Fort Lauderdale Beach Park redesign

Congratulated the commission on keeping the basketball courts but demanded the developer stop marketing that could mislead the public about the courts' private or public nature.

Opposed pickleball courts on the beach, calling it a step toward privatizing public beach and urging deferral.

The River Oak Civic Association president urged commissioners to visit the site, citing turtle nests, picnic tables and renderings he says are inaccurate.

Supported the project, saying opposition had grown speculative and the iconic beachfront courts would bring tourism and social media value.

A condo president and hotel businessman, he supported the plan as a needed public amenity keeping the beach modern.

A beachgoer since 1962, she opposed the plan as a 'land grab' that would pave tranquil turtle-nesting sand.

A Coral Ridge resident who reviewed the actual plans and urged support, saying opposition posts mischaracterize the design.

Presented photos of turtle nests near the site and opposed artificial turf on sand, suggesting the city use Snyder Park's courts instead.

Criticized the rushed timeline and the developer's $1 million donation being contingent on approving the rendering unaltered.

On behalf of Lauderdale Tomorrow, read the Parks and Rec board's recommendations: drop artificial turf, cut to two courts, more public input, and no exclusive access.

A 50-year resident who picnics at that beach; said pickleball courts already exist on the hotel property and plastic turf doesn't belong in parks.

Read a mock resolution urging protection of the beach's public, natural and historic character and asked for deferral.

Asked for a month's deferral, saying proper public outreach hasn't happened.

A daily beach user; wants the exercise area kept near the basketball courts and more tables and grills shown than the rendering's 16.

Questioned why a developer is involved in a park project and said residents no longer trust the city given past broken promises.

Spoke for residents who feel the design separates communities and diminishes the family barbecue character of the beach.

Argued wind makes beach pickleball impractical and said the beach needs fixes to what exists, not new development.

41-year resident asked for a full rendering of the whole beach plan, opposed four pickleball courts, and worried bond-funded changes will alter the public beach.

Questioned how the plan went from two to four pickleball courts and opposed artificial turf due to heat and fumes.

Engineer and 35-year boater questioned the market analysis, tree removal, maintenance space and picnic table logistics.

Said the plan hurts residents and visitors, moves exercise equipment and picnic tables away from basketball courts, and four pickleball courts are too many.

Called it 'the people's beach,' opposed the 1,700-square-foot concrete plaza and fencing, and said the developer should build courts on his own property.

River Oak Civic Association president defended the residents' beach, iconic views and pine trees, and criticized concrete on a turtle nesting beach.

Asked what the 2019 bond originally contemplated for the site and what the CDD gets for its $1 million contribution; questioned community outreach.

Bluntly opposed the whole plan — called artificial grass harmful, said private developers don't belong on public land, and demanded the city maintain what it has.

Said the privatization fears came from the developer's own marketing; wants two pickleball courts not four, no turf, exercise equipment and grills kept in place.

Urged preserving the existing community feel and warned against dividing the space that already works organically.

Opposed turf over nanoplastic runoff into the ocean, and asked why residents weren't surveyed during the bond process.

Calisthenics user wants the existing workout equipment upgraded and more workout areas instead of pickleball courts.