Park nearing completion in the Heart of the Port District
The Port District ’ s riverfront park and playground are close to completion in late 2023 . In June 2022 , the City Council awarded a construction contract to Ferreira Construction of Hobe Sound .
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 , site ( formerly known as the Westmoreland Middle Tract ) is 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 , 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 abilities , a climbable schooner and alligator , rope climbing structure , water play features , swings and other motion activities , 6-foot 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 .
In early 2023 , the City entered into a ground lease agreement with PIII Investments . The developer will be curating a unique culinary experience along the river featuring a main restaurant and four smaller quad food options . In addition , patrons will be able to take in outstanding river views from the tiki bar or rooftop lounge . Construction is expected to commence in mid- to late-2024 .
2023 ANNUAL REPORT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY Page 15