Parkland Mayor Rich Walker.
A Message from Mayor Rich Walker
If you attended State of the City last month, you learned more about the exciting projects that continue to define Parkland and tell the story of who we are as a Community.
During State of the City 2026, we talked about dreams – not just whims, but Big Dreams – ideas with substance, fortified by a unified vision that, together, we are all bringing to life.
One of those Big Dreams is our new Wedge Preserve Park, scheduled to open this fall. And in just a few short months, we will begin putting more concrete plans in place for another Big Dream that has been years in the making – The Village in the Park – a vibrant network of amenities that will be woven into the Community-centered fabric of our beautiful City.
As Parkland residents, we all have a greater sense of the importance of Community. And our ability to dream together has always kept us on track because, as I have said before, there is not one thing we have accomplished as a City that has been about just one person.
We have always achieved progress together, as a Community, through listening, being proactive, and by being good friends and neighbors. Some of us moved to Parkland when there were only a few hundred of us here. Others have only called Parkland home for just a few years. But we are united in the way we support each other, inspire each other, and encourage each other to make positive differences in our communities, every day.
As summer approaches, take a moment to reflect on projects in the City, and just how far we have come over the past year. Do you remember when Loxahatchee was just a narrow two-way road? We are where we are today, because we made a few sacrifices and helped each other through the rough patches. We are now on the home stretch with Lox, as well as many other beneficial road projects.
As the usual stressors take a back seat, remember the importance of kindness, collaboration, and most of all, listening. Enjoy the more relaxed rhythm of summer that June brings, open your mind to new ideas, and take a moment to see where they take you.
When we keep Community at the center, and put in the work, Big Dreams really can come true.
If you would like to share your thoughts or if you have questions or comments you would like to share, I would love to hear from you. I can be reached via e-mail at rwalker@cityofparkland.org or via cell phone at (973) 390-1453. I am frequently available monthly at Parkland businesses and love to talk with residents there. I encourage you to visit the City’s website cityofparkland.org and click on the social media icon that you prefer, to ensure that you stay informed on events and helpful information.
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