The Port District

• Riverwalk Boardwalk: A scenic 4,300-foot walkway along the St. Lucie River, connecting key attractions and offering breathtaking views.
• Event Lawn & Riverfront Stage: Outdoor event spaces for concerts, festivals, and community gatherings with scenic riverfront backdrops.
• Pioneer Park: A 9.75-acre park featuring an interactive playground, water play area, green wall, and public art installations.
• The Grove: A riverfront dining destination with a full-service restaurant, rooftop bar, and family-friendly food venues.
• The Preserve: A 13-acre conservation area with walking trails, nature overlooks, and a canoe/kayak launch for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Historic Homes: The Peacock Lodge and Peacock House showcase local history, with a museum and cultural enhancements planned.
• Botanical Gardens: A lush 21-acre garden featuring themed landscapes, a butterfly garden, and event spaces for weddings and tours.

The Port District Master Plan outlines a bold vision to transform Port St. Lucie’s riverfront into a premier destination that blends recreation, nature, and community life. Building on the City’s investment in the Riverwalk Boardwalk, Pioneer Park, Historic Homes, and Botanical Gardens, the plan introduces new amenities such as event spaces, dining at The Grove, and expanded conservation areas.

Its goal is to create a connected, walkable waterfront that celebrates the North Fork’s natural beauty while offering vibrant spaces for entertainment, family-friendly activities, and economic growth. This comprehensive plan ensures development aligns with environmental stewardship and the City’s character, making The Port District an iconic gathering place for residents and visitors.

Funding

The City utilized several funding sources for the project:

• The major funding source is the City of Port St. Lucie Parks Impact Fee Fund. The Parks Impact Fee is collected at the time of construction of new residential development. The fee is collected to enable the City to provide the parks and recreation facilities to serve new residents.
• The relocation and restoration efforts of the historic homes is partially funded through State of Florida Division of Historic Resources' Special Category Grant funding.
• The Riverwalk Boardwalk received funding from the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) over multiple fiscal years.
• Funding for the Riverwalk Boardwalk Extension and park project is identified in the General Fund Capital Improvement Budget #301(PDF, 15KB) of the City's Five Year Capital Improvement Program.

History

The vision for The Port District began over two decades ago with the City’s commitment to enhance public access to the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. In the early 2000s, approximately 2,000 feet of boardwalk was added north of Port St. Lucie Boulevard, connecting Veterans Park at Rivergate and Tom Hooper Park, and sparking ideas for expanded recreation and entertainment along the waterfront.

In 2015, a public charrette hosted at the Botanical Gardens brought together over 100 residents to shape the future of the riverfront. Their input guided the creation of a conceptual master plan, approved later that year, featuring a historic village, playground, event lawn, and an extended Riverwalk Boardwalk, along with space for riverfront dining.

The North Fork has always been central to Port St. Lucie’s identity—offering natural beauty, recreation, and economic vitality. The City’s challenge was to create new opportunities while preserving the environment and character that make this riverfront unique. Today, The Port District reflects that vision: a connected, vibrant destination where history, nature, and community come together.