Definition of an "ArtsPark"
An ArtsPark is a Cultural Center or gathering place where residents of the surrounding areas may enjoy the performing, visual and literary arts in a park-like setting. The ArtsPark may include a classroom and workshop space, exhibit and performance spaces and cultural programming by professional artists with free or low cost services to the community.
History
The 2000 Safe Parks and Land Preservation Bond included a $5 million budget to construct a cultural center in a park. To leverage additional dollars for this cultural center, the County issued a Request for Letters of Interest (RLI) to municipalities to match that amount. In a competitive process, the City of Hollywood was awarded the ArtsPark funding to transform Young Circle Park.
The Board of County Commissioners was so impressed with the other applicants that additional funding from the Bond enabled the cities of Pembroke Pines and Miramar to also have ArtsParks. An ArtsPark will subsequently built, in conjunction with a new library, in the 110-acre Central Broward Regional Park. Discussions followed for joint funding of the cultural center between Broward County and the City of Lauderhill. The Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, a 1,200-seat theater, opened in January 2016.
