BROWARD COUNTY, FL - The Broward County Resilient Environment Department in partnership with Broward County Parks has installed a large-scale solar canopy above two full basketball courts at Reverend Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park. This significant resilience project is an important step for Broward County to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in South Florida. The 36-acre Broward County park is located next to the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) and the Urban League of Broward County. Broward County officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the project at Reverend Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park on September 18, 2024.

"We are excited to celebrate completion of this first-of-its-kind solar canopy resilience project at Reverend Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park, a transformative neighborhood project enhancing recreational opportunities at the park while producing clean energy that directly benefits AARLCC," said Dr. Jennifer Jurado, Deputy Director of Resilient Environment Department. "This project represents a significant investment into our community and the building of a cleaner future for generations to come."

The solar canopy installation began October 2023 and was completed in 2024 by Advanced Green Technologies costing $986,000. The solar canopied courts provide an immediate shade benefit to the children and community who use this recreational area in the Broward Municipal Services District (BMSD). They also provide protection from some elements of heat exposure and keeps players cooler, and support the health benefit of exercise, recreation, and outdoor activity, all while promoting clean energy and green technologies. 

In a reflection of the larger collaboration between Broward County agencies, this impressive solar canopy installation is expected to offset 30 percent of the energy usage at AARLCC. One of Broward County's missions is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050. So far, the county has completed 16 other solar installations for a total capacity at 4.16 MW at Broward County sites including Central Broward Park and Broward Couty Stadium and C.B. Smith Park.

"Broward County Parks is committed to providing safe, advanced facilities and recreation opportunities that enhance the well-being of our community. We are proud to unveil this solar canopy at Reverend Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park," said Dan West, Director of Parks and Recreation Division. 

Learn more about our neighborhood parks in the Broward Municipal Services District and the various recreational and educational programs offered to individuals of all ages and abilities at Broward.org/Parks. For more details on Broward County's solar projects, contact the Resilient Environment Department at 954-519-0356.