Gary Matzner, seated at far right in a turquoise shirt, joins family, Village officials, and neighbors at the July 2024 park groundbreaking.

6610 North Kendall Drive · Pinecrest, Florida

Gary C. Matzner Park

A 3.76-acre public park is taking shape along North Kendall Drive, with open lawns, shaded play, native planting, and a walking loop beneath preserved trees.

Under construction Work began August 2025
Follow the park story

Groundbreaking · Village of Pinecrest · July 12, 2024

3.76 Acres of public green space
2021 Land acquired and named
2023 Park concept approved
2025 Construction began

Northwest Pinecrest

Public green space on North Kendall Drive.

Pinecrest acquired the former Palermo Property in 2021 to add public green space beside one of the Village’s more densely populated neighborhoods. The two-parcel site occupies the southeast corner of Kendall Drive between Southwest 67th Avenue and 65th Court.

Village Council named the land for Gary C. Matzner in 2021, recognizing his work as a founder, Charter Commission chairman, and second mayor of Pinecrest. Gary later joined his family, former Mayor Evelyn Greer, Village officials, and neighbors at the July 12, 2024 groundbreaking.

“We are deeply grateful and want his legacy to live on as a champion of our community.”

Mayor Joseph M. Corradino · Groundbreaking announcement
Gary Matzner seated beneath a mature oak at the park groundbreaking, surrounded by family and Village officials.
Gary Matzner at the park groundbreaking on July 12, 2024. Village of Pinecrest photograph.

What is being built

The approved park plan.

The approved plan combines flexible lawns, play areas, a walking circuit, and practical facilities while preserving the specimen trees that give the property its character.

Concept plan for Gary Matzner Park showing open lawns, a circuit path, natural and covered play areas, preserved trees, a shelter, parking, and Kendall Drive frontage.
Gary C. Matzner Park concept development. Village of Pinecrest; conceptual and subject to change.
The planned park with a preserved mature live oak, walking loop, lawn, natural play, native planting, and neighbors gathering outdoors.

Open lawns

Flexible lawns and open fields are designed for everyday gathering rather than a single programmed use.

Natural play

Interactive nature areas and a covered playground give children room to explore in the shade.

A walking loop

A circuit path carries walkers around the park and connects its lawns, play areas, and grove.

The trees remain central

The plan preserves specimen trees, including the mature live oak identified as the heart of the site.

Native canopy

The planting plan uses native species to extend the tree canopy and suit South Florida’s climate.

A northern gateway

The entrance at Kendall Drive is designed to welcome people into both the park and the Village itself.

Project timeline

From land acquisition to construction.

The Village acquired the property, invited public input, approved a concept, and began work on the site over a four-year period.

  1. Pinecrest preserves the land.

    Village Council approved the 3.76-acre, two-parcel acquisition at Kendall Drive and Ludlam Road. The former Palermo Property offered rare open space beside northwest Pinecrest’s denser residential district.

  2. The park receives Gary’s name.

    Village Council named the new public land for Gary C. Matzner, recognizing his leadership in Pinecrest’s incorporation, charter, and civic life.

  3. The Village approves the concept.

    After survey responses, public comments, and community review, Council approved the park concept that established its open lawns, natural play, path, facilities, and tree-preservation program.

  4. The Village breaks ground.

    Gary joined his family, former Mayor Evelyn Greer, Village officials, and neighbors beneath the site’s mature trees for the ceremonial groundbreaking.

  5. Construction moves onto the site.

    Construction started in August. By the Village’s December update, foundation work, playground preparation, and tree protection were underway, with special attention on the central live oak.

Construction update

Work began in August 2025.

The Village reports that work began in August 2025. Its December update documented foundation work for the restroom and janitorial facility, preparation for the playground, and tree work centered on preserving the site’s mature live oak.

The current capital-project page describes an approximately twelve-month construction period. Schedules and final details remain subject to official project updates.

Read the current Village update

Location

On North Kendall Drive.

6610 North Kendall Drive
Pinecrest, Florida 33156
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The two-parcel site sits on the southeast corner of Kendall Drive between Southwest 67th Avenue and 65th Court, beside the more densely populated northwest part of the Village.

Latitude
25.6887063
Longitude
−80.3023721

Village of Pinecrest

Plans, project updates, and the groundbreaking.

Project status, dates, features, address, and photographs come from the Village of Pinecrest. Construction details and schedules may change as work proceeds.

Current project record Village capital-improvement page Site and location record Village parks-and-facilities page July 2024 ceremony Official groundbreaking announcement Current construction detail December 2025 Pinecrest Sun