Fort Lauderdale and Panama City Beach Parks and Recreation Claim FRPA Sports Tourism Awards
Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation and Panama City Beach Parks and Recreation were awarded the 2025 Florida Recreation and Parks Association Excellence in Sports Tourism Awards at the annual FRPA Conference in Orlando. The annual awards are presented in conjunction between the FRPA and the Florida Sports Foundation.
Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation earned the Large Market Award for bringing major sporting events that energize the community and bring national and international attention to the community. At the heart of the effort is the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center, home to the only 27 meter dive tower in the Western Hemisphere.
The Fort, at Snyder Park, is the world first dedicated pickleball stadium has welcomed competitive tournaments that attract players from across the country. Mill Pond Park continues to host youth softball tournaments, football championships and rugby events.
Panama City Beach Parks and Recreation earned the Small Market Award by hosting 36 sporting events, generating more than $88 million in economic impact. These events brought over 2,000 teams and 79,000 visitors to the area. The events include IRONMAN Florida races, national youth championships in baseball, softball, soccer, swimming and beach volleyball.
The nine-field complex at Frank Brown Park regularly supports tournaments with 150-200 teams.