'Food for Thought' Visit to Revitalized Huizenga Park

Cutting the Ribbon on New Park Attraction, ‘The Nook’

October 16, 2026

Philip Rielly, Beth Rielly, Jenni Morejon and Jennifer O'Flannery Anderson at the Community Foundation of Broward's "Food for Thought" reception on Oct. 15, which included the ribbon cutting for "The Nook" at the revitalized Huizenga Park in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

The Community Foundation of Broward’s “Food for Thought” field trip on Oct. 15 showcased the revitalized Huizenga Park and celebrated a ribbon cutting for “The Nook,” a new attraction at the urban oasis in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Food for Thoughts are exclusive opportunities for Community Foundation Fundholders, Legacy Society members and other supporters to learn more about important local issues, see examples of the Community Foundation’s impact and connect with other philanthropists.

Our latest Food for Thought featured live music, tasty treats and a firsthand look at the new features of the reimagined Huizenga Park, including “The Nook” – an idyllic public gathering spot made possible by support from the Beth and Philip Rielly Family. Beth and Philip are fundholders at the Community Foundation.

The Nook is one of the “outdoor rooms” created at the revamped park, which includes nearly 4 acres wedged between Las Olas Boulevard, Andrews Avenue and the New River. This collection of new “rooms” provides parkgoers places for leisurely strolls, exercise, walking dogs, grabbing a meal, attending a community event and much more.

The Nook features patios surrounded by lush landscaping, with tables and chairs ideal for outdoor dining and impromptu meetups. This new public space is located outside another new park attraction, Sweetwaters restaurant, and beside the sprawling “Civic Lawn” that stretches across the heart of the park.

“The little Nook here, it’s a space to just relax and enjoy this area,” Beth Rielly said at the ribbon cutting. “This is an investment for all of us and we want generations to be able to enjoy this.”

Park Revitalization Collaboration

Steve Hudson – a former Community Foundation Board Chair, Chair of the Huizenga Park Foundation and a member of the Huizenga family – was a key part part of the team that championed the multi-million-dollar public/private collaboration to revitalize the downtown park that honors entrepreneur and philanthropist, Wayne Huizenga.

In 2024, the Community Foundation joined the revitalization effort, which was led by the Huizenga Park Foundation and the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority. Support from the business community, the City of Fort Lauderdale and local philanthropists – including more than $630,000 in grants from charitable funds at the Community Foundation – made the revitalized park a reality.

One of the park’s featured attractions is a “Love” mural that adorns the side a pavilion because the Civic Lawn, within view of The Nook.

The colorful mural is part of the Community Foundation’s “Lead with Love” public art collaboration with Business for the Arts Broward and artist Cey Adams to create nine love-themed murals in communities across Broward. The murals serve as cultural landmarks, fostering inspiration and unity as they enliven and enrich public gathering spaces, such as Huizenga Park.

“I think it’s really special to have the word, ‘Love,’ so large and so much a central piece of this park,” Community Foundation President/CEO Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson said, while thanking the Rielly family at the ribbon cutting for The Nook. “It reminds us all what’s really, really important.”

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HUIZENGA PARK.