The area \( A \) of a circle can be calculated using the formula:
\[ A = \pi r^2 \]
where \( r \) is the radius of the circle. Given that the radius \( r \) is 7 ft, we can substitute this value into the formula:
\[ A = \pi (7)^2 \]
Calculating \( 7^2 \):
\[ 7^2 = 49 \]
Now substituting back into the area formula:
\[ A = \pi \cdot 49 = 49\pi \]
Therefore, the area of the circle in terms of \( \pi \) is:
\[ \boxed{49\pi} , \text{ft}^2 \]