Youngsters enjoy the playground at the recently reopened South City Beach Park in Hallandale Beach.
Sunny skies and a light ocean breeze provided an idyllic setting as Hallandale Beach officially reopened South City Beach Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration.
The park, at 1870 S. Ocean Drive, is the third project the city has completed as part of its parks master plan.
“Each park is unique for the community and for the setting,” said Cathie Schanz, director of parks and recreation. “[It] is so beautiful and such a nice park for both families and the beach community.”
With the $4.36 million overhaul, the park now features a concession stand, a beach volleyball court, a bocce ball court, a fenced-in playground, picnic shelters and a stage. Work also included new restrooms and outdoor showers.
Parking spots were added. Parking is currently free, but will be metered beginning April 1. The city will also be adding Mobi-Mats, semi-permanent polyester pathways used to provide easier access to those using wheelchairs, strollers or walkers.
“This was designed to be a beachfront park,” Schanz said.
Francine Giguere, a seasonal Hallandale Beach resident, lives within walking distance of the park.
“The park is really great compared to the one here before,” she said. “The good point is with the grandchildren, there is the fenced-in playground. We’ll for sure be back.”
From groundbreaking to ribbon cutting, the project took 13 months to complete. The park is open from dawn to dusk.
By Sara Shell
Forum Publishing Group
Photo courtesy of Peter F. Dobens
Sara Shell can be reached at sshell@tribune.com.
Copyright © 2015, Sun Sentinel
