Fort Lauderdale Beach Park Concept Draws Questions on Basketball-to-Pickleball Conversion and Funding
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Summary
Staff described conceptual plans to move basketball courts and add other amenities at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, and said a contribution from a private partner will help fund the work; board members raised concerns about timing, permits near the coastal construction line and the pace of design funding decisions.
City staff presented conceptual plans for Fort Lauderdale Beach Park that would move basketball courts south of the existing volleyball courts and include fitness areas, shade structures (where feasible), and possible pickleball conversions.
Carl and other staff told the Parks, Recreation and Beaches Advisory Board that the city has executed an agreement with a private partner that includes a contribution toward beach park projects. Staff said earlier versions of the plan put components east of the coastal construction line, which would make permitting harder, so the concept intentionally keeps new permanent features west of that line when possible to simplify approvals.
Board members pressed staff for timelines and asked whether the basketball courts would be built before other recreational features; staff said the city manager’s office will provide additional scheduling and permitting details to the City Commission and the timeline is still under discussion. Staff said the private partner’s contribution was discussed in different figures in the meeting; one staff member said a $500,000 contribution had been agreed, and others discussed the figure as part of the broader funding conversation.
Design consultant work and permit feasibility will continue; staff emphasized the plans presented were conceptual and that more detailed design, permitting and funding allocations will come later.