Date: March 2023
Milestone: See you later, Alligator!
The Port District's Pioneer Park Playground is coming to life! The construction of Gator Gulch is nearly complete and Banyan Basin is really taking shape. Other play elements including Sailaway Schooner, the Peacock Playhouse, Swing and Swirl Slough and Pioneer Perch have also been assembled on site. Additional infrastructure elements need to be completed before the park can open to the public so, for now, we will say "See you later, Alligator!"
Date: January 2023
Milestone :
Land and Water Conservation Fund Program (LWCF) Improvements Virtual Public Information Meeting, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, from 5-7 p.m.
The City held a virtual public meeting to discuss a proposed application to the Land and Water Conservation Fund Program (LWCF) for The Port District Improvements at the Tom Hooper Boardwalk, Veterans Rivergate Park and The Port Promenade.
The LWCF program is administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on behalf of the US Department of the Interior, National Park Service. The City will review how the grant funds, if awarded, will be used to help expand proposed amenities.
River Food Garden coming to The Port District!
In January 2022, PIII Investments, LLC, of Coral Gables presented a Letter of Intent to the City for the development and operation of a riverfront restaurant concept in The Port District. City staff were authorized to negotiate with PIII Investments, and successful lease negotiations resulted in the City Council approving a Ground Lease Agreement for the restaurant in January 2023.
The multi-venue River Food Garden concept will consist of a full-service anchor restaurant and several smaller food and beverage venues comprising up to 15,000 SF of indoor / outdoor landscaped area. The initial lease term is for 30 years, with four 5-year renewal options. Base rent will be $40,000 annually (paid monthly) with a 3% annual escalation. In addition, percentage rent will be paid at 4% on gross sales over $2.5 million. The operational name of the venue will be determined during the site development process. According to PIII Investments, the first venue is anticipated to be open in late 2024.
Located along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River near Port St. Lucie's Botanical Gardens at the southern end of The Port District, the overall site formerly known as the Westmoreland Middle Tract is currently under construction for a "wow" one-of-a-kind playground, improved infrastructure, parking, restrooms, event lawn, overwater stage and boardwalk connections, canoe/kayak launch, and upland trails. The site contractor, Ferreira Construction, is also preparing a "pad ready site" for the waterfront restaurant.
Pioneer Park Playground
Several of the play elements in The Port District's Pioneer Park Playground are under construction. This week, the Sailaway Schooner and Peacock Playhouse were assembled in their locations within the playground. Crews also worked to form the natural looking rock formations within the water play area, Banyan Basin. When Pioneer Park is complete, additional play areas will include the Swing & Swirl Slough, Pioneer Perch, Gator Gulch, Lazy Log Secret Stroll, Backwater Blackboard, and Harmony Hideaway.
Date: December 2022
Milestone:
Talk about a groundbreaking! Banyan Basin is literally coming out of the ground! This unique nature-themed water play feature in the heart of The Port District's Pioneer Park Playground will feature spray jets and misters to help visitors cool off after running around the park!
Date: November 2022
Milestone:
Staff from the City's Community Redevelopment Agency and Parks and Recreation Department presented a project update to the Port St. Lucie Historical Society at their recent meeting. The contractor, New World Construction, is well underway with both interior and exterior work on the 1952 hunting lodge. Once complete, the Peacock Lodge will feature a museum, gift shop, meeting space and office space, and will be the perfect location to share Port St. Lucie's unique history!
Date: August 2022
Milestone: Peek at the Port: Peacock Lodge
Exterior painting began recently on the Historic 1952 Peacock Lodge located just south of the City's Botanical Gardens. A redwood stain paint match was created to replicate the original redwood stain color of the wood on the exterior of the Peacock Lodge. A crisp white trim pops in contrast and highlights the unique architecture on the structure. Additional architectural interest will be created once the front porch restoration is complete, the newly restored doors and stoops are in place, and exterior walkways and landscaping are installed.
Date: August 2022
Milestone: It's time to put the "port" in Port St. Lucie!
With over 70 guests in attendance, the City of Port St. Lucie broke ground on one of its newest destinations: The Port District! The future waterfront park will be located near the City's iconic banyan tree and just steps away from the lush Botanical Gardens. The park will feature a one-of-a-kind river themed playground, expanded event lawn space, improved infrastructure and parking, and a pad-ready site for a riverfront restaurant. Though work is just commencing, the vision is clear: The Port District will be a premier destination for Port St. Lucie!
Date: June 2022
Milestone: Get ready for the "WOW" factor!
The Port District's riverfront park and playground will soon become a reality after the City Council approved a contract award for the construction to Ferreira Construction, LLC., of Hobe Sound, FL, who brings a multi-disciplined team to this unique project.
Located along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River near Port St. Lucie's Botanical Gardens at the southern end of The Port District, the site formerly known as the Westmoreland Middle Tract will be enhanced with improved infrastructure, parking, restrooms, event lawn, overwater stage and boardwalk connections, canoe/kayak launch, and upland trails, as well as a pad ready site for a waterfront restaurant. In addition, the Pioneer Park Playground will include a one-of-a-kind "wow" play experience for visitors, unlike anything on the Treasure Coast. Custom play elements will include sensory play for all levels of physical capabilities, a climbable schooner and alligator, rope climbing structure, water play features, swings and other motion activities, 6' chalk wall, sidewalks, landscaping, interpretive and wayfinding signage, safety surfacing, lighting and much more.
Funding for the project is made possible through a combination of Parks Impact Fees, Special Assessment District Revenue, and Reserves. Custom artwork on the site will be partially funded through a grant from the National Endowment of the Arts.
Date: February 2022
Milestone: Priorities, Priorities!!
At the City Council Winter Retreat, staff from the CRA and Parks & Recreation Department presented a prioritization of projects related to the recently completed and adopted Port District Master Plan.
The City Council considered and supported staff's recommendations to prioritize:
- The branding The Port District;
- a Tower Phase with a picnic area and boardwalk river connection;
- Improvements to Midport Lake Park and Lyngate Park including upland trails, river connection and boardwalk, stormwater enhancements, additional parking and support amenities; and
- Modifications to the Veterans Memorial plaza with additional parking and open space improvements.
These priority projects support The Port District's intent to allow people to "explore, gather and connect" with the North Fork of the St. Lucie River and will be incorporated into the City's Capital Improvement Project (CIP) program as timing and funding opportunities align. Numerous additional projects remain in The Port District Master Plan and will be considered in years to come!
Date: February 2022
Milestone:
The Port District's Pioneer Park Playground has arrived in pieces and a few months early!
Here's a sneak peek at the large, iconic alligator that will reside in "Gator Gulch". One of the unique areas nestled in the Pioneer Park Playground with other play features such as the Sailaway Schooner, Pioneer Perch and Banyan Basin, Gator Gulch will allow curious minds to explore and play on this custom made, accessible play structure that extends over 40'! Construction on the playground and site will begin in the coming months.
Date: September 2021
Milestone: Bringing history back to life!
The City of Port St. Lucie recently awarded a contract to New World Builders out of DeLand for the refurbishment of the Historic Peacock Lodge. Located near the Botanical Gardens at the southern end of The Port District, the 1952 Peacock Lodge and adjacent 1917 Peacock House bring quite a bit of history to the area.
With assistance of a grant from the Florida Department of Historical Resources, the two historic structures were relocated to the property from western Port St. Lucie in 2018. Once moved, each building received minimal updates including securing and modifying access to the structures, updating the foundations, installing new shingle roofs and a fresh coat of exterior paint.
As part of New World's contract, the Peacock Lodge will receive many more updates in the coming months to restore the lodge to its original luster. The Peacock Lodge will feature a museum and gift shop and provide for meeting space and office space...and what better group to operate this historic building than the Port St. Lucie Historical Society!! Future renovations to the 1917 Peacock House are planned as well.
Date: July 2021
Milestone: The Port District Master Plan
At their Summer Retreat, City Council adopted The Port District Master Plan(PDF, 27MB) . "The Port District is where life meets the River... Where one can explore nature, gather with a diverse community of people, and connect with the river in collection of authentic encounters."
City staff, along with design consultant LandDesign, began development of The Port District Master Plan in October 2020 through a series of stakeholder meetings, public input meetings, and online surveys. The master plan offers recommendations to reinvigorate, celebrate and create a sense of place for this very diverse area. Explore, gather, and connect were the key guiding principles of the planning process for the master plan.
A few of the proposed amenities include new trails intertwining through preserve, upland pinewood flats and dense mangroves, unique dining opportunities, and gateway signage to frame the experience. These, along with the many other proposed elements, are sure to enhance what is already a very popular recreational area of the city.
Through these continued efforts to fully realize the potential of this beautiful area, The Port District is sure to become both the heart of Port St. Lucie and a spectacular place to explore, gather and connect!!
View the presentation(PDF, 57MB)
Date: February 2021
Milestone: Southern Segment of the Boardwalk Opens
The Southern Segment adds 600 linear feet of new boardwalk to the City's pristine riverfront. It includes bump outs along the span to enhance viewing and recreational opportunities along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. Future improvements to this segment include tie-ins with upland trail connections on the Preserve Tract, as well as additional transient boat dockage.
Date: December 2020
Milestone: Opening Soon
The Southern Segment of the Boardwalk is located along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, just south of the Banyan Tree and adjacent to the Preserve. This segment is just days from opening as the contractor is completing the installation of the handrails and light poles. Future improvements to this segment include the installation of additional floating docks, as well as as connections to trails upland within the Preserve.
Date: November 2020
Milestone: To fish, or not to fish? That is the question...
The City of Port St. Lucie welcomes recreational fishing along the newly opened segment of the Boardwalk between the Banyan Tree and Bridge Plaza. However, please be mindful that fishing is prohibited in some designated areas, such as floating docks, gangways and boardwalk deck where posted. Also, if you do catch dinner while out on the boardwalk, please be sure to take it home for cleaning before eating.
Date: October 2020
Milestone:
The Southern Extension of the Boardwalk is about 70% complete. A sidewalk connection was also recently added.
Pioneer Park FRDAP Grant Workshop (October 6, 2020 from 6-8 p.m.)
The City invited residents to discuss a Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grant for The Port District's Pioneer Park Project.
Date: September 2020
Milestone: Telling the story!
The City entered into a lease agreement with the Port St. Lucie Historical Society for the Historic Peacock Lodge and House. These structures were relocated to The Port District from western Port St. Lucie and provide a unique glimpse into the history of the early settlers in St. Lucie County. Renovations on the Peacock Lodge will keep the building's character, while allowing for meeting space, a museum, gift shop and offices for the Historical Society. Programming and renovations for the Historic House are also in the works!
Date: September 2020
Milestone:
The Westmoreland Segment of the Riverwalk Boardwalk is now open! It features upland boardwalk connections from both Bridge Plaza and the riverfront park adjacent to the Banyan Tree on Westmoreland Blvd. (near the Botanical Gardens). Watch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Video
The Branding Logos for The Port District are approved.
Date: August 2020
Milestone:
Landscaping was installed at the boardwalk entrance to Bridge Plaza.
Date: July 2020
Milestone:
Early morning view from the northern end of the Westmoreland Segment of the Riverwalk Boardwalk.
Decorative fencing was added adjacent to Bridge Plaza.
Brothers Construction started driving piles for the boardwalk span adjacent to the Conservation Tract. The boardwalk span should be complete by the end of 2020 and connections to the upland preserve area will be made with a future project phase.
The finishing touches started at the Bridge Plaza connection. Curbing first, then sidewalks, railings, landscaping and signage.
Sidewalks connecting to Bridge Plaza have been poured.
Date: June 2020
Milestone: Bridge Plaza fill/grading is complete!
The Bridge Plaza span of the boardwalk is wrapping up!
A fence was installed and sidewalk connection was added from the parking area to the Banyan Tree entrance.
Date: May 2020
Milestone:
May 18: LandscapeDE presented the Westmoreland Playground Concept Plan(PDF, 6MB) to City Council.
Two sets of floating docks have been installed near the Banyan Tree entrance to the boardwalk.
Date: April 2020
Milestone:
April 16: Riverwalk Boardwalk railings extend as far as the eye can see!
Date: March 2020
Milestone:
A connection is made! The Riverwalk Boardwalk main span pilings now connect with the Bridge Plaza span.
March 31: Hold on!!! The railings for the boardwalk have been delivered and installation has started!
Date: February 2020
Milestone:
Come join us for the Kick-Start Park Party in conjunction with the February 13 River Nights event staring at 5:30pm. We will kick-start all the elements of the park including the Riverwalk Boardwalk (Westmoreland segment), WOW playground, historic homes, waterfront restaurant and overall site improvements.
Construction Update 2/10/20:
Kick-Start Park Party Staff Group Photo:
Date: January 2020
Milestone:
Westmoreland Riverfront Park Playground Design Public Information Workshop (January 29, 2019 at the Botanical Gardens):
The City hosted a WOW Playground Design Workshop on Wednesday, January 29 at the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens. A WOW playground is planned for the existing Westmoreland Middle Tract park site, to complement other future uses like the Riverwalk boardwalk, proposed riverfront restaurant, historic homes, botanical gardens and adjacent conservation area. At the workshop, presentations were made by the City's playground design consultant, LandscapeDE, and included information on numerous WOW playground ideas from around the world! Additional information was provided by an inclusivity consultant to ensure design thoughts were geared for all to enjoy. With over 50 people in attendance, the design process is well underway and additional concepts and feedback will be sought at the upcoming Rivernights event on February 13 and at the 2020 Citizen Summit on February 29.
Construction Progress:
The Riverwalk Boardwalk - Westmoreland Segment is really taking shape! Progress by the contractor, Brothers' Construction, adjacent to Bridge Plaza makes the future boardwalk easy to visualize.
New area of construction adjacent to banyan tree:
Date: December 2019
Milestone:
We have pilings! The first series of pilings have been set in the Riverwalk Boardwalk - Westmoreland Segment adjacent to Bridge Plaza.
Date: November 2019
Milestone:
Brothers' Construction makes headway clearing for the Riverwalk Boardwalk - Westmoreland Segment. This picture shows clearing activities adjacent to Bridge Plaza.
Date: October 2019
Milestone:
Brothers' Construction commences work on Riverwalk Boardwalk - Westmoreland Segment.
Date: September 2019
Milestone:
- Contract executed with Brothers' Construction for construction of Riverwalk Boardwalk - Westmoreland Segment (from Westmoreland Park to Bridge Plaza Tract E)
- CRA Board authorizes staff to move forward with due diligence phase based on Letter of Interest from Manatee Island Bar and Grill to provide restaurant on Westmoreland Middle Tract site.
- CRA Board provides direction for staff to move forward with renovations to Historic Peacock Lodge.
- City receives notification of award of $400,000 FIND Grant for FY 2020 for Riverwalk Park Boardwalk Phase IIA project.
Date: March 2019
Milestone:
Historic structures stabilization complete including new foundations, new roofs and exterior painting.
- Special Category Grant received in FY 16/17 for $350,000 that partially funded the restoration of the historic homes.
Date: November 2018
Milestone:
Phase 1 Westmoreland Middle Tract site improvements complete, including entryway improvements and new roundabout.
Date: September 2018
Milestone:
- City awarded $400,000 Florida Inland Navigation District Grant (FIND) Grant for construction of the Southern Extension of the Riverwalk Boardwalk from Westmoreland Middle Tract site to Bridge Plaza Tract E; the grant required a 1:1 match.
- Historic Peacock House and Lodge relocated to Westmoreland Middle Tract site.
- Watch a video about how the City moved the History Peacock buildings
Date: August 2018
Milestone:
Florida Department of Environmental Protection issues permit for construction of the Southern Extension of the Riverwalk Boardwalk from Westmoreland Park to Bridge Plaza Tract E.
Date: May 2018
Milestone:
- Army Corp of Engineers issues permits for construction of the Southern Extension of the Riverwalk Boardwalk from Westmoreland Park to Bridge Plaza Tract E boardwalk construction.
- Contract executed with Masterpiece Builders for Historic Peacock Structures Relocation and general renovation. This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Historic Resources and the State of Florida. Project includes relocation of Peacock house and lodge, new foundations, new roofs, and new dormer on house.
- Contract executed with Pav-Co Construction, Inc., for Westmoreland Middle Tract Improvements to include entryway improvements to provide access to the park, the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, the future historic village, and future boardwalk. The project is sponsored in part with funding assistance from the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND).
Date: September 2017
Milestone:
City awarded a grant in the amount of $69,702 from Florida Inland Navigation District Grant (FIND) Westmoreland Park site improvements.
Date: August 2017
Milestone:
South Florida Water Management District issued an environmental permit for construction of park improvements at 9.75 acre Westmoreland Middle Tract.
Date: May 2017
Milestone:
- Phase 1 Construction Plan Approval
- Project Site Plan Approval
Date: January 2017
Milestone:
Project Site Plan submittal
Date: September 2016
Milestone:
Contract for Project Design, Engineering and Permitting executed
Date: July 2016
Milestone:
- Special Category Grant from State Division of Historic Resources to relocate historic Peacock Structures awarded
- Local Initiative Grant State of Florida for $250,000 for project design awarded