Coral Springs opens new Kiwanis Park Community Center after transforming historic fire station into modern public space for residents
Coral Springs, Florida – A long-planned neighborhood project in Coral Springs has officially opened its doors, transforming a piece of local history into a modern space for recreation, learning, and community connection. The city announced the opening of the new Kiwanis Park Community Center, a facility built inside a former fire station that has served the area for decades.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Saturday at 500 Ramblewood Drive, marking the completion of a project that city officials say reflects both persistence and community input. The building, originally opened in 1977 as Fire Station 2, has now been fully reimagined as a public center designed for residents of all ages.
The idea of converting the old fire station into a community space began after a new fire station was constructed next door in 2023. From that point, the city began the long process of redesigning and renovating the original structure. What followed was a project that stretched over six years from planning to completion, involving multiple phases of construction and updates to the aging building.
Funding for the $3.4 million project came from a mix of local and federal sources. According to city information, $1.1 million was provided through the American Rescue Plan Act, a federal stimulus program created during the pandemic period to support community recovery efforts. The remaining funding came from city resources and other contributions tied to park improvements.
Inside the new facility, the design reflects a shift toward flexible, multi-use public space. The center includes a lounge area, a kitchen intended for cooking classes, and a program room for community activities and events. Outside, visitors will find a newly added patio, along with courts designed for pickleball and basketball. One of the outdoor multi-sports courts was funded by the Florida Panthers Foundation, adding a regional sports connection to the project.
The community center is also part of a broader effort to upgrade Kiwanis Park as a whole. In earlier phases of renovation, the park received a new playground and pavilion, creating more options for families and neighborhood gatherings. Together, these additions form a more complete recreational space for residents.
City leaders say the project was driven by public input gathered over time. Officials emphasized that residents consistently asked for more opportunities to gather, socialize, and stay active within their own neighborhoods.
“One of the things I am most proud of is that this vision came directly from listening to residents,” Mayor Scott Brook said in the press release. “They told us they wanted more recreation opportunities, more spaces to connect with neighbors. The city commission heard that feedback, and we stayed committed to making it happen.”
The transformation of the former fire station into a community center represents more than just a building upgrade. It reflects a shift in how older public structures can be reused rather than replaced, giving them new purpose while preserving their place in local history.
For residents, the opening adds another gathering point in a city that continues to grow and evolve. The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces is expected to support a range of activities, from classes and meetings to casual recreation and neighborhood events.
As the doors open at the new Kiwanis Park Community Center, city officials hope it becomes a lasting hub for connection—one that builds on the history of the site while creating new memories for future generations.
