Coral Springs Sandy Ridge Sanctuary

This is an award-winning 38-acre environmentally sensitive land (ESL) passive park site in Coral Springs. The design of this park included a Gopher Tortoise Preservation / Relocation Site, protection and enhancement of existing native plant communities, new public recreational opportunities and educational programs for the community as they relate to the unique habitats found on the site. A management plan was developed by Miller Legg for the Florida Communities Trust (FCT) that provided approximately $2 million of grant support for this project. The management plan also was used to document the purpose and objectives of the site’s development for future improvements, activities and changes.

The City’s goal for the Sandy Ridge Sanctuary was to preserve the endangered pine flatwoods and gopher tortoise habitats, while improving the community’s recreational needs. This was achieved through the development of a linear park that provides a buffer between the adjacent developments and the Sanctuary’s preserve area. The implemented design has been successful in establishing habitats for floral and faunal species, as one can see with a walk through the Sanctuary which offers the opportunity to observe, study and above all else enjoy an intact Florida ecosystem.

Amenities include such features as:

• bicycle and walking trails
• interpretive signage
• picnic and play areas
• native habitat restoration plantings
• preservation of critical gopher tortoise habitat

Awarded: