Habitat for Humanity of Broward Celebrates Completion of Founders Park at ‘A Rick Case Habitat Community’

Habitat for Humanity of Broward hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, October 25, marking the official completion and dedication of Founders Park, the central green space honoring Edmund Ansin, Rick Case, and Bob Leider, at “A Rick Case Habitat Community” in Pompano Beach.

“Rick and I were enthusiastic about this unique opportunity to build a Habitat community on such a large piece of property 13 years ago. Seventy-six homes would be a first for Habitat for Humanity of Broward and we wanted to lead the project,” said Rita Case, president and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group. “It is rewarding to see the community completed and all the families safely playing and smiling in their new neighborhood.”

The ceremony brought together city officials, Habitat Broward leaders, and community partners to celebrate the park’s opening, which stands as a tribute to the visionary philanthropists who helped make Broward County’s largest affordable workforce housing neighborhood possible.

“This park represents the heart of the community, a place where families can gather, children can play safely, and neighbors can connect,” said Nancy Robin, CEO and Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Broward. “It’s also a living tribute to the generosity of those who believed in this project from the very beginning.”

Following the ribbon-cutting, attendees joined homeowners for a family-friendly Fall Festival and Trunk-or-Treat celebrating the vibrant new park space.

The Founders Park dedication marks a milestone in Habitat Broward’s ongoing mission to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through homeownership. The park and playground, open to residents and neighbors, serve as a lasting reminder of the collaborative spirit and community partnership that brought this vision to life.

“A Rick Case Habitat Community” was made possible through the generosity of Edmund Ansin of Sunbeam/WSVN Channel 7 and Rita and Rick Case of Rick Case Automotive Group, whose leadership gift helped name this historic neighborhood and funded much of its infrastructure.

“Habitat offers many opportunities. There are workdays where you can come out and help build a home and you can give financially,” said Sunbeam/WSVN Channel 7 CEO Andrew Ansin. “The homeowners help to build their own home and qualify for the home loan. Habitat communities are where families thrive and take pride in home ownership.”

With a total project cost exceeding $20 million, the community was brought to life through funds raised and leveraged from corporations, foundations, government agencies, the faith community, and countless generous individuals.

Additional key contributors include Bob Leider, the Mary N. Porter Legacy Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward, the City of Pompano Beach, the Hudson Family Foundation, Burdette Beckmann, Inc., the Robert Taylor Family, the Wadsworth Family Foundation, the Elizabeth Peters Estate, the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, the Estate of Renate Wylie, the Robert L. Elmore Estate, JM Family Enterprises, and many other dedicated partners and volunteers.

The completed community includes 76 affordable homes, 41 one-story and 35 two-story residences, ranging from 1,200 to 1,300 square feet. Each home was built using sustainable, energy-efficient materials, including impact windows, designed to minimize environmental impact, improve indoor air quality, and reduce utility and maintenance costs.

About Habitat for Humanity of Broward

Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Broward brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Habitat Broward offers a “hand up” not a “hand out” to families who are unable to qualify for conventional home financing but are willing to work hard to improve their family’s lives and achieve the economic empowerment of homeownership. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Broward please call (954) 945-8031 or visit habitatbroward.org or check us out on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.