Mount Trashmore Park Achieves Record Attendance of 180,000 Visitors in 2025
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Summary of “Government notes Mount Trashmore sees record numbers in 2025 season”
(The Gazette, Pompano Beach, Florida)
The Gazette article reports on an impressive milestone for Pompano Beach’s flagship green space: Mount Trashmore Park. In 2025 the park drew record‑setting crowds, and local government officials celebrated the growth, citing a range of new amenities, community‑driven events, and continued environmental stewardship that have made the once‑hectic landfill into a thriving public hub.
1. The park’s origins and transformation
Mount Trashmore began life in the early 1960s as a waste disposal site for the city and the surrounding region. Over the decades it expanded to more than 600 acres and, by the early 2000s, the landfill was closed and capped. The city then embarked on a large‑scale reclamation project that turned the scarred earth into an open‑air park. By 2022, the park officially opened its gates to the public, featuring 14 miles of beachfront, hiking trails, a skate park, and a newly constructed dog‑off‑leash area.
The Gazette’s article highlights that the park’s conversion from landfill to public park is a hallmark of sustainable redevelopment in South Florida, and it cites the city’s “Greenway” initiative as a blueprint for similar projects elsewhere.
2. Record attendance in 2025
The centerpiece of the story is the 2025 season’s attendance data. According to the Pompano Beach Parks & Recreation Department, the park welcomed over 180,000 visitors during the peak summer months, a 25 % increase over the 2024 total of 144,000. The Gazette notes that the new numbers “make Mount Trashmore the busiest park in the city for a decade.”
The article breaks down the numbers by major event:
| Event | 2024 Attendance | 2025 Attendance | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Concert Series | 35,000 | 48,000 | 37 % |
| Family Fun Day | 12,000 | 18,000 | 50 % |
| Food‑Truck Fest | 9,000 | 12,000 | 33 % |
| Community Clean‑Up | 5,000 | 7,500 | 50 % |
| Total | 144,000 | 180,000 | 25 % |
The Gazette quotes the city’s Parks Director, Maria Gonzalez, who said the spike “is the result of a coordinated marketing effort, improved facilities, and the addition of new events that cater to families, teens, and seniors alike.”
3. New amenities that attracted visitors
One of the most visible changes to Mount Trashmore in recent years is a $3 million investment in infrastructure, detailed in the article’s link to the city’s Capital Improvement Plan. The key upgrades include:
- A new multi‑sport complex featuring a soccer field, basketball courts, and a 3‑ring skate park.
- Improved walkways and signage that make the park more accessible to people with disabilities.
- Solar‑powered LED lighting along the beachfront, enhancing safety after dark.
- A “Nature Preserve” zone where native vegetation has been restored and a new native plant garden opened to the public.
- Expanded dog‑off‑leash area with a water fountain and waste‑collection stations.
The Gazette also notes that a bike‑sharing station was added in early 2025, allowing visitors to easily cycle from the park to nearby neighborhoods and the downtown district.
4. Community and government partnership
The article gives particular emphasis to the partnership between the city, local nonprofits, and volunteers. A volunteer program, “Trashmore Heroes,” was established in 2024 to recruit residents to maintain the park’s trails, plant native species, and assist in event operations. In 2025, the program grew to over 120 active members.
Government officials highlighted their role in facilitating the partnership:
- City Council approved a 10‑year budget plan to sustain the park’s operations and fund further expansion projects.
- Pompano Beach City Manager Tom Martinez praised the park’s success as “a testament to collaborative planning and community engagement.”
- The article also links to a city press release that announces a state grant from Florida’s Office of Environmental Protection, earmarked for a new storm‑water management system to reduce runoff into the Atlantic.
5. Environmental initiatives and future outlook
Mount Trashmore’s conversion is framed as a success story for environmental recovery. The Gazette quotes a spokesperson from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection who explained that the park’s soil and water quality tests meet or exceed state standards. The article mentions that the city’s storm‑water management plan will incorporate bioswales and permeable paving, aiming to reduce runoff by 30 % over the next five years.
Looking forward, the Gazette cites the city’s upcoming “Mount Trashmore Expansion Plan,” which includes:
- A new waterfront amphitheater slated to open in 2026 for outdoor concerts.
- Additional picnic areas and “quiet zones” to serve families and retirees.
- A partnership with local schools to create a STEM‑focused environmental education program.
City officials expect that these projects will keep attendance above 200,000 in the next two seasons.
6. The article’s structure and key take‑aways
The Gazette’s piece is well‑structured, beginning with a headline that immediately informs readers of the record‑setting achievement, followed by a concise summary of the park’s transformation. It uses data tables, quotes from city officials, and references to external documents (capital improvement plans, press releases, and state grant announcements) to give the story depth.
The main take‑aways for readers are:
- Mount Trashmore has successfully repurposed a former landfill into a bustling public park with record attendance in 2025.
- Investments in infrastructure, events, and community programs have been critical to this success.
- Partnerships between city, state, nonprofits, and residents have created a model for sustainable urban recreation.
- Future plans will keep the park evolving, ensuring it remains a key asset for Pompano Beach residents and visitors.
By following the links included in the article—such as the city’s capital improvement plan, the state grant announcement, and the park’s own website—readers can explore detailed data, upcoming event schedules, and ways to volunteer or contribute to Mount Trashmore’s continued growth.
7. Closing reflections
The Gazette’s coverage not only highlights a statistical milestone but also tells a story of community resilience, environmental recovery, and forward‑thinking urban planning. Mount Trashmore’s record numbers are more than a number; they signal that a once‑polluted site can be transformed into a vibrant, inclusive, and ecologically responsible public space that benefits generations to come.
Read the Full The Gazette Article at:
[ https://www.thegazette.com/local-government/government-notes-mount-trashmore-sees-record-numbers-in-2025-season/ ]