Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/3106
FORT LAUDERDALE Steeped in rich history dating back to the 1800s, Greater Fort Lauderdale has long served as home to a myriad of eth- nic communities. African-American, Bahamian, Brazilian, Cuban and other Hispanic residents have established strong roots from Pompano Beach to Miramar, Lauderdale to Lauderhill. And, as Greater Fort Lauderdale emerges as a Beach Chic destination, its role as a leading multicultural business and tourism destination is growing as well. As the hub to the multicultural community, Central Broward County and the city of Lauderhill are home to many important infrastructure, business and tourism proj- ects. Opened in late 2007, the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill was the first major component of this new infrastructure. The national-award winning park acts as a center for the multicultural community with a 5,000- permanent seat multi-purpose stadium that can expand to a 20,000-seat facility for cricket, soccer and rugby match- es. The Regional Park also includes a water park for chil- dren, pavilions perfect for larger gatherings and family reunions and a variety of other amenities. Lauderhill will also serve as home to two other important projects, the International Gospel Complex for Education and Preservation and the Central Broward Entertainment District. The International Gospel Complex for Education and Preservation, supported and affiliated with famed gospel figure Dr. Bobby Jones, will be one of the nation's premier centers for special events, educational programs and the celebration of the global impact of gospel music. The Entertainment District, which will be comprised of sound studios and warehouses for televi- sion and movie production, will attract African- American and Hispanic filmmakers drawn to South Florida because of its variety of locales and beautiful natural environment. The Condo shoreline of Fort Lauderdale Photo Credit: Fort Lauderdale CVB Black Meetings & Tourism February/March 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 44 Florida Special Advertising Section