12/29/2025
Message from our Founder
Legacy Project and the
"End of the Beginning"
At our meeting of December 11, 2025, we presented Dan West, Director of BROWARD County Parks and Recreation, with a check for $125,000.00 as matching funds towards the purchase of a new shuttle boat, able to carry an entire class of 40 individuals to Deerfield Island for hands-on learning experiences. Dan accepted this gift with an emphasis on our continuing contributions to a Legacy project.
What is a legacy project? A “legacy project” is one that is “a meaningful activity or creation, often done at the end of life or as a life’s work, to preserve personal stories, values, and memories for future generations.” It can take many forms including community initiatives or sustainable designs that benefit the future. It can include long-term environmental and community benefits. The Friends group can count Deerfield Island Park as our legacy project.
As Dan remarked, interest in the island was not really considered important until approximately 2008 (17 years ago). At that point F.I.N.D. (Florida Inland Navigational District) and the Parks Dept. we’re considering what could be done with this “emerald jewel” of the Intracoastal Waterway. Discussions and plans were undertaken. Commitments were taken, but was there support from the local community for this endeavor?
In 2015 the Friends of Deerfield Island Park was formed as a 501(c3) to preserve the island and improve it as an educational and recreational attraction. This was a group of local individuals who saw in this project a worthwhile endeavor for our community and the future.
With the financial support of both F.I.N.D. and the Parks Dept., the increased value of the Island, its value to the county, city, and state should almost guarantee that this island park will survive far beyond its current lease. This I think is the "end of the beginning" of our commitment to Deerfield Island Park, and now begins the "beginning of the end" of our commitment stretching to infinity. I used to fear for the future of Deerfield Island Park. I fear no more. So I thank you all, for joining me on this wonderful legacy project.
Sincerely,
Ira
