DATE: September 6, 2007
CONTACT: Kimberly Maroe, Public Information Manager
PHONE: 954-357-8053
Wilton Manors will celebrate the official opening of the Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve on Tuesday, September 18, 2007, at 6 p.m. The Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve is located at 1937 Wilton Drive at the South Fork of the Middle River.
The 5.4 acre park features a river board walk, boat dock, observation pier, pavilion area, nature trails, restrooms, court yard, natural habitat areas and a parking lot.
In 2002, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners approved $1.8 million from the Broward County Safe Parks and Land Preservation Bond fund to help the city acquire the property and an additional $500,000 was allocated from Commission District 4 discretionary funds to help finance the renovation and repair of the 1958 historic home and 1926 carriage house on the property.
"This park is a jewel in the center of Wilton Manors and an important part of Broward County's history," said Broward County Commissioner Ken Keechl. "With financial assistance from Broward County, the City of Wilton Manors and the state of Florida, this land was spared from development and now it is a park that everyone can enjoy."
The estate is associated with the family of George Richardson, Jr., former Broward County Circuit Judge and one of Wilton Manors' pioneer families. The City of Wilton Manors plans to restore the two historic buildings and open them for public use within the context of the surrounding park. The carriage house and Richardson home will become the repository for community history, the home of the Wilton Manors Historical Society and other appropriate agencies, the site of historical exhibits relating to local and Florida history, and serve as a community center for cultural programming.
Opening day celebrations will include presentations by city and county officials, the Wilton Manors Historical Society and the Richardson Family.
Additionally, there will be guided nature tours and cultural presentations, music and refreshments.
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