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Home My WebLink AboutItem #73 - Discussion ItemJul 07 03 11:32a Commissioner Winton [305)579-3334 F DISTRICT 2 Cfi"Y OF MIAMI, FLORIDA INTEROFFICE MENCRAN CHAIRMAN WINTON TO: Members of the DATE : July 7, 2003 City Commission FROM: Johnny L. Winton Chairman / SUBJECT: REFERENCES: ENCLOSURES: I am requesting that a presentation of the Site Plan/Master Plan by the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust be placed on my Blue Pages on the Commission Agenda for the meeting on July 27, 2003. FMAI Y Op 7 i t 3 Virii is e f5eack F'arL rust g 9OF�'0., FVO¢,O 3550 Biscayne Blvd., Suite #510, Miami, FL 33137-3855 Phone: (305) 571-82.30 / Fax: (305) 571-8311 Email: vkbpt@ci.miami.fl.us MEMORANDUM Date: July 17, 2003 To: The Honorable Mayor Manuel Diaz and the City of Miami Commission Joe Arriola, City Manager From: Guy Forchion, Interim Executive Director Re: Supporting Documents on behalf of the Virginia Key Beach Park Master Plan See Attached. (1) Parks Advisory Board (2) Waterfront Advisory Board SUBMITTED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD FOR ITEM D -2-)40N 7 -n -a3 Board of Directors: M. Athalie Range -Chair, Gene Tinnie-Vice Chair, W. Mark Walters -Secretary, Eugenia B. Thomas -Treasurer, Miguel Germain -Trustee, Maud Newbold -Trustee, Enid Pinknev, Phd.-Trustee, Bernice Sawyer -Trustee, Dick Townsend -Trusted" " Guy Forchion-Interim Executive Director,_,, "� BOARD MfiMBF.RS CARL(7S A10101ANA.S1,_ SONNY ARMI3RISTER PLAC'IUO "I'AUL"DrBISA MARIANO CRU/. ROBERT FL.ANDCRS 10SI; R. OLIVA . LYE: JUDE A113ERTO I.ORI:N%U MILAGROS LOYAL RICK WAI.SII JOE WIL.KINS CITY OF MIAMI PARKS ADVISORY BOARD RESOLUTION NO. 60302 Ex -OFFICIO ALBURTO KLIVER 0IRIS("1'0R OF PARKS 305-416-020 MIGUEL A. GERMAIN DADE COUNTY Pt1BIX' SCI.00IS All -'RED SANCI11! YMCA OF GREATER MIAMI 1;7'1:VI;N E. I.F.VrON I IRRAN RPSOURCTS GROUP Whereas, the Parks Advisory Board recognizes that the Virginia Key Beach Park is not just another city park but a special city asset rich in history and full of potential for future generations to enjoy; and Whereas, the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust is currently working diligently to develop a master plan for the park which outlines the action required to preserve and reuse the park as a recreational setting and a natural resource for educational and commemorative purposes; and Whereas, the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust has had many public meetings to inform and obtain public input on the master plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PARKS ADVISORY BOARD OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA: The Parks Advisory Board hereby unanimously endorses and supports the proposed master plan being developed by the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust for the future development of Virginia Key Beach as a recreational, educational, environmental and historic resource for all to enjoy. PASSED AND ADOPTED TllIS 18TH DAY OF JUNE, 2003 Rick Walsh Chairman of the Board .!omitted Into the public d in connection with i 11 k-.2- 4 on '?- /7-03 Priscilla R. Thompson City Clerk DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND Rt!:C:RXATION CITU Or MIAMI ,MIAMI RIVF.RSII)F, CRWER . 444 S.W. Z"o AVAN(IF. , s"I rL0OR. MIAMI, Ft. 33130 ,�s<:� WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD To: The City of Miami County Commissioners FROM: Ernest Martin, Chair, and Wendy Kamilar, Vice Chair, City of Miami Waterfront Advisory Board RE: Virginia Key Beach Trust Date: July 16, 2003 The Waterfront Advisory Board supports the Virginia Key Beach Park Master Plan. The Virginia Key Beach (VKB) Trust gave a presentation to the Waterfront Advisory Board on July a at our monthly public hearing. The presentation was complete with historical perspective, descriptions of structures, landscaping, parking, and concessions from both an environmental and public use perspective. Funding from the Trust and ongoing expenses to be incurred by the City were discussed- Water/beachfront usage and navigational perspectives were taken into account. Citizens were given the opportunity to speak openly regarding the Master Plan. Of those that spoke, all were in favor of the Master Plan as presented by Mr. Guy Forchion, Trust Executive Director. The Waterfront Advisory Board would like to express to the City of Miami Commission that it is in support of this plan. It is complete, environmentally and historically; it will be an asset to the City and its Waterfront; and it was developed in �an open process with residents of our community. We feel the VKB Trust has done an excellent job in taking into account both the needs and concerns of the citizens as well as fulfilling its obligations to the City for a wonderful self-sustaining facility for the use and enjoyment of many. Sul miffM Into � the public- ion ublic io G �..co '? 1? 9ecflo Ti vvith D', -X Oil -7- 17-03 City Ci,:ark d� _ Ri I Ll VTIZGINIA KAY BEACH PA"IRK MASrER PLAN prepared for VIRGINIA KEY BEACH PARK TRUST prepared by WALLACE ROBERTS 81 TODD, LLC JUDSON AND PARTNERS July 2003 0 Lij co cf) ,R^Y�; `4... a tO E( 0q... prepared for VIRGINIA KEY BEACH PARK TRUST prepared by WALLACE ROBERTS 81 TODD, LLC JUDSON AND PARTNERS July 2003 0 Lij co cf) ,R^Y�; 0 W THE STORY OF VIRGINIA KEY BEACH PARK The story of Virginia Key Beach Park begins in 1896, the year the City of Miami was founded with approximately one-third of the signatures of the city charter being African American men, (which was no accident considering their predominant role in the early building of the city). Segregation became a day-to-day reality throughout thd... a South. It was this reality that systematically excluded all African Americans from Dade County's most famous attraction, its miles of beaches. By 1920 as the City grew, 4 f;J many of these beaches were developed into parks and public swimming facilities exclusively for the white population. An African American millionaire, D.A. Dorsey, purchased what is now known as Fisher Island so that blacks could have a beach of their own. But due to increasing property taxes, Mr. Dorsey was obligated to sell the property. As a result, the Black community was left without a beach or its enjoyment, except by traveling to designated locations in Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach. There were unofficial exceptions, areas which by mutual understanding, belonged to the African American population. One such place was a very special beach located on Virginia Key, known only as "Bears Cut" which at that time could only be reached from Miami by boat. This property became an official recreation site for African Americans as a direct response to a bold protest, led by the late Judge Lawson E. Thomas, at exclusively white Baker's Haulover Beach in North Dade County. Black men defiantly entered the water with the intention of being arrested. County authorities however, to avoid costly embarrassment, took no legal action against the protesters. Instead they acquiesced in very short order to the protesters demands for an officially designated swimming area for African Americans. Although only accessible by boat from a downtown dock on the Miami River, "Virginia Beach, a Dade County Park for the exclusive use of Negroes," was opened on August 1, 1945. Virginia Key Beach quickly became a cherished getaway, a social gathering place, and even a sacred site for religious services. The Park remained segregated throughout the 1950's. Toward the end of that decade, many new Cuban immigrants found Virginia Key Beach to be either the only beach that they too could visit, or the only beach they preferred. In 1982 the City closed Virginia Key Beach Park citing the high cost of maintenance and operations. The Park has remained closed ever since, except on a daily rental basis and as a training facility for law enforcement agencies. Since 1999, a diverse group of citizens known as the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust has been working diligently to provide the community an estate for family events, community meetings, corporate meetings, as well as a pristine beachfront for swimming and water activities. The new Virginia Key Beach Park is scheduled to re -open in the spring of 2005. Tke Virginia Key beack Park Trust board of Trustees M. Athalie Range, Chairperson Gene Tinnie, Vice Chair Eugenia Thomas, Treasurer Maud Newbold Bernice Sawyer Robert Weinreb — Ex -Officio Mark Walters, Secretary Miguel Germain Enid Pinkney Dick Townsend 5. a) e� r r u➢Y a; n EVENT ENTRANCE BRIDGE/GATE BIKE TRA/L WETLAND NATURE TRAIL WETLAND FOREST EVENT MEADOW NEW P/CN/C SHELTER PLANT LORE GARDEN ♦M/N/TRA/N TRACK — BRIDGE — MANGROVES — ♦LAKE — ♦ MIN/TRAIN TUNNEL — ♦ MIN/TRAIN STA77ON PARKOFF/CE WATER PLAY ♦ENMNCEROAD 2-4,,�j� ♦PICNICSHELTER TRAIL HEAD r` M/AM/OAOE CO(/N/Y / PARKS + lu ro r A NCKMBACKER • `JM t" RSH HATCHERY ♦ H/STORICFEAMRE POND NATURE TRALL MANGROVE ♦ENTRANCE1. ..-. STPRQAD----- ... -YIlk ;h— PARACING LOT♦ HC PARKING SOLAR GATEWAY SHORELINE PROMENADE MEMORIAL GROVE GARDEN COURT CULTURAL CENTER MAIN ENTRANCE GATE ------ CAROUSEL COCONUT GROVE+ BUS STOP DANCE FLOOR SNACKBAR To Jam* � , � :r •A 1' ,y s GROUPCAMPLNGAREA r BEACHPAVLLLON SW/MM/NG BEACH COASTAL STRAND SHORELINE PICNIC GROVE HAMMOCK — NEWPICNICSHELTER — PICNIC SHEL MRS ♦ — RES7ROOM♦ — HC PARKING — CABANAS♦ — PLAYGROUND BATH HOUSE ♦ E P 0 0� ��G T� P� P VIRGINIA KEY BEACH MASTER SITE PLAN 0' 300' O W,i USS 4�1�-1 C.1 a 0 lk I< p , ti5 =Jd W 0 PARK IN. : 'I -of I , 44, 1% Vol OQNN%I�v po NIP- 04 Awl Ad f4i& ON IF N W, 4 It W, ,, I I .1 avivEl 0: ` O] WMAI 'AlwMA, 1 1 '1` . �1� � '�` .r- 'A� '��\�� 171 +',s�• i il '01 i (i.�►,, / +�\ '/�/fit ' ��t : ' "! ,�� • _ �►'. ol 14 t ti •r � .,.:. tri=__ . . MASTER PLAN HIGHLIGHTS 0 U NATURAL RESOURCES RESTORATION Shoreline Stabilization Ecosystem restoration - exotics removal and replanting with natives { CULTURAL CENTER, -1 28,000sf cultural and resource center building with nature and history exhibits and programs and visitor services ;a COMMEMORATIVE LANDSCAPE Garden with fountain, coconut grove with markers and monuments, including Solar Gateway Interpretive and Educational Signage and features throughout the "outdoor museum" RESTORATION OF HISTORIC FEATURES Bath House Snack Bar Dance Floor Carousel Picnic Shelters Restrooms Cabanas Minitrain HISTORIC LANDSCAPE RESTORATION Restored historic coconut grove Renovated lawns, shade trees, meadow, plantings around historic buildings and parking areas RECREATION FEATURES Shoreline promenade Recreation and nature trails and boardwalks with educational signage Canoe or kayak launch with access to the water bodies in the adjacent County park Recreated historic lifeguard stands designated swimming beach Picnic tables, benches and grills for picnic/camping areas Small shelter in historic picnic area Large corporate rental shelter with grill near event lawn Group Camping area with Beach Pavilion near swimming beach iJ A water play feature with interactive water jets. ' % 0 Playground climbing structures and play features L' k Event meadow with temporary stage locations CL b OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT FACILITIES 5,000-7000sf Park Office a) Utilities upgrades Access drive from STP Road with securityrya 9 ate and bridge over wetland 0, �.. L (fl COST ESTIMATES AND PHASING The budget represents multiple phases of improvements that will be carried out over the next five years. The major elements are listed below in order of priority, beginning with in -progress projects underlined. See the detailed capital improvement budgets for a breakdown of costs. The cost estimate does not include soft costs. Element Historic Building Restoration Sanitary Sewer Shoreline Restoration 111 Ecosystem Restoration 1135 Exotics removal & replanting $2,692,000 Recreation Features $100,000 Cultural Center & Commemorative Landscape Miscellaneous Capital Improvements Historic landscape restoration $1,119,500 Operation and Support $1,117,800 Recreation Features $1,752,250 (excluding ACOE- 7 7 35 funded elements) Contingency (10%) $1,458,400 Estimated Cost Authorized Funding Source $1,234,000 $1,000,000 (HDB) $1,200,000 $3,000,000 $2,692,000 $10,495,000 $5,447,950 $750,000 $5,441,000 $3,250,000 (SSB/HDB) (ACOE-111) (ACOE-1135) $5,000,000 (CDT) $441,000 (SNPB) (HDB+) Deficit $234,000 $450,000 $692,000 (required City match) $5,054,000 $2,197,950 TOTAL $24,068,950 $15,441,000 $8,627,950 Key to Funding Sources a 65 a) HDB Allocated Homeland Defense Bond - $1 M allocated from $5M authorized is HDB+ Authorized but not allocated Homeland Defense Bond - $4 unallocated less $750,000 earmarked to repay SSB SSB/HDB Special Sewer Bond to be repaid from $5M authorized HDB c y ACOE-111 Army Corps of Engineers ® a O ACOE-1135 Army Corps of Engineers - Requires 25% match from city; includes 5% for recreation features 0 1�2 SNPB Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond CDT Convention & Development Tax T�,C. Op Virginia Kc_5cack f 0 F%o 3550 Biscayne Blvd., Suite #510, Miami, FL 33137-3855 Phone: (305) 571-8230/Fax: (305) 571-8311 Email: vkbpt@ci.miami.fl.us The Virginia Key beach Fa rL Trust board of Trustees M. Athalie Range, Chairperson Gene Tinnie, Vice Chair Mark Walters, Secretary Eugenia Thomas, Treasurer Miguel Germain Maud Newbold Enid Pinkney Bernice Sawyer Dick Townsend Robert Weinreb -- Ex -Officio The Virginia Key each FarL Trust ,5taff Guy Forchion, Interim Executive Director David Shorter, Project Coordinator Leacroft Robinson, Finance Coordinator Joyce Ballard, Receptionist Joyce Forchion, Intern Levi Johnson, Intern Submtled Into the public record i -n A;qh Priscilla A. i i1r��l �sc�t City Clerk Board of Directors: M. Athalie Range -Chair, Gene Tinnie-Vice Chair, W. Mark Walters -Secretary, Eugenia B. Thomas-- i � SSED Miguel Germain -Trustee, Maud Newbold -Trustee, Enid Pinkney, Phd.-Trustee, Bernice Sawyer -Trustee, Dick Townsend-T�u e. Guy Forchion-Interim Executive Director