City refurbishes popular park near Intracoastal Waterway
Holland Park, a 23.5-acre recreation site located on the west side of the Intracoastal Waterway, is one of the biggest attractions in Hollywood, Fla.’s park system. The park was acquired and developed with federal Land and Water Conservation funds, with the assistance of the Florida Department of Natural Resources.
The site adjoins the southernmost portion of the West Lake tract, a 1,300-acre mangrove swamp and manmade lake. It also connects with the northeast corner of North Lake, an 85-acre manmade lake. Holland Park’s environment consists of a productive red-and-white mangrove system, fiddler crabs, raccoons and other wildlife.
Patrons can enjoy boating, fishing, picnicking and bicycling. “Visitors experience the natural habitat of Florida by exploring the Ecology Walk and the trails throughout the park and can catch a bird’s-eye view from the observation tower overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway,” says Education Coordinator Lorie Mertens.
About $50,000 in grant funds from the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program made up the lion’s share of the $65,000 the city has spent on park refurbishments in the past year. Recycled plastic lumber was used in many of the projects, including the Ecology Walk, on which public works crews and contractors replaced more than 11,000 linear feet of walkway.
“Pressure-treated wood usually lasts about seven years; the recycled plastic lumber is projected to last at least 50,” says Bob Wertz, facility maintenance superintendent. Plastic lumber was used to promote the concept of recycling and buying recycled materials.
Other improvements to the park included the replacement of 1,600 linear feet of decaying pressure-treated wood on the observation tower and the installation of 10 ADA-compliant picnic tables, 12 barbecue grills, 12 trash receptacles, a directional sign at the park entrance, four new benches, a fishing pole holder and bait-cutting tables. Dock bumpers were replaced, and the parking lot and bike path signs were repainted.
Everything was pressure-cleaned, and all graffiti was removed. Renovations to the restrooms will start shortly, and park officials also plan to construct a nature trail.