Park completed in the Heart of the Port District
The Port District ’ s riverfront park and playground opened June 15 , 2024 . The Grand Opening , coined PortFest , included a variety of family-friendly experiences , including a sand sculpture artist ; aerial performers ; stilt walkers and jugglers ; face painting , fairy hair and glitter tattoos ; and a bubble artist ending with a performance by The Wailers .
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 park site ( formerly known as the Westmoreland Middle Tract ) was 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 includes a one-of-a-kind “ wow ” play experience for visitors , unlike anything on the Treasure Coast . Custom play elements 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 was 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-2025 .
2024 ANNUAL REPORT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY Page 13