Fresh air blended with that “new park smell” at the official opening of Greenleaf Park in Oakland Park. Citizens chatted up city officials as excitement grew.

The park, located at 1300 Park Lane East, features pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts, as well as a new playground.

“This park is a place for our residents,” Mayor Steven Arnst said. “We hope this is a place you can come back to often and enjoy for many years to come.”

City Manager David Hebert pointed out that this is an example of why the controversial sidewalk project is necessary. He pointed out that it improves connectivity from surrounding neighborhoods to the park and growing downtown.

Greenleaf is a key cog in the city’s downtown redevelopment plan. Spiher Recreation Center, along with the old city hall, is set to be demolished as part of the Horizon mixed-use project. Neighbors insisted that Greenleaf be completed first so the neighborhood didn’t go without a park in the area.

Falcone plans to close on the properties in November and start demolition in early 2027.

Screenshot via Greater Witon Manors, YouTube.