Colee Hammock Park — Attraction in Fort Lauderdale

A gorgeous 1.1 acre park on the south fork of the New River. It has lovely trees, benches, tables, and a stunning view of the river and the surrounding mansions that line it. There are a few parking spots lining the outside of the park.

On my visit while walking around I discovered a plaque placed by the Daughters of the American Revolution commemorating this park as the sight of the Colee Hammock Massacre. I knew about the event and always thought the location was across the river from the Broward Performing Arts Center. I was floored to find the marker and have my years of misconception corrected. William Cooley was one of the first pioneers of the New River Settlement now known as Ft. Lauderale. He became wealthy with an arrowroot plantation and he traded with Seminole and Creek nations nearby. In 1835 the white settlers killed a Creek chief named Alibama and were acquitted. The Creek blamed Cooley for this injustice and when he was away for business in Key West the Creek entered the plantation on January 6, 1836 and killed Cooley's wife, infant son, son, daughter,and a tutor. The house was set on fire. This started the Second Seminole War because the settlers couldn't distinguish between the Seminoles and the Creeks. The eventual outcome was the Indian Removal Act were the native people were forced out west on the Trail of Tears. The remaining Seminoles fled to the inner swampland where they can still be found today. Cooley fled Ft. Lauderdale but lived in Florida until his death.

Upon further research I found that the plaque marking the massacre may have been put in the wrong spot as the event actually took place further up the river closer to Sailboat Bend but residents don't want it moved to the correct spot. This is not the only muddling of history at this spot. Residents were confused at the time of the naming of this park in 1934. They originally wanted to honor the Cooley family but there was some confusion about the name. James Louis Colee was also a resident of the New River Settlement but decades after Cooley. He set up a work camp at the site of this park where he worked on the construction of the Intracoastal Waterway project. Through the years the names of Cooley and Colee have been mixed up. In 1982 the park was officially named Colee Hammock park to reflect James Lois Colee's work camp not the Cooley massacre.

Today the park is used as a spot to take in the waterway, fish, and climb the trees. It is also an ideal place to view the Winterfest Boat Parade if you can navigate the lack of parking. I found it an ideal place to reflect on the history of Ft. Lauderdale which has grown from a small trading settlement on the river to a world class city. In the span of roughly 100 years from when it was incorporated into a city in 1911 Ft. Lauderdale has changed yet it was managed to hang onto it's charm in part because of places...

Colee Hammock Park is a beautiful and tranquil park located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This stunning green space is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, thanks to its lush greenery, peaceful atmosphere, and breathtaking views of the New River.

Colee Hammock Park is located on the banks of the New River, and visitors can take a stroll along the riverwalk to enjoy the beautiful views of the water and the surrounding mangroves. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and even manatees.

In addition to its natural beauty, Colee Hammock Park also features several amenities for visitors to enjoy. There are picnic tables, benches, and shaded areas throughout the park, making it a perfect spot for a picnic or a relaxing afternoon in the sun. There is also a small playground for children to enjoy, as well as a public boat ramp for boaters to launch their vessels.

Overall, Colee Hammock Park is a beautiful and peaceful oasis in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. Its stunning views, lush greenery, and tranquil atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling...

This small, well-maintained and incredibly serene park is a hidden treasure right behind bustling Las Olas Boulevard. If you love cool ocean breezes, plenty of shade, peace and quiet, beautiful tropical flora, and a place to read, picnic, rest, or view every manner of sea vessel navigating the deep blue sea, then this is your place! You will find a few spaces in front where you can park for free for three hours. At the entrance is a little box for book exchanges, and the lovely brick paths lead you to benches strategically placed around the park for water viewing. Someone brought a hammock the other day and was sleeping in the shade. Nurses were enjoying a quiet lunch together, while another family gathered for a picnic with their young children. I simply love it here. Kudos to the City of Fort Lauderdale workers who were there tidying up, always with smiles and pleasant greetings for everyone. Bring your camera as the sights along the water...