BROWARD COUNTY, FL – The namesake of Reverend Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park (2520 NW Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale 33311; 954-357-8801) will be honored on Rev. Samuel Delevoe Day, from 9AM to 4PM on Monday, November 11th. That date was proclaimed Sam Delevoe Day in 1979 by Florida Governor Bob Graham, to coincide with the renaming of River Bend Park in recognition of Delevoe by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. This year marks the 40th observance of the day with a free public celebration.

The festivities will take place at the park’s Recreation Center and in the parking lots that connect the park and the African American Research Library & Cultural Center. The event will include a meet-and-greet, live music, speakers, and vendors and organizations sharing their goods. A free lunch will be provided for all registered participants, following by a guided tour of both the Recreation Center and the Research Library & Cultural Center.

The Recreation Center, which opened in June 1997, is a 4,575-square-foot facility encompassing a large multipurpose room (capacity 125), a small meeting room (capacity 25), the park office, a game room, a computer lab, storage areas, restrooms, and a Public Art & Design installation. A 2,029-square-foot fitness center was added to the building in 2009.

Other amenities in this 33.5-acre park include a canoe launch (opened in 2002), two fishing piers, two full-court lighted basketball courts, a playground, one medium picnic shelter (capacity 64) and one large pavilion (capacity 80), a Bike Fix-It Station, a half-mile biking/jogging/walking trail, areas for horseshoes and volleyball, and the Destination Fitness outdoor exercise facility (opened in 2017).

Delevoe was one of Fort Lauderdale’s first black police officers, who later became a community activist, politician, businessman, civil rights leader, and street minister. He was fatally shot in 1977 at the age of 41.

Recreation. Preservation. Education.

About the Parks and Recreation Division
Broward County Parks manages almost 6,500 acres, encompassing nearly 50 regional parks and nature centers, neighborhood parks, and natural areas at various stages of development. Hours and fees vary by location. Visit Broward.org/Parks for details. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations in order to participate in programs, services, and activities must contact the Special Populations Section at 954-357-8170 or TTY 954-537-2844 at least five business days prior to the scheduled meeting or event.

DATE: November 6, 2019      
GENERAL MEDIA CONTACT: Michael Mills
Parks and Recreation Division
PHONE: 954-357-8115
CONTACT FOR THIS PROGRAM/EVENT:
RevSamuelDelevoeLegacy@gmail.com
Dr. Lois Delevoe, 954-767-0197