundation of Broward
County are also included. In FY24 the Website had more than 995,000 visits.
Media Releases
Media releases are sent out on a weekly basis as well as posted to the Parks Website. We target distribution by reporter coverage area, media audience, and interest.
Printing
As requested by Parks staff, flyers, brochures, rack cards, and other printed materials are created internally with Public Communications staff following County branding guidelines.
Outreach Activities
The Parks Public Communications and Outreach Group and park staff participate in events hosted by other County agencies, not-for-profits, homeowner association meetings, and company health fairs, to name a few, creating pop-up parks, organizing staff to talk about their parks and nature centers by sharing information about special services, facilities, and park amenities.
Ceremonies and Public Meetings
The Public Communications Group organizes openings, groundbreakings, and annual public meetings. Organization can include creating e-announcements, invitations, and programs; selecting/hiring/ inviting speakers; writing and
distributing media releases; providing talking points for speakers, including County Commissioners and County Administrators; creating artwork; coordinating and assisting with event setup (P.A. system, ribbon-cutting, tables and chairs, decorations, etc.); providing registration desk staff and materials; producing PowerPoint presentationsor videos; and assisting with teardown.
Signs and Banners
To ensure consistency throughout the Division, this group reviews and edits submissions from individual parks and groups for the creation of banners and signs that require in-house design. We are the liaison with the Division’s Sign Shop.
Email Account
Park patrons and potential guests can email the ParksMarketing@Broward.org account for information. The email account is monitored several times each day, seven days a week.
PUBLIC SAFETY GROUP (PSG)
The Public Safety Group is a divisionwide team of professionals who are responsible for the safety, security, and emergency preparedness of Parks staff and visitors. In addition, this group oversees the logistical response of the County during
emergency activations.
Emergency Management Section
The Emergency Management Section is responsible for the overall preparedness program of the agency, which includes preparedness training, Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP), and storm plans among others. In addition, the section manages the Logistics Section during emergencies. This includes the Logistics Services Branch, which includes ESF-11 (Food and Water), ESF-15 (Volunteers and Donations), County Staging Area (CSA), and Emergency Distribution Center (EDC). The Logistics Resource Management Branch includes the EMAC Operations
System, EOS Support Unit, Mission Tracking Unit, and the Procurement Unit that also falls under the responsibilities of this section.
The Emergency Management Section oversaw the Broward County COVID-19 Logistical response from 2020 through 2022.
Safety Section
This section is responsible for the occupational safety of Parks staff. It has the overall responsibility of inspecting and certifying all of our playgrounds, conducts safety audits, safety training, air-quality tests, and incident reporting; acts as a liaison with Risk Management; and manages the Automated
External Defibrillators (AED) program.
Security Section
The Security Section oversees the overall security of Parks staff and visitors. It manages the contract security and police details within all of our parks as well as the more than 700 security cameras located within our system. It also maintains our two-way radios and communications, and develops guidelines for the Customer Code of Conduct, wildlife watches and rescue, and the lightning prediction system, among others.
Sandbag distribution at Reverend Samuel Delevoe Park before Hurricane Milton
