Page 14 - HB1225

Mayor's Message

here are moments when a city turns a page — when investments in recreation,
community, and quality of life begin to show their value. Earlier this fall, Fort
TLauderdale turned such a page with the debut of two remarkable lifestyle
enhancements that reflect who we are and where we’re heading: the grand
opening of The Fort Pickleball Center and the completion of renovations at the
Jimmy Evert Tennis Center.

The work that was undertaken represents a bold statement about what it means
to live in Fort Lauderdale. It also comes on the heels of other amenities that we’ve
created, like the complete restoration of the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center with its
27-meter dive platform, the totally transformed War Memorial Auditorium, and the
Baptist Health Iceplex, a sporting destination like no other in the country.

The Fort Pickleball Center is truly a model for the rest of the nation and is right here in
Dean Trantalis Fort Lauderdale. Walk into the location, and you feel the energy immediately buzzing
MAYOR
City of Fort Lauderdale across the state-of-the-art courts, families settling in along the lakeside, and players of
dtrantalis@fortlauderdale.gov every age stepping into what has quickly become a premier pickleball destination.
The Fort is a $30 million public-private partnership. Built without a single tax dollar, it
stands as a testament to what happens when vision aligns with community need.
Owned by the city, The Fort features 43 courts, nearly 2,000 spectator seats, a
lakefront beach, indoor-outdoor event space, and a full-service restaurant.
In its first year alone, it is expected to attract more than 500,000 visitors.
A legacy has been reborn at the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center.
The doors have reopened at this “Home of Champions” in Holiday Park — after a
sweeping modernization that honors its storied past while preparing for the next
City of Fort Lauderdale generation of athletes.
1 E. Broward Blvd., Ste. 444
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 What awaits players is nothing short of transformational: 20 clay courts with a modern
sub-surface irrigation system, a 700-seat stadium court, enhanced LED lighting, 13 shade
structures, 40 benches, three chilled drinking fountains, renovated restrooms, new
fencing, fresh paint, and fully upgraded landscaping and irrigation systems.
Online reservations make booking simple, and expanded programs now serve
children as young as four.
In December, the world will once again look to Fort Lauderdale as a place for great
tennis. We are hosting the Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships — one
of the most prestigious junior tournaments globally.

This great renovation was accomplished through a partnership among the Orange
Office Contact
Scott Wyman Bowl, the United States Tennis Association, and the city of Fort Lauderdale. At a total
Chief of Staff to the Mayor investment of $9.5 million, the facility is elevated to international standards.
swyman@fortlauderdale.gov The opening of The Fort and Jimmy Evert show our city investing deeply in its people
954.828.5314
— in health, in connection, in active lifestyles. We are going to keep the progress
going in the coming years with such upcoming plans like the new YMCA and park
improvements across the community.
In other news, the city has numerous waterway initiatives underway. It’s been a major
goal of the city to make sure they are safe, resilient, and clean.
We are the Venice of America, and our 165 miles of canals and the New River form
the backbone of our economy, our neighborhoods, and our quality of life. Protecting
them is both a responsibility and a point of civic pride.
(continued pg. 14)

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