Pembroke Pines Memorial Park

Memorials & Tributes

Tucked in the heart of the city sits a powerful 9/11 Memorial featuring an actual steel girder rescued from the World Trade Center rubble. It's quite moving to see this piece of history up close. Local artists have contributed meaningful sculptures that really bring home the impact of that day. There's a stunning Italian white marble sculpture by artist Benoit Menasche that takes you through four emotional stages: shock, grief, acceptance, and ultimately, rebuilding. We were particularly touched by the steel sculpture of a firefighter with a child, crafted by Felix Gonzalez - a retired firefighter himself who clearly understood the heroism he was depicting.

The park also houses an impressive Veterans Memorial centered around a towering 15-foot black granite obelisk. It's a dignified tribute that displays the seals of all military branches - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines. Surrounding this solemn monument, you can find the flags of Pembroke Pines, Florida, and the United States fluttering in the breeze.

Places to Play

If you're bringing kids along, you'll appreciate the ADA-accessible playground with its protective covering that keeps the equipment from getting scorching hot (a real blessing during Florida summers!). The playground is thoughtfully designed with equipment for children of all abilities - swings, slides, and climbing structures that everyone can enjoy.

Need more space to burn off energy? There's a nice open field area well-suited for impromptu games and ball-kicking fun. For the skaters in your group, you'll discover a paved section that works well for rolling around on wheels of all kinds.

Layout & Essentials

The park sits right next to the Charles F. Dodge City Center, providing a central gathering space for the community. Practical amenities include clean public restrooms and plenty of parking - always a plus when you're planning an outing.

What makes this park special is how it balances two very different needs - providing a quiet space for reflection at the memorials while also offering active recreation areas where kids can be kids. The design somehow manages to respect both purposes without one overwhelming the other. While seating can be a bit limited in certain areas, the open layout generally accommodates everyone, even during busier times.