Cooper City Celebrates Renovation of Community Center Tot Lot with Ribbon Cutting

Cooper City marked an exciting milestone on Thursday, April 10, 2025, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the reopening of the newly renovated Tot Lot playground located behind the Community Center. The event brought together local families, City Commission members, and staff in celebration of a vibrant new space designed for play, community, and accessibility.

Mayor James Curran and City Manager Alex Rey offered remarks highlighting the importance of the project, which aligns with the City’s commitment to improving quality of life for residents.

“Playgrounds foster community pride and increase social interactions among parents and children,” said Mayor Curran. “Memories, both big and small, are made in spaces like these. Without playgrounds and green spaces that create sustainable and beautiful environments, we would stray from one of our key priorities: to be the best place to call home and raise your family.”

The updated playground is part of Cooper City’s broader infrastructure and community enhancement efforts. The project was approved by the City Commission in November 2024 and was made possible in part through grant funding awarded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection under the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP).

City Manager Rey noted that $50,000 in FRDAP grant funds helped offset the cost of the “Game Time” playground installation and park landscaping. “These funds help reduce our reliance on property taxes to accomplish projects that matter to Cooper City residents,” Rey explained.

The new playground now features updated amenities and improved safety features and is fully ADA-compliant, ensuring access for all children. The project was managed by City staff, with special thanks extended to Joshua Rhodes, Tim Fleming, Renee Wilson, and Friseta Davis for their hands-on contributions.

The Tot Lot renovation is part of a continued effort to reinvigorate Cooper City's park facilities. A ribbon cutting will be held in the near future for the upgraded playground at Michael Riordan Park (formerly Flamingo Park), which is nearing completion. Additionally, the City is in the final stages of developing a Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which received extensive input from residents and stakeholders, and will lay the framework for adding to and improving our City's programs and facilities.

As Mayor Curran concluded, “It also takes the dedication of our employees to help cross the finish line. I thank our staff for all the hard work that has gone into making this project a reality.”

With the ribbon officially cut, children and families eagerly poured onto the playground—ushering in a new chapter of play and community connection in Cooper City.