City celebrates grand opening of newly transformed Kiwanis Park Community Center in Coral Springs with community ribbon cutting ceremony
Coral Springs, Florida – Coral Springs officially marked a major milestone this week with the grand opening of the Kiwanis Park Community Center, a project that has been years in the making and is now ready to serve residents of all ages. On April 25, city officials, staff, and community members gathered at 500 Ramblewood Drive for a ribbon-cutting ceremony that celebrated both the completion of the facility and the long journey behind it.
The transformation of the site carries a deeper story than a typical renovation. The building originally opened in 1977 as Fire Station 2 and served the southeast Coral Springs area for decades. After Fire Station 64 opened next door in 2023, the former station was left with a new opportunity for reinvention. Instead of being demolished or abandoned, it was carefully redesigned into a modern community space while still preserving elements of its historic character.
Now, the Kiwanis Park Community Center stands as a blend of old and new. Inside, residents will find a welcoming lounge area, a teaching kitchen designed for group programs, and a flexible multipurpose room that can adapt to different community needs. The facility also includes upgraded technology and an outdoor patio space meant for gatherings and events.
One of the most distinctive features of the center comes from its past life. The old fire bays have been repurposed into an indoor recreation area where activities such as pickleball and basketball can take place. It is a transformation that connects the building’s history with its present purpose in a practical and symbolic way.
Outside, the project extends further into the surrounding park space. A new multi-sports court has been added, expanding recreational opportunities for the community. The development was made possible in part through $1.1 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, along with additional support from the Florida Panthers Foundation, which contributed to the outdoor court.
During the opening ceremony, city leaders reflected on how the project came to life. Mayor Scott Brook emphasized that the vision for the community center was shaped directly by residents’ input over time.
“One of the things I am most proud of is that this vision came directly from listening to residents,” Brook said. “They told us they wanted more recreation opportunities, more spaces to gather, and more ways to connect with neighbors. The City Commission heard that feedback, and we stayed committed to making it happen.”
City Manager Catherine Givens also acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the project, thanking staff from multiple departments who worked over several years to bring the center from concept to completion. She highlighted the long timeline and steady commitment required to turn the former fire station into a fully functional community hub.
The ceremony also served as a moment of recognition for individuals who played important roles in the project’s development. Former Commissioner Joy Carter was honored for her continued advocacy for seniors, while former City Manager Frank Babinec was acknowledged for his leadership during the early planning stages.
In addition, the city paid tribute to the memory of Nancy Metayer, whose dedication to inclusive and welcoming community spaces left a lasting influence on the project’s vision and design.
As the event concluded, residents were invited to explore the new facility and see firsthand how the space has been reimagined. The atmosphere carried a sense of both celebration and reflection, as the community center represents not only a physical upgrade but also a shift in how shared public spaces can evolve.
The Kiwanis Park Community Center is now officially open, offering a new place for recreation, learning, and connection in Coral Springs. More information about programs and activities is available through the city’s official channels.
