Enhancing the Community

Tamarac creates innovative projects and programs

TAMARAC | Broward County | Pop. 72,509

by Monique Johnson, City of Tamarac

Nestled just beyond the edge of Florida’s Everglades in Western Broward County is the vibrant, thriving and growing City of Tamarac. Since its founding in 1963, this 12-square-mile city has transformed from a destination for golf-loving retirees into a modern community celebrating its diversity of cultures, backgrounds, ages and experiences. With nearly 72,000 residents and 2,000 businesses, Tamarac is positioned to become one of South Florida’s most sought-after communities to grow families and businesses.

“The City of Tamarac is a dynamic city with the population growing 19% in the last 10 years and increasing in diversity,” said City Manager Kathleen Gunn. “Tamarac is home. It is a beloved community in which all walks of life live together equitably and peaceably. It is a city of the future focused on smart forward-reaching plans and inclusivity so that all may thrive.”

To support Tamarac’s population growth, city leaders are creating innovative projects and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents. From engaging citizens through public art to developing a “smart city” infrastructure and downtown hub, these initiatives strengthen community pride and improve the City’s economic vitality.

Public art at the Colony West Golf Club in Tamarac.

Photo courtesy of City of Tamarac

In 2004, Tamarac established its Public Art Committee to promote appreciation of fine art, enhance outdoor spaces and build community. The Public Art Committee recommends and commissions art pieces seen throughout Tamarac for City Commission approval. Tamarac’s public art collection contains more than 30 indoor and outdoor sculptures that have been purchased or gifted to the City.

In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic continued to impact residents, the City debuted Inspiration Way to give community members a safe way to enjoy art from the comfort of their vehicles or while walking along this mile-long stretch. Inspiration Way, also known as Tamarac’s “museum without walls,” is a unique temporary sculpture program featuring 12 eclectic designs from some of the nation’s most talented artists. The current exhibit will remain on display until Spring 2023.

The City’s 2021 Resident Survey revealed that resident satisfaction with the availability of public art increased, and 50% of residents said the availability of public art enhanced their quality of life. The program is paid for by developer contributions to the City’s ongoing Public Art Fund.

Rendering of Tamarac Village.

Photo courtesy of City of Tamarac

Tamarac’s commitment to infusing art into the fabric of the community includes the installation of the City’s first social justice-focused art wall, slated for completion in fall 2022. The art wall will serve as a discussion piece and focal point at Tamarac Village, the heart of what will become Tamarac’s new downtown. After years of planning and land assembly, in 2021, the City celebrated the completion of the first phase of multi-family housing construction in the mixed-use development. Tamarac’s new, modern 400-unit apartment community will also feature a park; an amphitheater programmed with community events, which residents of all ages have come to love; a splash pad and 44,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space.

Projects like Tamarac Village are part of the City’s economic development efforts to revitalize its commercial corridors. Last year Tamarac launched two new grant programs, the $500,000 Real Estate Development Accelerator Grant and the $250,000 Plaza Owner Façade and Exterior Improvements Grant, to incentivize and attract new mixed-use projects and commercial property investment.

Rendering of the amphitheater at Tamarac Village.

Photo courtesy of City of Tamarac

EXPANDING INFRASTRUCTURE

Another essential element supporting Tamarac’s growth are strategic initiatives to continue its smart infrastructure in areas focused on sustainability, mobility, accessibility, resiliency and transparency.

The City recently began an extensive expansion of its fiberoptic network, providing residents with enhanced Wi-Fi access at all public parks and facilities. Additionally, the City is undergoing a project to replace the above-ground fiber with underground fiber to enhance resiliency and disaster preparedness while also providing infrastructure for future Smart City projects.

Tamarac’s moniker, “The City for Your Life,” embodies the true spirit of this tight-knit community. It’s a place where residents and businesses thrive. Tamarac leaders are creating an attractive community for investors and a place that the local workforce and their families can be proud to call home. Tamarac is putting the right plans in place to ensure a superb quality of life for future generations.

Monique Johnson is the Marketing Specialist for the City of Tamarac’s Public Information Office.