Cooper City Deepens Commitment to Parks and Playgrounds

In neighborhoods across Cooper City, the sound of laughter and play is echoing louder than ever. With a series of recent upgrades and new investments, the City is reaffirming a dedication to revitalizing public spaces to make them safer, more inclusive, and more vibrant for residents of all ages.

That commitment was once again on display during the May 13, 2025, City Commission Regular Meeting, where the Commission approved two major playground enhancement projects at Suellen H. Fardelmann Sports Complex and Ellie Kozak Park. These actions build on a season of renovations and excitement, and come just ahead of the City’s upcoming review of a preliminary Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

For the Suellen H. Fardelmann Sports Complex, the Commission approved the purchase of ADA-accessible playground equipment from Gametime in the amount of $825,697.90, using the OMNIA Partners cooperative purchasing contract. This new equipment supports the City’s Autism Friendly initiatives and is designed to offer a safe, inclusive, and high-value play experience for children of all abilities. While the cost exceeds the current project budget by $625,697.90, funding will be reallocated from several completed or surplus-funded projects, including savings from the Sports Complex parking lot resurfacing and AED installations. An additional $67,500 in grant funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) will be applied, along with $381,380.72 from the General Fund balance. Although a more limited playground design was considered at the April 22 Commission Meeting, the City Comission selected the enhanced option to ensure accessibility, long-term durability, and alignment with the City’s goals for high-quality recreational facilities. The project must be completed by December 31, 2025, under the amended LWCF grant agreement.

The Commission also approved the replacement of aging playground equipment at Ellie Kozak Park. The current structure has surpassed its recommended 10-year service life and shows visible signs of deterioration. The $268,113.04 project, also awarded to Gametime through OMNIA Partners, will be funded by $200,000 allocated in Fiscal Year 2024 and $68,113.04 transferred from surplus in the Suellen H. Fardelmann Sports Complex and Public Safety Area parking lot resurfacing project. Gametime will handle the installation and permitting process, continuing a strong working relationship with the City.

Before the Commission’s vote, Commissioner Jeremy Katzman emphasized the significance of these decisions. “This vote is more than a budget item, it is a statement of priorities,” said Katzman. “We shouldn’t settle for doing the bare minimum. Our kids deserve more than good enough, they deserve the best.”

These latest approvals follow recent celebrations marking the completion of other playground renovations. On April 10, 2025, a ribbon cutting was held for the newly renovated Tot Lot playground behind the Community Center. The updated space features modern play equipment, new safety surfacing, and is fully ADA-compliant. The project was made possible in part by a $50,000 grant from the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) and managed internally by City staff. 

Later that month, on April 30, Cooper City celebrated the grand reopening of the playground at Michael D. Riordan “City Mike” Park. With support from a $112,500 FRDAP grant, the $237,425 renovation introduced a new GameTime playground and shade structure designed with inclusivity and nature engagement in mind. The ribbon cutting drew community members, City officials, and members of Michael Riordan’s family. The event also included the presentation of an award from Playcore and Gametime recognizing the playground as a model of excellence.

Cooper City’s momentum continues with the scheduled public review of a preliminary Parks and Recreation Master Plan on May 27, 2025, at 5 p.m. This vital document, shaped with input from residents and stakeholders, will provide a clear roadmap for the future of parks, programs, and facilities throughout the city.

Together, these projects and plans reflect more than physical improvements; they represent Cooper City’s shared vision for building connected, inclusive, and thriving spaces where families can grow, neighbors can gather, and play continues to inspire every generation.