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Home My WebLink AboutMiami Parks and Public Spaces Master Plan15 December2006 Draft report prepared for the the City of Miami's departments of Parks & Recreation and Planning V[don -wanvi=1 PE rks zmrs nturry _11© SpEcts eYote ioe.fxT'r6 evar14,I00 tote ene �' °en„d1s 111a^'�0� voeK T t daM 8°�' GOODY ;.,E. CLA NC OOOSON ASSOCIATES cRF[Nauv u[ LEISURF rISION ROSEN[ERG GAEOFIE! OE51GN uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum 17 AV© f©r Mk, moD 17wtnVi=frst Cantury Parks ana hiLik S7Ems DRAFT REPORT TO THE CITY OF MIAMI'S DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION AND DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING 15 DECEMBER 2006 PREPARED BY CJOOODY CLANCY OOOSON RSSOCIATIS LR[[NPIAM LiC LEISURE VISION ROSENPERG GA!UNC DESIGN MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III I uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw Manuel A. Diaz, Mayor Angel Gonzalez, District 1 Commissioner Linda Haskins, District 2 Commissioner (2oo6present) Johnny Winton, District 2 Commissioner (1999-2oo6) Joe M. Sanchez, District 3 Commissioner Tomas P. Regalado, District 4 Commissioner Michelle Spence -Jones, District 5 Commissioner (2005 present) Jeffrey Allen, District 5 Commissioner (2004-2005) Joe Arriola, City Manager (2003-2o06) Pedro G. Hernandez, City Manager (2oo6present) Ernest Burkeen, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department Ana Gelabert-Sanchez, Director of the Planning Department Carmen Sanchez, Assistant Director of the Planning Department Enrique Nunez, Chief of Urban Design, Planning Department Hal Ruck, Chief of Community Planning, Planning Department Luciana Gonzalez, Special Projects Coordinator, Planning Department Lara de Souza, Public Relations Agent, Parks and Recreation Department Maria Perez, Support Services Coordinator, Parks and Recreation Department uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum Contents 1 A Vision for Miami's Twenty -first -Century Parks and Public Spaces 7 A Community Dialogue on Parks and Public Spaces 23 Miami's Twentieth -Century Park System 57 A Parks and Public Spaces System for Tomorrow io3 Vision for Downtown and for City Neighborhoods 149 Design Counts 159 Implementation: Making It Happen MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III ill uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw IV 1 .....nuunlllll111llllllllllll111llllllllllll111llllllllllll111llllllllllll111llllllllllll111llllllllllllllll111llllllllllll111llllllllllll111llllllllllll111llllllllllll111llllllllllll111llllllllllll111llllllllllll111l A Vision For Miami's Twenty-first Century Parks And Public Spaces PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES IN MIAMI 21 An urban renaissance is remaking the City of Miami with new residents, new visitors, and new investment transforming Miami into America's next great in- ternational city. Miami's leaders have recognized that this regenerative growth must be shaped and planned to ensure the highest quality of life for residents and visitors. To further that goal, Mayor Manny Diaz launched "Mi- ami 27:" in April 2005, an ambitious citywide planning program that in- cludes revision of the city's zoning code coupled with transportation and economic development plan- P,79- ning. The Mayor also understood that in the new Miami —with new residents in downtown high-rises, neighborhoods in renovation, dynamic and changing immigrant communities, and a continuing commitment to serve its residents of modest incomes —excellent parks and public spaces are a critical ingredient of a thriving urban center. This master plan for the city's parks and public spaces is part of the overall Miami 21 initiative. The new Miami requires new ways of thinking about its public realm —the shared spaces, public and semi -public —that define a cosmopolitan city. The public realm includes everything from parks and plazas to streets, sidewalks, drainage swales, and highway edges. Although this master plan focuses on the city's parks, it is not limited to a traditional Department of Parks and Recre- ation master plan. The city recognized that the park system must be analyzed, understood and planned within the larger context of the public realm. This plan approaches Miami's park system from multiple perspectives —nature and environment, park and urban design, recreation, community development, cul- ture and cultural identity, and changing demographics. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 1 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw The plan was developed through an extensive community participation process that resulted in a vision for the city's entire park and public space system as well as a neighborhood vision for each of Miami's thirteen Neighborhood Em- powerment Team (NET) Areas. As a citywide master plan, the plan does not fo- cus on the design or redesign of specific park properties, except for illustrative purposes. The plan makes recommendations for system -wide policies, guide- lines, procedures and programs, as well as for different categories of parks and public spaces. More detailed design master plans are being developed during 2005-2007 for the city's major waterfront parks—Bicentennial/Museum Park, the Coconut Grove Waterfront, Virginia Key, and Bayfront Park —and the Downtown Development Authority is developing a Downtown master plan. The citywide parks and public spaces master plan was developed in coordina- tion with these planning processes. MIAMI'S VISION FOR TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES The City of Miami has an unparalleled opportunity to create a great twenty-first century system of parks and public spaces and become a leader in the burgeon- ing national movement to revive and transform city parks. In May of 2006 the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) issued A Call to Action: A National Agenda for Urban Parks and Recreation in America advocating federal, state and local action to create "a national renaissance for America's urban parks," based on the critical role played by urban parks in promoting health, enhancing community and economic development, protecting the environ- ment and educating, protecting and enriching youth. The NRPA's agenda for local governments and communities focuses on promoting health through physical activity; partnerships with the private sector; providing an equitable distribution of park resources; protecting environmentally sensitive areas and the urban forest; and youth education and development.' The Miami vision for a great park and public space system incorporates and expands on these goals. The vision emerged from extensive community par- ticipation in the master plan process, an analysis of Miami's needs, and best practices in park, recreation and public space planning. Four themes and four commitments underlie the Miami parks and public spaces vision: 'See http://www.nrpa.org/content/default/aspx?documentld=4232. 2 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum THEMES Community Parks and public spaces are the gath- ering places for community, where Miamians can experience the cosmo- politan diversity of an international city. The city has dynamic immigrant streams that can transform neighbor- hoods in ebbs and flows. Parks and public spaces will support and cel- ebrate neighborhood cultural identity but also serve as the meeting place for people of all cultures. Nature Miami will be one of the nation's green- est and bluest cities. With tree -lined streets, well -planted parks, conserva- tion areas and environmental educa- tion programs, and healthy waterways and shorelines, the city will be a model of sustainable management of parks and natural places. Connection A connected system of parks and public spaces, rather than a collection of isolated sites, frames the civic life of the city. Greenways and blueways— pedestrian routes and accessible waterways —will connect parks and public places all over the city, extend- ing into every neighborhood and into the region. Play Miami's parks will provide recreation for children, teenagers and adults. Sports facilities and programmed recreation will be balanced by oppor- tunities for self -directed activities and enjoyment of landscaped and passive green spaces. VIRGINIA KEY HAMMOCK ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION IN PROGRESS MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 3 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw COMMITMENTS A COMMITMENT TO STEWARDSHIP Miami will adopt a no -net -loss policy for city park lands and provide adequate funding to support parks. Park lands will be preserved and maintained as green, open space, recreational and cultural areas, with structures only to further this primary mission. All park properties will be maintained and programmed to excellent stan- dards of function, safety, cleanliness, and environmental health. A COMMITMENT TO SERVICE Miami will serve the diversity of community needs with a balance of facilities and programs and monitor community needs and desires through regular reviews and periodic surveys. The city will provide meaningful op- portunities for community input on the park and public space system and specific public realm improvements. mric A COMMITMENT TO PARTNERSHIPS Through enhanced partnerships with schools, public agencies, private developers, and nonprofit institutions, Miami will add park and recreation resources and other public spaces without acquiring land. In addition, like every successful park system in America, Miami will develop strong partnerships with volunteer groups, foundations, nonprofit organizations, resident and busi- ness organizations. These partnerships will support the park system with advocacy, programming, funding and visibility. A COMMITMENT TO DESIGN EXCELLENCE Miami will foster excellent design for parks, plazas and other public spaces, encompassing beauty, function and durability. Excellent design creates environments that are safe, comfort- able, interesting, delightful, and long- lasting, providing an arena for people to enjoy and express themselves. Public art and innovative design that promotes interaction will be encouraged. 4 Miami's ision for 21 st-Century Parks and Public Spaces NEW AND RENEWED PARKS People are most likely to use the parks that are close to where they live, regardless of park size. In acquiring new park land, the City should work toward making it possible for every resident to walk safely and comfortably to a park. The long-term goal should be no more than a ten-minute walk from every home to a park —about one -quarter of a mile. ► Goal: A cquire land so that there is a park within a quarter mile of every resident. ► Goal: Make the most of what we have: preserve and en- hance existing park land. Miami's existing park land is a precious legacy from the past that belongs to all the citizens of the city. All of Miami's parks should be safe, well -maintained, attractive, and programmed to fulfill their potential within the city's network of public spaces. MORE WAYS TO EXPERIENCE WATER Miami's genesis and identity are inex- tricably linked to its tropical water- front location. Everyone wants more and better access of all kinds to Biscayne Bay, to the Miami River and the Little River, to canals and lagoons, to the Picnic Islands, and to the cooling effects of water parks, spray play areas, and swimming pools. Goal: Enhance and ensure public access to water. 1=. 1 0 4 A IIII 11k iismillllil►,._. .41,0 MORE NATURE IN THE CITY Miami's development has obscured its connections to the nat- ural environment. More trees and plantings in parks, on streets, in public plazas, and in "lost spaces" like highway embankments should be accompanied by more support for conservation areas and environ- mental education, as well as sustainable management practices. Goal: Promote environmental sustainability and education in parks and public spaces. GREEN STREETS TO LINK PEOPLE TO PARKS Greenways and a network of tree - shaded streets safely linking parks and public spaces to one another and to other city and regional desti- nations invite people to walk and bike, making Miami a healthier and more pleasant city to live in. Goal: Create green connec- tions across the city and into the region. MORE PLACES TO PLAY ►Goal: Refocus on priorities for recreation. Recreation needs and desires change as the population changes and as new activities come into prominence. The city should continue strong youth programs while focusing on key priorities to serve residents of all ages and abilities, enhancing partnerships for additional recreation opportunities. Miami's Vision for 2lst-Century Park and Publi •a wenty-first century Miami will a have a connected system of new and renewed parks and public spaces to meet the needs of its diverse citizenry, with more ways to expe- rience water, more places to play, greener and safer routes for pedestrians and bicy- clists, and more nature in the city. Every resident will be able to walk safely and comfortably to a park. An array of recre- ational programs and facilities will serve people of all ages and abilities. Public spaces will incorporate celebration of Mi- ami's tropical and international identity. Design excellence, sustainable manage- ment, effective partnerships and a high level of service to the community will be the hallmarks of Miami's parks and public spaces. 2_ .. . . n i n l „„ 111 „„„„„„„, „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III I A Community Dialogue on Parks And Public Spaces The parks and public spaces of any community are there for people to enjoy and use. For this reason, it was essential that the public be part of the master planning process. In the future, an ongoing and systematic process of com- munity participation should become second nature in decision making about parks and public spaces. An extensive community dialogue on parks and public spaces took place in 2005-06 during the master planning process. The planning team employed a number of different methods to keep the public up to date on the progress of the plan and offered a variety of ways for citizens to make their opinions and priorities known. These activities included participation in citywide Miami 21 presentations, a project website, a public opinion survey, a customer -satisfac- tion survey, two public meetings in each of the 13 Neighborhood Empower- ment Team (NET) Areas, and a citywide forum on parks and public spaces. Each one of these activities provided a somewhat different perspective on the way that Miami residents use parks now and what they would like to see in the future. The public opinion survey provided a broad snapshot of attitudes about current and potential park and public space issues from a random sampling of over r,000 residents. It captured the preferences of the approximately one- third of households that say they do not visit or use city parks, as well as the sentiments of more regular park users. The survey's main disadvantage was an absence of open-ended questions, which limited the diversity of the answers it elicited. Its great strength, however, was its generation of a statistically sig- nificant and geographically representative overview of resident attitudes about parks. In contrast, the public meetings attracted people with a stake in particular neighborhoods —as residents, park users, or property owners and business people. It also attracted activists with an interest in the park system as a whole. Meeting attendees were not as directly representative of the city as the survey respondents were and included some one -issue advocates, but participants were often very knowledgeable about the parks. The hands-on activities and more freewheeling discussions that took place in these meetings produced more detailed and nuanced comments than were possible from the surveys. Both kinds of community input were invaluable for crafting the master plan. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 7 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw THEMES FROM THE COMMUNITY SURVEY AND THE PUBLIC MEETINGS Certain themes emerged repeatedly in the survey and in the public meetings, as residents considered the park system today and what they would like it to be in the future. MIAMI NEEDS MORE PARKS. • The overwhelming majority of survey respondents (91%) believe that Miami needs more parks, and two-thirds agree that parks provide economic benefits to the city. Half of the respondents said that there are not enough parks within walking distance. In the survey, the highest need was expressed for small neighborhood parks, walking and biking trails, large community parks, large group picnic areas, and beach access areas. • In the public meetings, participants emphasized a need for more park land to serve future residents of new development, and a need for new parks in underserved areas, especially Wynwood/Edgewater, Little Havana, Little Haiti, Model City, West Flagler, and Coral Way. MIAMI RESIDENTS WANT MORE ACCESS TO WATER —THE BAY, RIVERS, AND PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS. • Between 2o% and 4o% of survey respondents, when given a list of various park and recreation facilities, expressed a need for water -related activities, including fishing areas; canoe, kayak and small -boat water access; indoor pools for recreational swimming; outdoor pools and water parks; and beach -access parks. These percentages correspond to an estimated 30,000 to 6o,000 households in Miami. In the survey, almost two-thirds of respondents judged year-round pools to be very or somewhat important. • In the NET Areas with frontage on Biscayne Bay or on the Miami or Little rivers, there was considerable discussion about improving conditions at existing waterfront parks and about enhancing public access to the water. Ideas for enhanced access included creating beaches and providing new ways to get to the Picnic Islands. MIAMI NEEDS MORE TREES AND SHADE. • Participants in public meetings and in interviews repeatedly mentioned the need for more trees and more shade. Children's play structures without shade are unusable on hot days for half the year. The availability of shade is an essential ingredient in creating comfortable walking routes to parks. 8 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum MIAMI NEEDS TO BECOME MORE PEDESTRIAN- AND BIKE - FRIENDLY. • Over half of the survey respondents expressed a need for walking and biking trails (which translates to nearly 74,o0o households), and half of them see their needs for trails currently being met 5o% of the time or less. Survey respondents would allocate 15 % of all park capital funds specifically to acquisition and development of new walking and biking trails. • During the public meetings there was much discussion about the importance of dedicated pedestrian and bicycle trails and routes. Everyone supported the Riverwalk, Baywalk, and EEC Corridor greenway concepts and expressed a strong desire to see them completed. Participants also wanted better pedestrian and bicycle connections from neighborhoods to parks and other public spaces —"better" here being defined as more numerous connections that are safe, comfortable, well -lit, and attractive for pedestrian and bicycle travel. MIAMI MUST TAKE CARE OF THE PARKS IT ALREADY HAS. • Survey respondents would allocate over one-third of capital funds to making improvements in existing parks and over one-third of program and operating funds to maintenance of existing facilities. • Participants in the public meetings offered many suggestions for improved maintenance and ways to make existing underutilized parks more successful. They pointed out that in some neighborhoods, parks without staff saw less use due to security concerns. MIAMI'S PARKS MUST SERVE A VARIETY OF NEEDS FOR DIVERSE COMMUNITIES, BALANCING ACTIVE AND PASSIVE USES. • Survey respondents expressed greatest need for small neighborhood parks, walking and biking trails, large community parks, large group picnic areas, and beach access areas. Even though the survey indicated preferences and needs for certain general categories of parks and activities, it is significant that at least 2o% of respondents —corresponding to an estimated 27,600 house- holds —expressed a need for 19 types of parks and facilities out of 24 offered in one of the survey questions. (Respondents could indicate multiple choices.) These facilities range from senior centers and fishing areas to indoor fitness centers, off -leash dog parks, and a nature center and trails. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 9 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw • In the public meetings, the diversity of needs and preferences for parks and recreational activities was very clear. Low- and moderate -income parents were most interested in programs at staffed parks where they could feel confident that their children were safe and engaged in fun, interesting, and educational activities. Young families also wanted to be able to walk to play areas with their children. Many adults wanted more opportunities for improving fitness —through outdoor walking and biking trails, indoor fitness centers, or improved lighting and safety where they walk in existing parks. Other adults advocated for more passive green space and garden -like parks to balance dense residential development. In some neighborhoods there were strong constituencies for off -leash dog parks. Although the majority of households are not involved in organized sports, youth and adult sports leagues are very important to some neighborhoods and to some segments of the population. Current recreation programs were perceived as inadequately serving girls, middle school and high school youth, adults, and seniors. PROJECT WEBSITE The consultants designed and managed a website dedicated to the project, with links to the Miami 21 website. The site provided an overview of the project, schedules, and project documents and maps. It also allowed interested residents to contact the consultants and the city. MIAMI 21 PRESENTATIONS The consultants for the parks and public spaces plan participated in Miami 21 presentations that were designed to introduce the project and provide progress reports to the public. These presentations occurred in April 2005, July 2005, and March 20o6. NET AREA WORKSHOPS AND OPEN HOUSES Both a public workshop and a public open house were held in each of the city's 13 NET Areas between August 2005 and February aoo6. These meetings — held in the evening to encourage resident participation —generally took place in a recreation building or a park in the NET Area, although some took place at a NET office or other location. With the assistance of the City, the consultant team also met in advance with leaders of neighborhood associations or other local groups to discuss park issues. Outreach for the meetings included messages to e-mail lists, requests for neighborhood associations to inform their members, requests for park managers to inform park users, flyers distributed 10 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum to park managers, and schedules posted on the project website and the Miami 21 website. Participation in the meetings varied considerably, with some meetings well attended and others with fewer participants. The workshop provided a hands-on discussion in which groups of participants worked with members of the consultant team to identify park and public space priorities for their NET Area. At the open houses, which followed a few weeks later, the consultant team presented a vision and priorities for the NET Area based on the workshop results and asked attendees to comment on them. The purpose of the open houses was to make sure that priorities and ideas that emerged from the workshops were understood, and to get feedback on additional ideas proposed by the consultants. The project website posted materials presented at each open house along with an aerial map and a land use map of that NET Area. Chapter 5 presents these NET Area visions in detail. CITYWIDE PARKS FORUM A daylong citywide forum on parks and public spaces took place on March 25, 2oo6. The purpose of this meeting was to report to the public on the NET Area visions and other work to that point on the plan, including the proposed planning framework, overall goals and principles, and strategies for reaching the goals. The participants also worked in small groups on three themes: recreation and culture, connections, and the ideal park. In their forum packages, participants received $aoo in "Greenspace Greenbacks" —replica money that they were asked to "spend" on a set of alternative budget areas in two categories, capital improvements and operations/programming. This exercise duplicated a question in the public opinion survey. Speakers Sherry Kafka Wagner, Michael Singer, and Mary Eysenbach provided participants with national perspectives on park systems. • Wagner's work focuses on how different people and communities perceive and use parks, emphasizing community needs and intentions as the basis for park design, interpretation, and programming. Among the projects she Mayor Diaz and Miami residents participated in the citywide parks forum. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 11 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw has been involved in are the San Antonio Riverwalk, several urban national parks, and Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco. Wagner spoke about the importance of understanding the diverse cultural identities of park users and ensuring that park design and programming are consistent with the way different groups use parks. As the shared spaces within a community, successful parks and public spaces reflect the diversity of the communities in which they are located. • Singer, an environmental artist and designer who is an Eminent Scholar in the Arts and Humanities at Florida Atlantic University, has helped transform public art, architecture, landscape, and planning projects into models for urban and ecological renewal across the United States in Europe; his work includes the West Palm Beach Waterfront Commons. He showed examples of how the design of nuts -and -bolts public infrastructure —transfer stations, water treatment facilities, and wastewater treatment plants —can provide exciting, environmentally -sustainable public spaces that are beautiful and educational. • Eysenbach, former executive director of the City Parks Forum of the American Planning Association, focused on the social benefits of parks, particularly their role in community building. Well -managed parks contribute to public health, reduce crime, educate, and support economic development. Parks are integral to community identity. The City Parks Forum identified key factors for success in using parks to build community, including citizen participation, partnerships, timing, design, programming, and a maintenance plan to make sure parks are clean and safe. A general conversation among the speakers and meeting participants and the small group discussions generated a variety of ideas. Some of the day's ideas reflected themes developed in the NET Area meetings and expressed in the survey, and some represented new perspectives. Major ideas that emerged include: • The city needs programming that involves access to the water, particularly the bay and river. • Many parks need exercise programs for adults. • Each area has specific needs; getting the right activities for the right parks in the right places is important. • Parks need public art to reflect the city's identity. Revolving art exhibitions in parks can provide an opportunity for different cultures in different neighborhoods to get to know one another. For example, art by African - Americans should not be thought of as just for the African -American neighborhoods. • Every bridge over the Miami River should be made friendly to pedestrians. • Walking will not become more popular in Miami until people can feel 12 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum safe; intersections are designed with signals and crosswalks that allow pedestrians to cross safely; and drivers are educated to respect pedestrians. • Greenways, walking paths, and bike paths need to feel more secure, with more locations providing "eyes on the street." • Corporate and institutional sponsorship helped revitalize New York's parks and can do the same for Miami. • Areas of historic and cultural importance should be included in the master plan. • Miami has too much concrete; green spaces should be planted to reinforce the city's tropical identity. • Neighborhoods must be involved in deciding the location and design of new parks. SURVEYS OF THE PUBLIC The planning process included two surveys designed to solicit information from the public on current use patterns in the city's parks and recreation facilities, users' needs and their priorities for the system, and the level of user satisfaction with the system. The surveys were administered by Leisure Vision. SURVEY 1: COMMUNITY ATTITUDE AND INTEREST SURVEY Miami residents value their park system. This survey showed that over the course of the previous year about one-third of city residents did not use any of the parks and an even larger group, 85%, had no household members who participated in city recreation programs. Of those who participated, however, satisfaction was quite high-8o% found the programs good or excellent. Residents generally think that parks and recreation are very important, bringing quality of life and economic benefits to the city that are worth paying for. Although unmet parks and recreation needs remain, the top two priorities are walking and biking trails and small neighborhood parks. Survey Methodology Survey i was conducted during March and April of 2006 to help establish priorities for the future development of parks and recreation facilities, programs, and services. The survey was administered by a combination of mail and phone in English, Spanish, and Kreyol. In March 2006, surveys were mailed to a random sample of 5,o0o households in Miami. Approximately three days after the mailing, the survey team delivered an electronic voice message to each household encouraging completion of the survey. About two weeks after the surveys were sent, the survey team contacted the RESIDENTS' USE OF PARKS AND FACILITIES AT LEAST ONCE IN 12 MONTHS small parks large parks trails Virginia Key Beach youth athletic fields outdoor pools adult athletic fields community centers % 61 55 44 27 22 19 18 17 Parks and Public Spaces Master Plan Survey, 2006 MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 13 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw LOCATION OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS The large sample size for the survey —more than 1,100 households from around the city responded —provided a broad and statistically reliable sampling of opinion. Each dot represents a respondent. households again by phone, either to encourage completion of the survey or to administer the survey by phone. The survey drew 1,14o responses, well beyond its goal of i,000. The results of the random sample have a 95% level of confidence with a precision of +/- 2.9% Survey i was geographically representative and demographically representative by income, ethnicity, race, age, and gender. Small Neighborhood Parks, Walking/Biking Trails, and Large Parks Asked to indicate which of 24 parks and recreation facility types they need, over 4o% of respondent households chose small neighborhood parks, walking and biking trails, large community parks, large group picnic areas and shelters, and beach access parks —an estimated number of households ranging from 57,o00 to 89,o00. Between 2o% and 4o% of respondents (corresponding to 27,000 to 47,o0o households) indicated a need for a wide variety of other kinds of park and recreation areas, demonstrating the diverse interests and needs of Miami's complex community. People Who Use Parks Think They Are Good The majority of people who use parks in Miami think they are good or excellent. Of the respondents asked to rate overall quality of the areas they have used in the last 12 months, 43% rated them as "good" and 9% found them "excellent." Another 19% said they were "fair" and only 9% said they were "poor." Another 21% said that they "didn't know"; this group probably comprised residents who do not use parks. uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum Park and Recreation Facilities Do Not Meet Needs Using the same list of 24 types of facilities, respondent households that indicated a need for facilities were asked how well each type met their needs. No facility type drew more than 35% of responses indicating that it completely meets household needs. In the areas of indoor, water -based, and specialized facilities —indoor sports and fitness, senior centers, boating and fishing facilities, dog parks, and skateboard parks —even higher percentages said that existing facilities did not meet most of their needs. The Most Important Park and Recreation Facilities Include Small Neighborhood Parks and Walking and Biking Trails From the list of 24 types of facilities, respondents were asked to select the four most important to the members of their household. Small neighborhood parks ranked highest (36%) as one of the four most important types, and this category was also selected most frequently by respondents as their first choice. Respondents also frequently chose walking and biking trails (31%) and large community parks (22%) as among the four most important types of facilities. Miami Needs Development of Both Small Neighborhood Parks and Large Community Parks Fifty percent (5o%) of respondents feel the City of Miami should place equal emphasis on the development of small neighborhood parks and large commu- nity parks. However, 24% of respondents would like the city to place more empha- sis on small neighborhood parks, and 15% prefer to focus on large community parks. Only 9% of respondents indicated that no new neighborhood or commu- nity parks are needed. NEED FOR PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, BY TYPE %YES %NO small neighborhood parks 64 36 walking and biking trails 55 45 large community parks 53 47 large group picnic areas and shelters 46 54 beach access parks 41 59 nature center and trails 34 66 outdoor swimming pools/ water parks 34 66 indoor fitness and exercise facilities 33 67 playground equipment 30 70 indoor running/ walking track 28 72 indoor pools for recreation 24 76 outdoor amphitheaters/ bandstand 24 76 outdoor tennis courts 24 76 canoe, kayak and small water boat access 23 77 fishing areas 22 78 off -leash dog parks 21 80 senior center 20 80 indoor exercise swim lap lanes 20 81 indoor basketball/ volleyball 20 81 youth baseball and softball fields 18 82 youth soccer fields 15 85 youth football/ lacrosse/ rugby 13 87 adult softball fields 12 88 skateboarding parks 11 89 Source: Parks and Public Spaces Master Plan Survey, 2006 DUE TO ROUNDING, PERCENTAGES FOR SOME ANSWERS TOTAL MORE THAN 100%. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 15 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw Improving Swimming Pools and Aquatic Facilities is Important Access to swimming and water is important for everyone in Miami's climate, and improving aquatic facilities is a focus for the Parks and Recreation Department. The survey included several questions about such facilities. • From a list of nine potential improvements to outdoor aquatic facilities, respondents were asked to indicate which three they and members of their household would use most often. The largest proportion of respondents, 33%, chose a leisure pool with a gently sloped entry. A range of facilities won similar levels of support —between 23% and 27% of respondents. This group included water sprays with interactive play features; water slides; lap lanes for exercise, lessons and lap swimming; a shallow pool for infants or toddlers; a "lazy river" allowing for rafts or floats; and deck areas for sunbathing and lounging. • Sixty-two percent (62%) of respondents felt that it is either very important (37%) or somewhat important (25%) for the City of Miami to operate swimming pools throughout the year. While 22% were "not sure" about this need, only 15% of respondents felt it is not important. Many Residents Support Increasing Fees for Recreation Facilities, Programs, and Services Nearly half of respondents were either very supportive (21%) or somewhat supportive (26%) of increasing the fees for recreation facilities, programs, and services they use. A quarter was "not sure," while 26% of respondents did not want fees to be increased. Improved Parks and Recreation Services Are Important Compared to Other Priorities A large proportion of respondents indicated that improvements in parks and recreation services are either very important (48%) or somewhat important (34%) compared to other priorities in Miami. Only 6% of respondents described improvements as not important; 9% were "not sure." Barriers to Park and Recreation Use Include Lack of Information From a list of 18 options, respondents were asked to select reasons that they and members of their household do not use parks, recreation facilities, and programs of the City of Miami more often. The highest percentage of respondents (41%) were "too busy or not interested" in using municipal facilities and programs more often. The other most frequently mentioned reasons included ignorance of program offerings (22%), insufficient security (17%), distance (16%), and poor maintenance (16%). 16 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum More Walking and Biking Trails Are Needed on Virginia Key Because preparation of a detailed plan for Virginia Key is under way, the survey included several questions about it. Key findings include: • Thirty-one percent of respondent households had visited Virginia Key during the past two years. • At least 35% of respondents were very supportive of four (out of nine) potential improvements or new facilities there: walking and biking trails (39%), picnic areas and shelters (36%), natural areas for environmental education/nature center (36%), and beaches for day trips (35%). The addition of "somewhat supportive" responses boosted support for each of these options above the 5o% mark. Thirty percent or more were not supportive of marinas or low -impact ecotourism with cabins on Virginia Key (although camping areas were slightly more favorably viewed). • Walking and biking trails were selected by the highest percentage of respondents (33%) as one of the three improvements/new facilities they would use the most at Virginia Key, and this improvement received the most first -place designations. Other improvements/facilities that received relatively high levels of support included beaches for day trips (27%), picnic areas and shelters (25%), and natural areas for environment/nature center (2o%). Less than ro% of respondents included among their top three choices the use of active recreation areas such as sports fields, a museum for Virginia Key Beach Park, camping areas, marinas, or low -impact eco-tourism. SURVEY TWO: RECREATION PROGRAMS AND PARKS AND RECREATION SERVICES A second survey was designed to focus more specifically on recreation programs. Originally intended as a customer -service survey of people using city recreation programs, problems with program enrollment records prevented targeted distribution to program uses. Instead, surveys were mailed in August 20o6 to a random sample of 3,00o households in the city. Approximately three days after the surveys were mailed, the survey team delivered an electronic voice message to each household encouraging completion of the survey. In addition, about two weeks after the surveys were mailed, the survey team began contacting households by phone, either to encourage completion of the mailed survey or to administer the survey by phone. The total of 614 surveys completed slightly surpassed the goal of obtaining 600 completed surveys. The results have a 95% level of confidence, with a precision of at least +/-4.o%. Beaches, picnic tables, and nature -based recre- ation were preferred for Virginia Key. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 17 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw SUMMARY FINDINGS Responses to this survey show the diversity of recreation needs in Miami, but with a repeated emphasis on adult fitness activities. The most -needed park improvements were practical amenities like restrooms and drinking fountains. Other notable results include the fact that nearly half of the respondent households report using walking and biking trails. Highlights of the survey results are below: Adult fitness programs are a focus of interest. Respondents were asked to indicate which of 21 programs are needed by members of their households (including themselves). > Five recreation programs surpassed a 25% level of responses, with respondent households expressing a need for adult fitness and wellness programs (38%), citywide special events (30%), nature programs (27%), water fitness programs (26%), and adult sports programs (25%). This corresponds to an estimated 35,00o households or more. However, an estimated 25,000-35,00o households also had a need for a range of other programs, including martial arts; youth art, dance and performing arts; youth summer camp; before- and after -school programs; youth learn -to - swim programs; boating and sailing; youth fitness and wellness; adult art, dance and performing arts; youth sports; and programs for seniors. Many recreation needs are not being met. Respondent households that have a need for programs were asked to indicate how well each of a list of 21 recreation programs meets their needs. > Fewer than 55% of respondents indicated that any of the 21 programs completely meets the needs of their households. For example, between 20,000 and 30,00o households have needs for adult fitness and wellness programs, nature programs, citywide special events, and adult sports programs that are being met only 5o% or less. > Respondents were asked to rank the four programs that are most important to them. Based on the sum of these four choices, the programs that are most important to respondent households are: adult fitness and wellness (22%), youth sports (I4%), senior adult (12%), nature (ir%) and citywide special events (1i%). Among all 21 types of programs, adult fitness and wellness was most frequently chosen as the most important kind of program. Most people visit a city park at least once a year. As in the earlier survey, a majority of respondents reported visiting a city park over the previous year, with 43% reporting at least six visits in the year. Over a third (37%), however, had not visited a city park at all; an additional 2% did not answer. 18 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum Improvements Respondents Would Like To See In The Park They Visit Most Restrooms Drinking fountains Walking/biking trails Parking Picnic tables/benches Lighting Shade trees Picnic shelters Trash removal/cans Flower beds Sidewalks Playground equipment Mowing/weed control Bike racks Sports fields Park entrance signs Basketball courts Tennis courts RESULTS FROM Ranked by percentage of respondents who chose each area (multiple choices could be made) 1 27% 125% 124%0 1 24% 117% 115% 15% 1 15% f 14°% 1 12% 39% 138% 1 36% 49% ©% 20% 40% Source: Leisure Visiou/FTC ins!i[ufe (October20061 Park restrooms and drinking fountains are high priorities. From a list of 18 options, respondents were asked to indicate all of the improvements they would like to see made in the city park they visit most often. > Improvements in amenities that make park visits more comfortable and pleasant topped this list: restrooms (49%), drinking fountains (39%) walking/biking trails (38%), and parking (36%). Close behind this cluster came another set of amenities in which respondents listed improved picnic tables and benches, lighting, shade trees, and picnic shelters. Walking a biking trails are used often. Respondents were asked to indicate how often their household currently uses walking and biking trails in the City of Miami. > Nearly half of the respondent households (48%) used walking and biking trails, and a quarter (24%) used them at least once a week. Few people use trails for transportation. From a list of five options, respondents were asked to indicate the two reasons their household used walking and biking trails in the City of Miami. > Respondents named exercise/fitness (45%) and enjoying the outdoors/ nature (32%) as their top reasons for using trails. Only 2% used the trails for transportation. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 19 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw Athletic fields and youth programs elicited the highest levels of satisfaction. Respondents were asked to indicate their level of satisfaction with each of a list of i9 park and recreation services provided by the City. > The services that won the highest levels of satisfaction were quality of outdoor athletic fields (25%), number of baseball/softball fields (25%), number of city soccer fields (24%), quality of indoor athletic fields (23%) and city youth programs (23%). > Respondents were least satisfied with programs for seniors, the number of nature conservation areas, and the availability of information on city programs and facilities. ("Don't know" responses were excluded.) Maintenance, more parks, and more walking/biking trails should be the focus. > From the list of 19 park and recreation services provided by the City, respondents were asked to select the three they felt should receive the most attention from the city over the next two years. > They most frequently chose parks maintenance (29%), number of parks (21%), and number of walking/biking trails (21%). Maintenance was selected by the highest percentage of respondents as their first choice. HOW SHOULD MIAMI DISTRIBUTE FUNDS FOR PARKS? In both the citywide forum and the first survey, participants were asked to allocate $zoo for capital improvements in parks and $ioo for operations and programming among a specified number of alternatives. Graphs displaying the results of these questions appear on page 16 and 17. Capital Improvements The results of the allocation exercises for capital improvements show that the participants at the citywide forum were much more focused on acquisition of new parkland and walking and biking trails than were the survey respondent population. The citywide forum group would allocate 71% of capital funds to 20 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum acquisition while the survey group would allocate 32%. Both groups wanted new parks, but the survey group wanted to invest more capital funds in existing facilities. Allocation Of $100 To Fund CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN PARKS FACILITIES $10 Develop new indoor recreation facilities $11 Develop new outdoor aquatic facilities for year-round use $15 Create new walking and biking trails RESULTS FROM SURVEY $8 Build new fields and sports facilities $3 Other $36 Improve existing parks, playgrounds, and recreation facilities $17 Acquire new park land and open space $7 Develop new indoor recreation facilities Develop new outdoor aquatic facilities for year-round use $17 Improve existing parks, playgrounds, and recreation facilities $15 Create new walking and biking trails RESULTS FROM CITYWIDE FORUM $33 Acquire new park land and open space $3 Build new fields and sports facilities MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 21 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw Programs and Operations Compared to the survey group, participants in the citywide forum allocated more funds to maintenance and staff than to programming. Allocation Of $100 To Fund PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS $9 Add recreation programs for adults $17 Add recreation programs for youth and teens $15 Create a park ranger program $12 Increase staff for managing and maintaining parks and recreational facilities RESULTS FROM SURVEY $1 Other $12 Add recreation programs for senior adults $34 Maintain existing parks, playgrounds, and recreation facilities $12 Add recreation programs for youth and teens $12 Create a park ranger program $7 Add recreation programs for adults $17 Increase staff for managing and maintaining parks and recreational facilities RESULTS FROM CITYWIDE FORUM $9 Add recreation programs for senior adults $43 Maintain existing parks, playgrounds, and recreation facilities 22 3_ .. . . n i n l „„ 111 „„„„„„„, „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III I Miami's Zoth-Century Park System Miami's park system was created in the twentieth century in a local economy based on real estate development and tourism, unlike the Olmsted park systems of the nineteenth century that were created to balance the social and environmen- tal problems of industrial cities. Most of the major parks in Miami today were in place by the 194os and the vast majority of today's parks were created by 1982. THE CREATION OF MIAMI'S PARK SYSTEM MIAMI'S EARLIEST PARKS At its beginnings, the city of Miami was a farm and market town, surrounded by water and the Everglades. When Henry Flagler extended the Florida East Coast Railroad to Miami in 1896 and built the Royal Palm Hotel on Julia Tuttle's land at the mouth of the Miami River, the history of modern Miami began. The Royal Palm Hotel also began the history of Miami's parks. Early community events were held in the extensive bayfront grounds of the Royal Palm Hotel, making it Miami's first de facto park. Planted with palms and other tropical plants, the park also included a pavilion/band shell, baseball field, and track. By the 192os, the City of Miami had entered into a lease agreement to pay Flagler's company $i.00 per year for public access. The 191os and 192os were boom decades for Miami, as its population grew from approximately 5,50o people in 1910 to 11o,637 in 193o. In addition to these permanent residents, seasonal visitors packed the city's hotels, room- ing houses, and cottages. Miami developed a fledgling park system that both loosely followed and prompted the devel- opment of residential subdivisions. In 19o9, the City pur- chased a tract of land west of downtown near the Miami River with the intent of developing a city recreation area. Lummus Park, named after one of the city's early mayors, became the catalyst for a new neighborhood and, similarly, Mary Brickell desig- nated one of the parcels in her 19ros Riverside subdivision south of the Miami River as a community park, with playing fields and a neighborhood playground (the park no longer exists). Community baseball game on the grounds of the Royal Palm Hotel in 1918. Lummus Park, one of Miami's oldest parks, was built as an early recreation center near downtown. BOTH IMAGES FLORIDA PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION OF THE FLORIDA STATE ARCHIVES MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 23 .Aron MIAMI PARK DEVELOPMENT, 1926 TO THE PRESENT Park Status Key 0 Existing Park ❑ Park No Longer Extant p Proposed Park (Never Built) 0 • Legend , City Boundaries Water River/Stream Highway Secondary Major Street Local Streets Railroad Tracks Proposed Path, 1972 • r let womillm•-• L •• OOP, 0 0 0 0 --O 0 . O.O • 19 Built By 1926 1960-1972 O Existing Park 0 Existing Park ❑ Park No Longer Extant ❑ Park No Longer Extant 1926-1944 p Proposed Park O Existing Park 1972-1982 O Park No Longer Extant 0 Existing Park t Proposed Park ❑ Park No Longer Extant 1944-1960 After 1982 • Existing Park 0 Existing Park • Park No Longer Extant 0 Park No Longer Extant A Proposed Park In addition to active recreation areas, the early park system also included a conservation area. In 1913, a group of citizens led by naturalist Charles Torrey Simpson became alarmed at the rapid loss of Miami's natural landscape and petitioned the City to purchase property south of the Miami River and preserve it in its natural state as a new city park. In 1914, Mary Brickell sold the City 5.5 acres of land along South Miami Avenue for Jungle Park, which was to be left as a remnant of the 24 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum native coastal hammock. In the 192os a beautification group decided to "improve" the park by introducing exotic plant species to the hammock. Fortunately for the naturalists, the 1926 hurricane that devastated Miami provided the oppor- tunity to eliminate all of the exotic species and return Jungle Park (now Simpson Park) to its original condition. By early 1926, the system included II() acres of park land in 36 parks, which ranged from very small open spaces in resi- dential neighborhoods (such as traffic islands) to a large park at the city waterworks site at NW 36th Street and 7th Ave- nue. At least 15 of these parks were located outside of today's city limits, and several of the larger parks no longer exist. Miami faced the loss of its major downtown park when Flagler's company made plans to sell some of the Royal Palm's grounds for development. The City purchased a strip of waterfront land and a pier and in 1924 began to fill in the bay. The City decided that the new 39-acre Bayfront Park should be a beautiful passive downtown retreat that would include a yacht center on the northern end and a community band shell on the southern end. Between these two anchors, the fill was to be richly landscaped with numerous palm trees, shade trees, and shrubs. Additional amenities included winding walkways, bayfront seating, and secluded nooks, such as the Rock Garden and its goldfish pond. Despite construction delays resulting from the 1926 hurricane, Bayfront Park was open to the public by 1927 and soon became the centerpiece of Miami's growing park system. In addition to caring for the city's parks and providing recreation programs, the city's Park Division planted street trees and maintained three city nurser- ies, the largest at Biscayne Park next to the city cemetery. In order to encourage Miami's residents to make their new neighborhoods green- er, the Park Division in the 192os gave away free trees and shrubs for planting on residential property, distributing more than i8,000 plants in 1926 alone. The Park Division that had only five workers before 1922 expanded rapidly over the next four years to include a superintendent, an as- sistant superintendent, five foremen, twelve park tenders, seven truck drivers, four park policemen, four nursery- men, one carpenter, one storekeeper, one stenographer, and 75 to zoo day laborers. In 1926 play supervisors were first hired for most playing fields and playgrounds. Tennis courts at Moore Park —one of Miami's oldest recreational facilities —in 1935 (upper photo). The lower image, from the late 1920s, shows residents and visitors enjoying then -new Bayfront Park's waterfront setting. MIAMI'S EARLIEST PARKS: BEFORE 1926 (OLDER NAME IN PARENTHESES) > Lummus Park-6 acres > Biscayne Park-8 acres > Simpson (Jungle) Park-5.5 acres > Riverside Park (defunct)-3 acres > Roberto Clemente (Wyndwood) Park- 3 acres > Henderson Park-3 acres > Dorsey (City) Park-2 acres > Moore (Waterworks) Park-19 acres > Miami Field (defunct)-15 acres > Royal Palm Park (leased only; defunct) MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 25 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw PARKS CREATED 1926-1944 (OLDER NAME IN PARENTHESES) > Bayfront Park > Athalie Range (Edison Center) Park > Hadley (Manor) Park > Little River Park (defunct) > Morningside Park > Southside Park > Highland Park(defunct) > Shenandoah Park > Armbrister (Grand Avenue) Park > Peacock (Coconut Grove Bayfront) Park > Kirk Munroe (Oak) Park/Tennis Center > Bryan Park > Jorge Mas Canosa (Riverside) Park A 1944 plan promoted creation of a large botanical garden around the City's plant nursery on the South Fork of the Miami River. EXPANSION AND RECREATION Although the 1926 hurricane devastated many parts of Mi- ami and brought an end to overheated real estate specula- tion, the city continued to grow, bringing new parks to new neighborhoods and focusing especially on providing active recreation opportunities for all ages. During the 193os and early 194os, the Park Division built many parks through- out the city, almost all of which included playfields and community centers intended to be used by neighborhood residents of different ages. An ambitious 1944 park improvement plan heavily promoted expansion of existing parks and acquisition of land for new parks. The biggest proposal in the 1944 plan envisioned that the City's nursery property at the current location of Fern Isle Park would become a 64-acre horticultural and botanical gar- den straddling the South Fork of the Miami River. Although the present Fern Isle Park eventually evolved out of this large property, the plans for a "central park" in the form of a large garden center never materialized. Out of 38 park properties pro- posed for improvements in 1944,14 were slated for expansion. In some cases, this involved acquiring a few lots around the park in order to create a new playing field or provide a site for a recreation building, but other plans involved much larger expansions. Plans were also advanced for the development of five new parks from 8 to 29 acres in size, dispersed around the city. Only two of these were actually built: Curtis Park and West End Park (but at less than half of its proposed size). SOURCE MIAMI DIVISION OF PARKS' POSTWAR PLANS IN THE MIAMI METROPOLITAN ARCHIVE 26 II IIII III IIII IIII IIII III IIII IIII IIII III uuuuuuu IIII IIII IIII III uuuuuuu IIII IIII IIII III uuuuuuu IIII IIII IIII IIII III uuuuuuu IIII IIII IIII III uuuuuuu IIII IIII IIII III uuuuuuu IIII IIII IIII III IIII IIII IIII III I SOURCE FLORIDA PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION OF THE FLORIDA STATE ARCHIVES During the 195os, Miami's growth slowed significantly. The pace of park development mirrored this slow -down, and few new parks were built during the 195os. How- ever, the Park Division continued to acquire land for new parks, mostly in the city's growing western neigh- borhoods. The old city nursery at Fern Isle became a much smaller park than originally proposed and the City expanded Morningside and Peacock parks and acquired Watson Island and part of Virginia Key. The focus of the 195os park system was on creating and adding to large neighborhood and citywide park spaces rather than building new, smaller parks in existing and expanding neighborhoods. Miami's 1959 City Master Plan and its 196o recreation plan focused on de- ficiencies within the system by comparing Miami's recreation facilities with national recreation standards that had been developed for the burgeoning suburbs of post -World War II America. According to the master plan, Miami's 642 acres of park and recreation space, which included school grounds, was half the national standard for a city of Miami's size (1,3oo acres). Despite a discussion of Miami's special role as a tourist Mecca that needed "recre- ation facilities —public and private —to entice visitors here who might go else- where," the plan emphasized the need for neighborhood -focused parks within walking distance of residents. Using national standards, the plan found many deficiencies in the number of recreation facilities and recommended collabora- tion with the county Board of Education to allow neighborhood residents to use school playing fields and recreation areas after school hours and on weekends. Maps created for the 196o recreation plan show a lack of playgrounds in all areas of the city, and playfields were noticeably absent in a large portion of West Flagler, Coral Way, Little Havana, and the northern portion of the Upper Eastside. During a ten-year, $io.5 million capital improvement program sparked by the 196o recreation plan, a number of new park properties were added to the system. Many of these were small parks meant to provide neighborhood play facilities, but several larger parks were created in dif- ferent areas of the city. Although land condemnation for the construction of Miami's expressway system presented opportunities for new open space and recreation areas ad- jacent to and under the new highways, the location of these new parks did not meet the 196o plan's criteria for neighborhood locations with good pedestrian access. Almost all of the new parks, however, adhered to the 196o recreation plan's call for the development of active recreation areas. Most provided play - Dupont Plaza parking lots on the bayfront and river, 1955. The City's plan to acquire this underutilized property and create an extension of Bayfront Park never materialized. PARKS CREATED 1944-1960 (OLDER NAME IN PARENTHESES) > Curtis Park > West End Park > Douglas Park > Grapeland Heights Park > Melreese (Le Jeune) Golf Course > Fern Isle > Watson Park (defunct except for Ichimura Japanese Garden) MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 27 ti $39.8 Million Parks for People Bond Issue Up to Miami Voters in Tuesday Ballot PARKS CREATED 1961-1972 (OLDER NAME IN PARENTHESES) > Legion Park > Belle Meade Mini -Park > Oakland Grove Mini - Park > Belafonte-Tacolcy Cen- ter > Range Park#2 (now relocated) > Range Park#3 (closed) > Stearns Park > Magnolia Park > Martell Park > Margaret Pace Park > Juan Pablo Duarte (Al- lapattah Comstock) Park > Range Park#1 > Bicentennial Park (EEC Yards) land acquisition > Wainwright Park (par- tial) > Merrie Christmas Park > Blanche Park > Dinner Key Marina > Virrick Park > Triangle Park > Coral Gate Park Sewell Park Orange Bowl Play- ground Grove Mini -Park Elizabeth Steele Mini -Park Glen Royal Mini -Park Robert King High Park/Carlos Arboleya Campground Flagami Mini -Park (closed) Kinloch Park Bay of Pigs (Flagler Terrace) Mini -Park grounds and playfields for all ages, with the exception of Sewell Park, which was purchased in 1965 with the intent of creating a passive recreation area that would preserve native riverfront vegetation, much as Simpson Park was formed to conserve Miami's natural hammock. PARKS FOR PEOPLE BOND After the successful parks capital improvement program of the i96os, parks advocates sought additional improvements in the system, and in 1972 they backed a $4o million municipal bond that would provide financing for new open space acquisition and recreation improvements. This "Parks for People" bond proposed improvements at over 6o facilities throughout the city and some large projects (several of which will be recognizable to Miamians to- day): a i3-mile FEC Corridor bicycle path connecting to a trail loop in Coconut Grove; a z-mile Riverwalk along the north bank of the Miami River; creation of the bayfront Bicentennial Park; and the purchase of three major properties: the bayfront/riverfront Dupont Plaza parking site, Parcel B, and a site for a large community park in West Flagler. The intent behind the purchase of the two bayfront parcels was to combine them with the existing Bayfront Park and future Bicentennial Park properties to create a continuous "total park" along Biscayne Bay. The bond also proposed the creation of smaller parks, such as six pocket parks in downtown Miami and new neighborhood parks in Al- lapattah, Model City, and Little Haiti. How To Vote FOR Parks for People Pull Lever 19, Top Line, Far Right *do iMltl/ai kttln he iftianti Herato Monday March 13, 1472 5igoihirRlq Reew Mayor, Citizens + x Rally to Program The "Parks for People" bond was passed in March 1972. The most vis- ible result of the bond was the devel- opment of Bicentennial Park, but the bond funds also went to the planning 28 N NN III 1111 1111 1111 III NN NN NN III 1111 1111 1111 III NN NN NN III 1111 1111 1111 III NN NN NN III 1111 1111 1111 III NN NN NN NN III 1111 1111 1111 III NN NN NN III 1111 1111 1111 III NN NN NN III 1111 1111 1111 III NN NN NN III 1111 1111 1111 III and development of two significant neighborhood parks: Jose Marti Park and Alice Wainwright Park (completed under the bond). Monies also went to re- furbish facilities and equipment at most parks in the system. Most of the new facilities were small parks containing neighborhood playgrounds and, in some cases, a playfield. However, many of the Parks for People initiatives remained unrealized or were unsuccessful for a variety of reasons. STABILIZATION AND RETRENCHMENT Municipal financial difficulties in the 198os and 199os led to declining bud- gets and retrenchment for the parks system. A 1982 inventory of Miami's parks and recreation facilities shows that by this time, the park system had essen- tially taken on its current form. Only a few of today's park properties were not in existence then, and most of the newer parks were under two acres in size. The most significant park property developed between 1982 and 2000 is An- tonio Maceo/Blue Lagoon Park (3.65 acres). Although the 196o recreation plan recommended development of a regional park in the Blue Lagoon area, Dade County never chose this site for a new park. NEW ENERGY FOR PARKS IN A NEW CENTURY In 2001, voters approved a $255 million Homeland Defense/ Neighborhood Improvement Bond that included $127 million for parks and recreation improvements in the city of Miami. The capital improvement program was developed without the benefit of a comprehensive vision for the city's park and public space sys- tem because there had been no parks master plan for more than 3o years. However, a set of several major projects accounted for three -fourths of the parks capital improvement program, including initiatives for the city's waterfront parks; Virginia Key; a new park in Little Haiti; major improvements at Jose Marti, Margaret Pace, and Fern Isle parks; development of a soccer complex; and Marine Stadium and Orange Bowl improvements. Almost a quarter of the funds were designated for neighborhood park improvements and acquisition. This backlog of repairs and basic improvements, resulting from years of constrained budgets, became the de facto basis of this part of the capital improvement program. * YOUR HOMELAND DEFENSE/NEIGHBORHOOD ** IMPROVEMENT BOND r DOLLARS AT WORK WILLIAMS PARK INSTALLATION OF PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT. SLABS. SWINGS. AND SITE FURNUSHINGS $lea 000 DC MAYOR MANUEL A. OIAZ CHAIRMAN 4giNOq E.TEE+E. Jq. VICE-CHAIRMAN SANCHM COMMISSIONER ANGEL GOHULEZ COMMISSIONER TOMAS REOALA00 COMMISSIONER�N JONNNYLWIN CHIEF Ana,o MIRISTRATOR The 2004-2005 capital plan provided for a variety of repairs, replacement and improvements at many parks in the system, including Athalie Range; Belafonte-Talcocy; Bryan; Curtis; Duarte; Domino; Jose Marti; Gibson; Hadley; Kennedy; Kinloch; Lemon City; Lummus; Watersports Center; Moore; Reeves; Riverside; Southside; Triangle; Virginia Key Beach; West Buena Vista; West End; and Williams parks. Homeland Defense Bond improvements at Williams Park. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN 111 29 MIT ylIon d RozzliKALOWS Master plan created for the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust. uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw The city's 2oo5-2oo6 Multi -Year Capital Plan includes a parks and recreation fund of $141.3 million, the second largest component of the overall plan, after streets and sidewalks. The major projects in this plan include: • Grapeland Park: remediation of soil contamination; new water theme park; baseball fields; community center; amenities and parking • Little Haiti Park: completely new park with a full range of recreation and cultural programs, including two soccer fields, a recreation building, play- ground, domino park, Vita Course, picnic areas, shelters, splash park • Jose Marti Park: new gymnasium • Fern Isle Park: remediation of soil contamination; new recreation fields and facilities • Athalie Range Park: replacement of baseball/softball fields with a soccer complex • Museum/Bicentennial Park: seawall rehabilitation • Systemwide improvements, including playgrounds, sports fields, landscaping; sports courts; lighting; building renovations; and other site improvements The capital funds also supported the costs of the system master plan and de- tailed master plans for Bicentennial/Museum Park, the Coconut Grove water- front, and Virginia Key. Over the last generation, Miamians have kept alive a vision for continuous pub- lic spaces along the city's waterfronts, a connected baywalk and riverwalk, and a greenway trail along the EEC corridor. The Miami River Commission, created by the state legislature in 1997 to "conduct a comprehensive study and review of res- toration and enhancement of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay," sponsored the Miami River Greenway Action Plan in aooi. A city plan for the EEC Corridor included a bike trail and proposals for neighborhood parks. Established by the City Commission in 2002, the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust has sponsored planning and moved forward on renovating the beach and creating a museum about the history of South Florida's only public beach for African -Americans during the era of segregation. The Trust for Public Land worked with com- munity groups to create the Overtown Greenprint Plan and, more recently, the East Little Havana Greenprint Plan. City officials, representatives of various agencies and nonprofit groups, and many Miami residents brought these vi- sions to the creation of this master plan. VIRGINIA KEY BEACH PARK MASTER SITE PLAN 30 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum THE CITY OF MIAMI PARK SYSTEM TODAY OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF THE PARK SYSTEM Miami's system of public parks and plazas is relatively small for a city of its popula- tion size and density. Moreover, the Miami park system developed without the guid- ance of one of the Olmsted -style master plans that created many of America's best- known municipal park systems between 186o and 193o. These park plans united neighborhood parks, larger citywide parks, and natural areas into integrated systems connected by a network of landscaped parkways, boulevards, riding trails and walk- ing paths. Many such plans were driven by the need to deal with stream flooding and storm drainage, clean up wasteland areas (known today as "brownfields"), and resolve circulation issues. Exemplified by Boston's "Emerald Necklace," and followed in cities as diverse as Baltimore, Minneapolis, Denver and Portland, this networked approach recognizes that the value of individual parks is greatly magnified when they are connected to each other and to every neighborhood in the city. Today, Miami's parks are united by a common administrative system, but they lack the connections that would allow them to function as a physical system, where each piece is connect- ed to the others, and the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Current and Future Trends in Population and Development Since the late 199os, the City of Miami has been experiencing unprecedented development. At the time of the 2000 Census, the population of the city was 2000 Census: City of Miami Population and Median Income by NET Area NET AREA POPULATION HOUSEHOLDS FAMILIES MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME PERCENT HISPANIC PERCENT AFRICAN- AMERICAN WHITE, NON - HISPANIC OTHER, NON - HISPANIC ALLAPATTAH CORAL WAY DOWNTOWN 40,406 12,508 8,224 $19,141.53 72.23% 18.33% 6.89% 2.55% 55,951 21,363 14,105 $37,168.89 81.10% 0.41% 17.28% 1.21% 13,932 6,379 2,633 $38,702.66 64.27% 9.17% 23.08% 3.49% LITTLE HAVANA 49,206 19,341 11,266 $15,213.16 90.08% 3.79% 5.14% 0.96% 38,691 13,896 10,141 $26,641.30 90.08% 1.85% 7.68% 0.36% LITTLE HAITI 29,128 9,368 6,181 $18,887.49 14.74% 64.92% 4.78% 15.56% MODEL CITY 23,009 7,772 5,428 $18,809.87 3.04% 94.69% 0.59% 1.68% 9,812 5,113 2,221 $63,617.82 35.24% 2.25% 60.96% 1.55% 10,029 3,646 2,128 $13,211.99 19.90% 74.77% 3.27% 2.05% S.W. GROVE 9,141 3,477 2,082 $67,063.36 14.80% 48.27% 35.27% 1.66% 15,056 6,263 3,167 $35,196.16 28.60% 40.10% 25.09% 6.21% WEST FLAG LER 41,012 14,810 10,490 $26,176.70 90.73% 1.15% 7.61% 0.49% WYNWOOD 14,819 6,221 2,987 $11,293.93 58.51% 17.51% 21.55% 2.42% 350,192 Source: City of Miami Planning Department, based on US Census FLAGAMI N.E. GROVE OVERTOWN UPPER EASTSIDE MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 31 West Little / 1,224 5,7 Downtown 42,262 _ -r5.d 0vertown J �` 3,405 1111 1111 III 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 III 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 auuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuua 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 auuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuua 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 III 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 II EXISTING AND PROJECTED HOUSING UNITS BY NET AREA EXISTING UNITS IN 2000 NET Area (Census 2000 housing units) Under 5,000 housing units 5,000-9,999 housing units .10,000-19,999 housing units Above 20,000 housing units ire -- ILittle ir1 Upper Haiti I East Side I Model 10,952 27,035 j City 9,028 1 I Allapattah WYnwood 7,089 -- 13522,Edgewater Flagami 0vertown I ;_' 16 129 4,148 1 West Little fIF Flagler Havana 15,180 22,290 Coral Way 23,104 -_ ki North/East Coconut Grove „ 5,974 South/West ` ?may,, Coconut Grove /3,782 PROJECTED NEW UNITS AS OF2006 (BUILT, PERMITTED, OR PROPOSED) NET Area (Census 2000 housing units) Under 5,000 housing units 5,000-9,999 housing units 10,000-19,999 housing units 20,000-29,999 housing units Above 30,000 housing units I r Little Haiti i Model 1,677 1 City 295 1 IAllapattah WYnwood/ 11583 1 5 097 I Edgewater Flagami 8,667 -" f Flagler 9 Havana ri ICoralWay 4.200 .- North/East Coconut Grove 909 EXISTING + PROJECTED UNITS, AS OF 2006 NET Area (Census 2000 housing units) Under 5,000 housing units 5,000-9,999 housing units I10,000-19,999 housing units 20,000-29,999 housing units Above 30,000 housing units v4'' South/West Coconut Grove 3.; 1 IAllapattah 18,619 Flagami 24,796 West % Flagler 16,404 Model f City 9,323 % r Wynwood/ 18,672 Edgewater 11■l' Little Upper Haiti East Side 12,829 12,223 0vertown 8,153 Little Havana 28.177 Coral Way 27,304 North/East Coconut Grove 6,964 Downtown 50,666 a f approximately 360,00o and has been estimated at 384,000 in 2005. De- tailed population by neighborhood is available only for 2000. Since the 2000 Census, many new housing units have been built, permit- ted or proposed. If all of these units are completed and occupied, there will be a very significant increase in the number of residents in downtown, Wynwood-Edgewater, and neighbor- hoods near the Miami River. Even if some of these residents are seasonal, these neighborhoods will contain many more people. Income and Poverty Although Miami's growth has brought investment and new residents, the city still has a high proportion of low-in- come residents. The 2000 Census re- ported that the City of Miami had the nation's highest poverty rate; in 2oo4 it had the lowest median income for cities with 250,00o people or more, and in 2006, Census estimates ranked the city as the third -poorest in its size category. Whatever the city's standing, it is clear that it remains a place where many households and families survive on low incomes. The Challenge for Miami's System of Parks and Public Spaces Miami's system of parks, public spaces, and recreation programs faces com- plex challenges. The city's resurgent economy and the changing face of downtown have revived the focus on creating signature parks and public spaces along the waterfront and advanc- ing the Riverwalk and Baywalk. There 32 CITY OF MIAMI PARK SYSTEM West Flagler Legend City Boundaries , NET Areas Water River/Stream Highway Secondary Major Street Local Streets - Railroad Tracks — Transit Network City Park (smaller than 1 acre) County Park (smaller than 1 acre) City Park Property County Park Property State Park Property Cemetery — Existing Linear Parks lagami ~ w Little Havana Coral Way li rthIEast Coconut Grove Upper East Sid J rrwood/Edgewat er VIRGINIA KEY MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 33 ACREAGE 684.92 10.00 98.50 6.00 82.50 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw is new demand for park and recreation opportunities for both young families and households without children. At the same time, the system must continue to serve the core of its constituency in recent years, children and families in less affluent parts of the city. TYPE OF PARK Community, neighborhood, mini, plazas, golf course, waterfront City cemetery Picnic/Spoil islands Watson Island future public park Virginia Key historic beach 881.92 TOTAL Private developments, such as Wachovia Plaza downtown, provide attractive open spaces as part of the public realm. CITY PARK LANDS To ascertain the precise total acreage of park land owned or man- aged by the Department of Parks and Recreation would require land surveys, which were not part of the present study. Some documents set the park acreage at over T,000 acres by including all of Virginia Key's 486-plus acres as park land. In fact, the De- partment of Parks and Recreation manages the beach and nature areas on Virginia Key, which comprise somewhat more than 8o acres. A conservative inventory, based on city acreage figures for individual parks, appears in the chart at left. The State of Florida and Dade County also own some park and open space land. The state owns The Barnacle historic site, which contains approximately 4o acres. County -owned park properties within the city limits include: • Vizcaya Museum, which has ten acres of gardens and a coastal hammock • Miami Museum of Science Wildlife Center, with 3 acres • Alonzo Kelly Park, a mini -park in Liberty City, with less than an acre • Government Center Park, adjacent to the Miami -Dade Stephen P. Clarke Government Center in downtown Miami • Miami -Dade County Auditorium, which is on 9 acres of land (including parking lots) • 35 acres on Rickenbacker Causeway (some of which is outside the city limits) If all of the properties owned by city, county and state park agencies are includ- ed, there are approximately z,000 acres of park properties in the City of Miami. There are additional open space areas in the city that are not parks or managed by a park agency, including open space associated with transportation and other infrastructure (such as the M-Path, highway verges) and building plazas (such as Wachovia Plaza downtown). Citywide Level -of -Service Issues From the mid -twentieth century, park systems have typically been judged on the basis of the number of acres per T,000 population in a system developed by the National Recreation 34 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum and Parks Association and focused primarily on newly developed areas, rather than existing urban environments. Compared to many other high -density cit- ies, Miami has low park acreage per i,000 residents. In a 2oo3 study by Peter Harnik, The Trust for Public Land examined twelve high -density cities and found that Miami's parks system fell behind eleven cit- ies in park acreage per capita and percent of city area devoted to parks.' With a 2000 population of 362,47o and an area of 22,83o acres, the smallest population and land area of the cities studied, Miami was listed as having approximately ',roc) acres of park land at the time of the study, including park land owned by the County and other public entities. (The acreage number was based on ap- proximate information.) This translates to a ratio of about 3 acres of park land per r,000 persons, which places Miami at the bottom of the cities studied. The average among the study cities is 8.025 acres per r,000 persons. If two cities with exceptionally large amounts of open space (Minneapolis and Washington, D.C.) are removed from the computation, the average among the remaining ten cities is 6.8 acres per r,000 persons, a figure that is Epp still more than double Miami's acreage. About 5 percent of Miami's total land area, 22,83o acres, is devoted to park land.2 The average among high -density cities is 13.1 percent of total land area, putting Miami again at the bottom of the list of twelve high -density cities. As the inadequacy of this very general rule of thumb has become obvious, emphasis is increasingly being focused on the provision of a distributed hierarchy of park types to popu- lation groupings and the ability of residents to get to park land. Large parks on the perimeter of a city may provide a level of service that seems good on a citywide basis, but if significant numbers of the population cannot get to them easily, or can visit only infrequently, these parks do not serve the population well. Access to Parks Good access depends on two fundamental characteristics: location and ease of mobility to the location. In Miami, parks are not equally distributed around the city, particularly taking into account population in different areas. Certain parts of Miami are very underserved, especially parts of the West Flagler, Coral Way, and Flagami NET Areas. Most people are willing to walk a quarter mile to a desired destination, and many will walk a half mile. The park access map (page 14) shows quarter -mile and half -mile radii around city -owned parks, both large and small. The deep yellow portions of the map lie outside a half -mile radius of Peter Harnik, The Excellent City Park System (Washington, DC: The Trust for Public Land, 2003), Appendices III, IV. 2 This also includes all park land within the city owned by another entity. New construction is changing the face of Miami. With greater density comes the need for neighborhood open spaces. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 35 PARK ACCESS Flagami West Flagler SouthWest Cocon Grove Little Havana Coral Way • City Boundaries NET Areas Areas within 1/4-112 mile radius of park Areas with no parks within 1/2 mile City Park (smaller than 1 acre) County Park (smaller than 1 acre) City Park Property County Park Property State Park Property Water River/Stream Highway Secondary Major Street Local Streets Railroad Tracks Transit Network WyriwoodIE dgewater Downtown any city park and the inner edges of the pale yellow rings show the quar- ter -mile radius around parks. The distance radii do not tell the whole story, however. In many cases, these radii contain very significant barriers to access. If a resident needs to walk on unshaded sidewalks along heavily traveled streets, must cross without signals or crosswalks, must pass through a gatehouse, or needs to detour to cross the river —then the access shown on the map is effectively and significantly compromised. 36 II 1111 III 1111 1111 1111 III 1111 1111 1111 III uuuuuuu 1111 1111 1111 III uuuuuuu 1111 1111 1111 III uuuuuuu 1111 1111 1111 1111 III uuuuuuu 1111 1111 1111 III uuuuuuu 1111 1111 1111 III uuuuuuu 1111 1111 1111 III 1111 1111 1111 III I Access for children and seniors Park access is particularly important for children and senior citizens. Safe walking and bicycle routes to nearby parks widen opportunities for children to engage in organized recreational activi- ties and free play. Parks provide seniors with opportunities for health -enhancing exercise, socializing, and recreational activities. The Park Access for Children and Seniors maps show the relationship between park -access radii and the per- centage of children, youth, and seniors in census tracts at the time of the 2000 Census. Although these data provide a snapshot of areas where these age groups are more or less present, the rapidly changing nature of Miami's demograph- ics means that these maps may look quite different after the 20I0 census. PARK ACCESS, PARK FACILITIES, AND DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS In creating the population and access maps, we used the best available popula- tion data at the neighborhood level, which is still census data from 2000. However, information on development trends, pre- sented earlier, makes it clear that Miami's population numbers and composition are very dynamic, matching the real estate environment. Miami's changing demo- graphics and incomes will bring both new demands and new opportunities for parks, recreation, and public spaces. New development and areas of high residential density At the time of the 2000 Census, the Little Havana NET Area had the high- est population density in the city, with 4o or more people per acre. Moreover, because this neighborhood has many PARK ACCESS FOR CHILDREN AND SENIORS BY 2000 CENSUS TRACT UNDER 5 YEARS OLD Park Access Areas ® 1/4 Mile Radius .21 1/2 Mile Radius Percent of the Population Under 5 Years of Age Under 5% 5-10% 10-15% .1,1N191M111 Perk Access Areas Q 1/4 Mile Radius --- 1/2 Mile Radius Percent arm Papuan 0•.n Ages 5-17 Under 10% 10-20% 20-30% 30.40% Paris Access Areas 1/4 Mile Radius 1/2 Mile Radius Percent or the Popuatlon 65 and Older Under 10% El 10-2514 ® 20-30% Mt 30-40% MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 37 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw recent immigrants, it is likely that the population was undercounted and popula- tion density may be even higher. With the construction of significant numbers of high-rise apartment units downtown, along the Miami River, at Midtown Miami, and in parts of Edgewater and the Upper Eastside, however, by the time of the next census these neighborhoods will have much higher densities than they do now. New higher -density, multifamily development is also under way for sites in other parts of the city, including Little Havana. This new development will produce substantial new demand for parks and public open space, but clear projections are difficult because of a number of uncertainties about the number and types of households that will occupy those units. Several factors are likely to influence the demand for parks: • Most of the units are designed for small households. Although there will undoubtedly be some families in these buildings, the majority of the units are likely to occupied by single persons or couples. The Miami -Dade School District uses o.25 children per high rise unit as a rule of thumb. • A substantial number of the units are likely to be occupied seasonally. This means that the demand for parks from North American and European resi- dents is likely to be higher between November and March. Residential patterns of part-time residents from Latin America are less likely to be directly seasonal. • Most high-rise luxury developments include on -site recreational facilities such as swimming pools, exercise facilities, and gardens. • In some neighborhoods, such as Little Havana, increases in the density of housing units may not affect overall population density because the average household size in the new units will likely be smaller than in current hous- ing. New development may yield higher densities in other Miami neighbor- hoods as immigrants and others seek more affordable housing. Taking these factors into account, we can expect that most of the demand for parks, recreational facilities, and public spaces resulting from new city residents in high-rise buildings will be for green open space to contrast with higher neighborhood densities and for adult activities rather than for youth recreational programs. Opportunities for safe walking and running; areas for informal play, such as with Frisbees; rentals of canoes, kayaks, and other water sports equipment such as sailfish; areas for off -leash dogs; and similar self -or- ganized recreational activities are likely to be of interest. Some new residents may also add to the pool of adults interested in tennis, soccer and rugby, soft- ball, and other games —whether pickup matches or in organized leagues. In many cases, the kinds of demand for parks and recreation that can be expected from residents of the new high-rise neighborhoods are completely congruent with the interests expressed by Miami's current residents in the master plan survey. 38 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum Generational turnover Another demographic change that appears to be occurring is the generational turn- over in some single -family -home neighborhoods. Census tracts that showed high numbers of senior citizens in the 2000 Census, such as many parts of the West Flagler and Flagami NET Areas, are beginning to see younger families moving in. Although these NET Areas are not as densely populated as, for example, Little Havana, from an access point of view they are among the most underserved in the entire city. As younger families move in, demand will grow for walk -to parks with children's play areas. Although many families in these neighborhoods elect to pay for recreational programs in nearby Coral Gables, more children in these neighbor- hoods will likely increase demand for the City's youth recreation programs. Incomes and parks, recreation, and public spaces The residents of Miami's new luxury condominium towers and other new development with higher -than -average incomes will look to the park system for adult recreational opportunities and green open spaces, but Miami's large population of moderate- and low-income households will continue to need the youth -oriented park and recreation programs that have been the City's focus. Adolescents and seniors, who are currently underserved, will also remain an important constituency for park and recreation activities. MIAMI COMPARED TO OTHER CITIES For decades, Miami has served a larger population in a smaller area than compa- rable Florida cities. Miami was compared with four other waterfront, tourist -ori- ented cities, three in Florida and Honolulu, Hawaii. Although one of the small- est cities in this group, at 35.7 square miles, Miami has the largest population and double the population density of the next closest city, with 10,153 people per square mile. Miami is also more culturally diverse than the other cities, accord- ing to 2000 Census data showing the population as 66% Hispanic or Latino (of any race) and 22% African -American. Although rich in diversity and culture, Miami has the highest level of unemployment (rr.7%), the greatest percentage of population under the poverty line (28.5%), and the lowest median annual house- hold income ($23,483) of the benchmark cities. The residents of the city not only CITY 1999 2000 POPULATION 2000 2000 % BELOW 1999 MEDIAN 2000 2004 2000 LAND DENSITY (PER SO. % AFRICAN- % HISPANIC POVERTY HOUSEHOLD % UNEM- POPULATION (SQ. MILE) MILE) AMERICAN OR LATINO LINE INCOME PLOYMENT FORT LAUDERDALE 164,578 33.0 4,618 28.9% 9.5% 17.7% $37,887 3.9% HONOLULU 378,155 85.7 4,337 1.6% 4.4% 11.8% $45,112 5.9% MIAMI 379,724 35.7 10,153 22.3% 65.8% 28.5% wb $23'483 11.7% ST.PETERSBURG 249,090 59.6 4,165 22.4% 4.2% 13.3% $34,597 5.2% TAMPA 321,772 112.2 2,707 26.1% 19.3% 18.1% $34,415 8.6% MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 39 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw have a great need for the services and activities provided by the Depai nent of Parks and Recreation, but these needs are fairly wide-ranging due to the breadth of economic and cultural backgrounds within the community. DESIGN, FUNCTION AND CONDITION OF MIAMI'S PARKS Every Miami park was visited during the preparation of this master plan, and the condition and functionality of the parks varied considerably. The plan was prepared over the course of a year with several destructive hurricanes, but the impact of the hurricanes was separated from other park conditions. In addi- tion, the capital improvement program funded by the Homeland Defense/ Neighborhood Improvements Bond was under way and some programmed improvements had not yet been implemented when some parks were visited. Given the challenging budget and staffing conditions that have faced the park system for many years, however, it is not surprising that an informal "triage" system seems to have been in place, and under that system design issues have often been neglected. Most parks receive a basic level of maintenance and care, with more resources focused on the larger, staffed parks that serve more people. A few parks that have been transferred to the Department of Parks and Recreation over the years —notably those created as part of public housing proj- ects, such as Athalie Range Park #2 near Village Homes and Rainbow Village Park —appear to receive almost no care. Piecemeal park improvements made in recent years were often carried out without careful consideration of overall park design or functionality. For example, Vita Course installations in some parks are clustered in one spot rather than ranged along a route around or in the park. Similarly, new handicapped -accessible play structures or other facilities are not connected to accessible paths. USE OF PARK LAND FOR NON -PARK ACTIVITIES Miami's financial difficulties in the last two decades exacerbated the tendency common to many municipalities to look at park land as "free" land for municipal buildings and other activities. Miami's relatively small amount of park land has been diminished over the years by the siting of buildings for other municipal uses as well as other activities. Listed below are land and buildings nominally under control of the Depa' Lment of Parks and Recreation but partially or fully occupied by other municipal depa' Linents or activities: • Shenandoah Park (day care, library, temporary fire station) • Gibson Park (library) • Athalie Range Park (library) • Range Park #2/Victory Homes (Head Start building) • Police Simulator Site • Flagami Mini -Park (used as community parking) 40 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum • Orange Bowl Playground (parking) • Virrick Gym (storage) • Miami River Rapids Mini -Park (leased to a home for troubled adolescents and not open to the public) • Moore Park (day care) • Eaton Park (day care) • Lemon City Park (day care) • Fort Dallas Park (historic building) • Lummus Park (historic buildings and police horse stables) • Carlos Arboleya Campground (police maneuvers) • Brickell Park (temporary use as construction staging area) • Martell Park (temporary use as construction staging area) • Curtis Park (Allapattah NET Area office) • Peacock Park (N/E Coconut Grove NET Area office) • Roberto Clemente Park (Wynwood/Edgewater NET Area office) • Legion Park (Upper Eastside NET Area office) Proposals for additional non -park uses • Shenandoah Park (permanent fire station) • Virrick Park (branch library) ADDITIONAL PUBLIC SPACES IN MIAMI In addition to formal parks and recreation areas, Miami's public realm includes a variety of other spaces open to public use. Some of these are publicly owned, while others are privately owned but open to the public —for example, building plazas and segments of the Miami Riverwalk that are required for public access in zoning but remain privately owned. In downtown Miami and Brickell there are a number of public plazas associated with office buildings, such as the Wacho- via Bank plaza; with institutions, such as the Miami -Dade College Wolfson Campus plaza; and with government agencies, such as the Government Center plaza and the Cultural Center plaza. On Brickell Avenue, many of the high-rise banks, of- fice buildings, and hotels have plazas and wide sidewalks. The new Mary Brickell Village retail development includes gener- ous plaza space. Private plazas along Brickell Avenue enhance the city's public spaces. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 41 The Plaza de la Com- munidad design protects users from the impact of a high -traffic intersection, but it needs updating. The Cuban Memorial Plaza and walkway (far right) needs marked pedestrian crossings or raised inter- sections to make it safer for pedestrians. The Latin Quarter Plaza connects neighborhoods to the lively activity of Domino Park and Calle Ocho (SW8th Street). uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw Some downtown plazas are successful, attracting office workers and others at lunchtime, and they presumably will continue to attract more use from visitors and residents as downtown Miami continues to develop. The success- ful plazas tend to adhere to well-known principles of good design, management, and programming for public places: they are accessible, provide visibility and security, have comfortable places to sit, are clean and cared for, and provide attractive amenities or activities. Others have not been successful because they do not adhere to one or more of these basic principles. On Brickell Avenue, nonresiden- tial buildings tend to function as fortresses, each sited on a plaza disconnected from its neighbors. With additional residents in new high rises in the Brickell Village area and the increasing presence of ground -floor uses like restaurants, the value of a continuous, pedestrian -friendly expanse of plazas along Brickell Avenue will become more obvious. Outside of downtown, most plazas tend to be associated with privately -owned retail development. However, the many Miami residents of Latin American origin are ac- customed to the social uses of public plazas —that is, defined areas that are predomi- nantly paved, surrounded on at least two sides by structures and including amenities such as trees and shrubs in planters, seating areas, and water features. A successful example is the Latin Quarter Plaza at SW 8th Street and i5th Avenue, next to Domino Park. A few other parks also contain plaza -like spaces. The Cuban Memorial Plaza and walkway in the median of SW i3th Avenue south of SW 8th Street is less suc- cessful because it does not provide well for pedestrian crossing of intersections. The Plaza de la Cubanidad, on SW i7th Street, also needs updating and improvements to make it more inviting. As demonstrated in the master plan survey's results, there is great demand for gathering spaces, such as large picnic areas and shelters, where residents can enjoy themselves informally with large groups of family and friends. uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum CITY PARKS AS PART OF A REGIONAL SYSTEM Miami parks function as a system for administrative purposes, but they lack the physical connections to function as a physical system. In a true system, each park would be part of an interconnected and recognizable whole —a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Likewise, while there are parks and greenway trails in surrounding communities, a few of which extend into the City of Miami, there is little continuity and connection to the city's parks. EXISTING TRAILS AND GREENWAYS The Riverwalk and Miami River Greenway The Riverwalk concept dates at least to the 1972 Parks for People effort. The 200I Miami River Greenway Action Plana serves to guide ongoing implementation efforts and has been updated twice, most recently in February 2005. As part of the action plan, existing conditions along the river were mapped, and these uses, along with user groups, were defined as a series of "greenway themes": • The river is home to a diverse, mul- ticultural population. • It is a working river whose business- es handle 2 million tons of cargo every year and collectively serve as one of the largest employers in downtown Miami. • The river is a potential destination landscape for tourism. • It is an important environmental resource at risk from pollution and overdevelopment. • It is an economic resource, the improvement of which will catalyze develop- ment of residential, commercial, and retail development in adjacent neigh- borhoods. • And finally, the river is part of the city's heritage as a focus of human activity for more than 2,00o years. The city requires a 50-foot setback to accommodate the Riverwalk for all develop- ment along the river up to the 5th Street Bridge. Design standards and guide- lines have been prepared for the Riverwalk to promote design continuity. The City and the Miami River Commission promote and oversee implementation of the Riverwalk. Substantial segments exist or are under construction downtown; 3 Sponsored by the Miami River Commission and prepared by the Trust for Public Land and Greenways, Inc. The Miami River is a major environmental, economic, and recreational resource. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 43 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw where new development is under way elsewhere along the river, and at public lo- cations like Curtis Park. The Greenway concept also includes on -road segments, many of which have seen improvements downtown and in Little Havana. The Baywalk Like the Riverwalk, the Baywalk has been the subject of planning and discus- sion for decades. Conceived as a continuous pedestrian corridor along the waterfront, many segments, such as the promenade at Bayfront Park and a waterfront walkway at Margaret Pace Park, already exist. Other areas, such as Bicentennial/Museum Park, are currently being redesigned to accommodate the Baywalk, including a connector across the boat slip to Parcel B east of American Airlines Arena that will link the entire downtown waterfront. A critical connec- tion between the Baywalk and the Riverwalk/Greenway is being developed as new mixed -use construction continues at the mouth of the Miami River. The Commodore Trail The Commodore Trail was named after Commodore Ralph Munroe, a Coconut Grove pioneer whose home, The Barnacle, is now a state historic site. It already exists in the form of sidewalks, pathways, and on -road bike lanes in a variety of conditions, and residents have been pushing for several years to advance trail upgrades. The trail begins in the south at Cocoaplum circle (the end of the Old Cutler Road Bike Path) and extends to the intersection of Miami and Brickell avenues. From there, cyclists can continue across the Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne. The trail is probably the most heavily -used bike route and jogging path in Miami, connecting all the waterfront parks and civic features in Coconut Grove and already connecting fairly easily with neighboring com- munities. A concept plan detailing proposed improvements was completed in March 2004. The M-Path The M-Path is an existing paved bicycle/pedestrian path that follows portions of the Metrorail right-of-way. It provides a neighborhood pedestrian connection to the Metrorail stations, and serves as a green landscaped buffer to Route I. Its functionality as a long-distance bike trail is limited by a large number of street crossings and the fact that it dead -ends at the Miami River. In addition, resi- dents report concerns about maintenance, poor lighting, and lack of "eyes on the street" to enhance security. 44 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum As important as these growing greenway links are to the future of the Miami park system, they are only part of a larger potential network extending through- out the city. This citywide system of parks and greenways could in turn be linked to greenways in neighboring communities to create a regional system that would rival any in the world. CITY PARKS AS PART OF A NATURAL SYSTEM In a little over Too years, Miami has been transformed from a city with "too much nature," to one where nature has been marginalized. For much of its early history, the wilderness surrounding Miami was treated as an obstacle to progress: the Everglades needed to be filled in and tamed as soon as pos- sible so that the city could grow and prosper. The dynamiting of the Miami Rapids and conversion of the Miami River from a free -flowing bayou to a shipping and drainage canal sym- bolizes this approach, and is part of the larger tale of the development of South Florida. Today, however, Miami may be unique among American cities, with a con- tinuous urban grid surrounded by near -wilderness, protected as the Everglades and Biscayne national parks. From the "river of grass" at the west to the shining waters of Biscayne Bay at the east, these dramatic contrasts have always been an important part of the image of Miami, celebrated in postcard views of the skyline from the bay and alligators swimming in the Everglades. It is a theme that can and should be celebrated throughout the park system. While nature can be most readily found at the edges of the city, some natural systems survive within Miami. The most significant remaining natural systems follow the waterways that connect the Everglades to Biscayne Bay. The best- known of these, the Miami River, has been well documented as habitat for the manatee, and is a key link uniting remaining natural areas from Biscayne Bay to Palmer Lake. Branching off the Miami River, the Tamiami Canal connects an even larger collection of natural sites, from Fern Isle Park to the Blue Lagoon Ponds. At the northern border of the city, the Little River has quietly avoided the extensive development that lines the banks of the Miami River and, while bordered by homes, is wrapped for much of its length in a thick growth of vegetation. The city is not far from the natural world of the Everglades. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 45 The City is working to restore the native plant community in Virginia Key's conservation area. uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw NATURAL AREAS IN CITY PARKS Several city parks have conservation areas designated for preservation of Miami's natural landscape: Simpson Park and Nature Center, Wainwright Park, and the Virginia Key Nature Area and Trail. Simpson is the only park given over entirely to nature. Set aside in 1913 to preserve a small piece of the hardwood hammock that was fast disappearing from Miami and originally called Jungle Park, it was later renamed in honor of conservationist Dr. Charles Torrey Simpson. It has endured ups and downs over the years (including the hurricanes of aoo5) but is now one of two parks that are the focus of the City's efforts to restore natural ecosystems. The other large restoration project has been on Virginia Key. There, the City's parks naturalist and his staff have been removing Australian pine and other invasive species and restoring the native plant community. This conservation area includes examples of all three South Florida ecosys- tems —coastal hammock, dunes, and mangroves —and is home to several endangered plant species, such as the beach star and Biscayne prickly -ash. An interpretive trail provides education about Miami's native ecosystems, as well as a practical primer on restoration techniques. On a smaller scale, Miami -Dade County's Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) has been actively restoring native plants on the spoil islands and working to preserve the sea grass beds in Biscayne Bay. Many of the other city parks, especially those along the riv- ers or the bay, include significant natural areas. Along the Miami River, Sewell Park and Fern Isle Park both contain a mix of large and small trees and ground covers —though both also include introduced exotic species. Upstream from Fern Isle Park along the South Fork of the Miami River, the Tamiami Canal borders the Melreese Golf Course, which has extensive grasslands and wetland habitat. Continuing west along the same water system, Robert King High Park and the adjacent Carlos Arboleya Campground contain some significant natural areas along their edges. Along Biscayne Bay, several parks retain some natural landscape, includ- ing mangroves. These include Morningside Park in the Upper Eastside and Kennedy Park in Coconut Grove. Each of these parks has a long history of multi- ple uses in which nature tends to get squeezed out, but each also presents many opportunities to include restoration of natural areas in future enhancements. uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum URBAN WILDS Small pockets of "urban wilderness" can be found throughout the city, includ- ing vacant lots, rail corridors, and neighborhood drainage corridors. Often comprising leftover spaces around the edges of larger properties and public institutions, these areas are some- times in a mix of public and private ownership and often are not big enough or continuous enough to use for development or parking lots. One substantial area includes the grass surfaces surrounding the airport run- ways and service roads. Other natural zones often overlooked are the exten- sive highway medians and embank- ments along the interstate highways that traverse the city. These areas form a network connecting the bay to the in- terior, and intersect and parallel the river and canal corridors. Largely free from human disturbance —except for the cars that run through them —they contain many wetlands and drainage areas that have grown up with natural vegetation. Finally, thousands of street trees create, in many areas of the city, a continuous canopy of vegetation that provides rich habitat for a range of animal life. Protect- ing and expanding this "urban forest" is a simple way to bring many native species back to the city, as well as provide shelter for many that are just passing through. PARK CATEGORIES AND TYPES The purpose and value of creating a hierarchy of different park categories is to assist in planning, design, and maintenance of parks. Different types of parks can provide green space, facilities, and programs to different population group- ings and users. The Department of Parks and Recreation currently categorizes parks as community, neighborhood, mini, and specialized parks, following common practice among park and recreation professionals. Although size and facilities are among the criteria for assignment to specific categories, there is some inconsistency in the way that parks are assigned to categories in park documents, and the usefulness of this hierarchy and the park assignments is questionable. At the same time, the City's new impact fee ordinance uses dif- ferent criteria to separate the parks subject to development impacts that can be eligible for funding from impact fees. The grassy areas around the airport are among the "urban wilds" that can contribute to a network of natural places in Miami. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 47 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw CURRENT PARK CATEGORIES Community Parks Twenty-one parks fall in this category, and most have on -site managers and offer active recreation and computer access programs for children and adults ("eParks"). Ten of these parks have swimming pools. One is the Virrick Gym/ Bayshore Gym that is rented to the Shake -a -Leg youth sailing program. They range in size from the 3-acre Belafonte-Talcolcy Park to 42-acre Morningside Park, though most are among the larger recreational parks in the system. Neighborhood Parks Twenty-one parks are classified as neighborhood parks, ranging in size from o.3 acres at the Coconut Grove Tennis Courts to 8.41-acre Fern Isle Park. Almost all of these parks have at least a play structure for children, though most have at least one other recreational resource as well, such as a basketball court. Mini -Parks Twenty-eight parks are classified as mini -parks, but not all of these are main- tained or open for public use. Many mini -parks have play structures for chil- dren, but some are passive green spaces. Two are closed, four are not main- tained by the city, and two function as median strips. They range in size from o.rr acres at Range Park #r to the 5.4-acre Stearns Park. Specialized Parks The remainder are categorized as "specialized parks," with the following sub- categories: • Dog Parks: 2 (portions of Kennedy and Blanche parks) • Nature Parks: 8. These include the three city parks with conservation land, Sewell, Simpson, and Wainwright; the spoil islands known as "Picnic Islands" off Dinner Key and off Pace, Legion, and Morningside parks; David Kennedy Park; and Antonio Maceo/Blue Lagoon Park. Brickell Park is also sometimes classified as a nature park. Brickell, Kennedy, and Antonio Maceo parks appear to have been designated as nature parks because they do not have active recreation, but other parks that are also passive parks, such as Baywood Park, do not appear as nature parks. • Special Use Parks: 7 properties, most which are under the control of other entities. These are the Police Simulator Site, which does not function in any way as a park; Allen Morris (AMCO) Park, which is managed by the abut- ting Perricone's restaurant; Bayfront Park, managed by the Bayfront Trust; 48 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum Bicentennial Park, being planned by the City's Planning Department as Museum Park; Paul S. Walker/Flagler Street Park downtown, a passive park with a sculpture; Miami River Rapids Park, leased to a youth -development program; and Watson Island, which includes the small Ichimura Japanese Garden (managed by the Department of Parks and Recreation) and which will have an approximately 6-acre public park as part of a planned resort and mega -yacht development. IMPACT FEE ORDINANCE CATEGORIES For the purposes of the City's recently enacted change in impact fees assessed on residential development, certain parks and facilities are characterized as "citywide" and eligible to receive impact funds for improvements related to de- velopment impacts. The criteria used to designate "citywide parks" are that they be at least 3 acres in size and include active recreation facilities and/or build- ings with recreation programs. The waterfront parks, including trails linking waterfront parks, the city swimming pools, and future gymnasiums, were also designated in the impact fee ordinance as facilities serving a citywide constitu- ency and are therefore eligible for impact fee improvements. A total of 4o parks and pools are included in the "citywide" category: 21 community parks, 8 neighborhood parks, 4 nature parks, and 7 waterfront parks. The designation of what constitutes a "waterfront park" seems somewhat arbitrary, including as it does Antonio Maceo, Bayfront, Bicentennial/Museum, Kennedy, Myers, Virginia Key and Watson Island, but not Peacock, Wainwright, Morningside, Legion, or other parks located on Biscayne Bay or the Miami River. However, these parks are designated as "citywide parks." PARK SYSTEM MANAGEMENT The Department of Parks and Recreation has endured many years of tight and reduced budgets. Meanwhile, its responsibilities increased through the acquisi- tion of land and demands on its staff to support other City initiatives. The de- partment staff made do with limited resources, but programs and services were strained. Fortunately, in recent years the City's circumstances have improved considerably. Since 2003 the department has been under the leadership of a new director, and its annual budget has increased from approximately $ir mil- lion to $18 million. With these changes, new management practices will call for staff members to be more professional, accountable, and proactive in resolving problems. In addition, the City's improved circumstances allow for a redefini- tion of level -of -service standards to match citizens' desires and expectations. The strengths of the Department of Parks and Recreation include new leadership MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 49 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw with a focused mission statement, a dedicated staff committed to serving Miami residents, and improved technology. After many challenging years, the depart- ment can point to many recent accomplishments: Operations, facilities, and programs • New free programs, including eParks, which makes computers available to the community • New or expanded programs; more quality special events in parks; expanded programs for seniors • New or renovated facilities: indoor buildings, gym, and theater; state-of-the-art physical improvements to keep up with trends; shade structures; new rowing facility on Virginia Key, poured -in -place surfaces versus sand in playgrounds • New accessibility equipment (wheelchairs) • New restoration program for the natural environment on Virginia Key • Management of golf course operations at Melreese Golf Course Service delivery and communications • New director with open-door policy • Increased operating budget with a lesser percentage devoted to staff salaries • Increased production of a program guide from oncce a year to 3-4 times per year • Upgraded depa' llnent Web page • Increased frequency of staff meetings to twice monthly with directors, divi- sion heads, senior staff • Employee newsletter and employee -of -the -month recognition • New logo, mission statement, and department slogan • New, consistent signage in parks with new image • Progress toward performance measurements Support Services • New staff, including public relations and information technology positions • Technology for park managers, providing computers, e-mail, printing, and copying capabilities If we compare Miami to Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Saint Petersburg, and Hono- lulu in 2oo4, Miami's Department of Parks and Recreation served the largest population but had the smallest annual budget ($11.85 million). Miami had a budget of $31 per resident, compared to the other cities, which had an average per capita budget of $13o. A comparable budget for Miami's estimated 2005 population of 384,000 would be $49,920,000, a little more than Tampa's 2oo4 budget. Moreover, in comparison to the other cities, the department brings in the smallest amount of annual revenue because it charges very low or no fees for services. In the other cities, revenues represented from 16% (for 50 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum PARK SYSTEM COMPARISONS CITY PARKS & RECREATION ACREAGE 2009 TOTAL P&R BUDGET BUDGET PER CAPITA 2004 P&R ANNUAL REVENUE P&R FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES P&R PART-TIME EMPLOYEES P&R CONTRACTED EMPLOYEES FORT LAUDERDALE HONOLULU MIAMI ST. PETERSBURG TAMPA 973 $26,327,074 $156 6,108 $47,216,334 $125 800 $11,850,384 $31 $3,308,314 190 482 n/a 2,400 $24,878,000 $100 $6,509,000 159 23 n/a 1,774 $44,066,000 $137 $6,689,000 n/a n/a n/a Tampa) to 44% (for Honolulu) of the annual budget. Miami's Department of Parks and Recreation ranks at the high end of the range for full-time employ- ees per acre of land, and it is also at the top of the range in terms of full-time employees as a percentage of its budget, leaving a reduced amount of funds with which to respond to resident needs and desires. Capital improvements are overseen either by the Department of Parks and Recreation's Support Services Division or by the City's Transportation and Capi- tal Improvements Program (CIP) and Transportation Department. Smaller -scale improvements are designed and installed by the parks dep.' Linent, while CIP manages larger projects that typically require contracting with outside designers. Several of Miami's park and open space resources are managed by separate park trusts created by the Miami City Commission or the State of Florida to provide special oversight of key properties. The Bayfront Park Management Trust, founded in 1987 and comprising nine board members, manages facili- ties and events in Bayfront Park and Bicentennial/Museum Park. The Virginia Key Beach Park Trust was formed in 1999 to guide the restoration of the City's historic Virginia Key Beach property. Similarly, the Florida Legislature created the Miami River Commission (MRC) in 1997 to study and address environ- mental and development issues along the Miami River, including dredging, improving water quality, and creating new riverfront public spaces. Today the MRC serves as a strong advocate for pollution reduction, sensitive riverfront development that preserves public water access, and preservation of small maritime industries that continue to make the Miami River a working river. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 51 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN PARK DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT PARKS ADVISORY BOARD Created in 2002, Miami's Parks Advisory Board is one of many boards that advise the City Commission. The board is made up of 13 voting members and 6 or more nonvoting members. Voting members are appointed by the mayor (i), the city commissioners (2 each), and by the board's membership (2). The standard qualifications for City boards apply: a designee must be a permanent resident, a property or business owner, or an employee in the city, and must have "demonstrated interest" in the topic of the board. Each of the two voting members appointed by other members of the board must be a "professional, city resident or a student" and a "citizen with professional knowledge of lo- cal history." The six nonvoting members of the board include the Director of Parks and Recreation or his/her designee; a landscape architect chosen by the board; an educator chosen by the board; a recreation specialist chosen by the board; and two or more representatives of nonprofit organizations chosen by the board. The board term is one year and no one can serve more than five consecutive years (but former members can return to the board after a two- year hiatus). The board membership system appears to be organized so that the nonvoting members with specialized knowledge will serve as pro bono staff or advisors to the board. It is notable that a local history specialist is required among the voting members but not a landscape architect, recreation specialist, or open space professional. The city ordinance creating the board gives it many responsibilities: • Advise the City Commission. • Periodically review budget, programming, beautification, security, and physi- cal improvements for City -owned or -managed parks, recreational facilities, and public spaces. • Conduct an annual public review meeting. • Present an annual written report for the mayor, commissioners, and city manager at a City Commission meeting. • Conduct regular site visits to parks and consult with schools and neighbor- hood groups on park issues. • Seek outside funding for park and recreation resources and improvements • Oversee the creation and function of a Miami Park Trust, if created by the commission, to receive donations for specific park projects. • Hold periodic meetings and public programs to encourage public participation. • Assure that park design appeals to persons of both genders, all ages, and diverse class and cultural backgrounds. • Assure that adequate park space is provided pursuant to the City's master plan. 52 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum These myriad responsibilities are not clearly related to actions that the City might take. The board is completely advisory but there are no requirements that the City Commission seek the advice of the board before taking specified ac- tions. The board has no meeting requirements except the annual public review and report to the City Commission. Because the board is completely advisory and the annual report is the only structured way for it to give advice, it cannot fulfill its responsibilities. For example, it is impossible for the Parks Advisory Board to "assure that adequate park space is provided pursuant to the City's Master Plan," since the board does not make final decisions on park acquisition issues. These difficulties in the structure and responsibility of the board have resulted in diminished participation by members and limited its effectiveness. FRIENDS GROUPS Several parks, such as Legion Park and Blanche Park, have organized "friends" groups of park users —usually, but not exclusively, comprising residents of neighborhoods around the park. They advocate for the parks, organize events, and sometimes raise money for park improvements. Especially in the case of parks that do not have a park man- ager, volunteers have found it hard to coordinate with the parks department. No one in the Department of Parks and Recreation is directly responsible for working with volunteer groups. COMMUNITY OUTREACH Community outreach about park improvements and activities has been irregu- lar in the past but is becoming more consistent. In some cases, such as the redesign of Virrick Park and its gym, community members report a high degree of community involvement in planning the park improvements and design. In other cases, park needs have been assessed on a piecemeal basis or specific seg- ments of the park -user population and neighborhood residents consulted, with the result that park improvements have sometimes occurred without a more ho- listic understanding of a park's community role and needs. In addition, the capi- tal plan now being implemented as part of the Homeland Defense/Neighbor- hood Improvement Bond funding was not informed by a process of community discussion. Current departmental management is consulting more frequently and in advance of decisions on improvements and changes. This master plan process also included a systematic effort to survey and engage the community. The Friends of Blanche Park sponsors events to help fund park maintenance and improvements. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 53 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw ADVOCACY GROUPS Several groups see their role as advocating for parks on a systemwide basis: The Trust for Public Land, Miami Neighborhoods United, the Urban Environmental League, and Citizens for a Better South Florida. • The Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit with programs that focus on urban parks. Its South Florida office has emphasized providing parks and greenways in underserved neighborhoods like Overtown and Little Havana, as well as the recuperation of underused resources for park and recreation use, most notably in the Miami River Greenway project. • Miami Neighborhoods United has been active in promoting acquisition of new park land, park improvements, and passive parks. MNU tends to focus more on the parks in the eastern part of the city and has less of a presence in Miami's central and western neighborhoods. • The Urban Environmental League, a regional advocacy group, has advocated for the parks master plan and for preserving park land from encroachment by other uses. In 20o5-2oo6, UEL focused much of its energy on preserving the Miami -Dade urban development boundary. • Citizens for a Better South Florida is a community -based environmental edu- cation and action organization. Its programs include Community Science Workshop, an after -school environmental sciences program at Virrick Park and two elementary schools. The organization also promotes planting of shade trees and native plants through its Urban Greening Program and Na- tive Plant Nursery. The group produced Go Native! Hazlo nativo!, a guide to native plants that the City supported through funding and through distribu- tion by NET offices. 54 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum THE CHALLENGE: PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES FOR A CHANGING MIAMI Parks and public spaces in Miami have already entered a new era of improve- ment and expansion. Implementation of a significant capital improvements program, a slowly growing budget for the Department of Parks and Recreation, a new impact -fee ordinance with significant park benefits, contributions by development projects to creation of the Riverwalk and other new public spaces, new management and leadership at the parks department —as well the master plan process —have all created new momentum. But much remains to be done for Miami to achieve its potential to have one of the most distinctive systems of parks and public spaces in the country. There are many challenges. Miami's rising profile as an exciting center of growth, culture, and international business continues to attract residents to new high-rise buildings and emerging neighborhoods, as well as visitors to cultural and other events. At the same time, the city remains home to a large number of low- and moderate -income households. The ever-increasing diver- sity of the city, therefore, will require an even greater variety of parks, public spaces and recreation opportunities. Acquisition of land for new parks in a densely -populated city will always be complex, and even with new parks, the city's park system will continue to be relatively small. Municipal government has too often used park land to site other facilities. The per capita budget of Miami's system is still well below the average of other city park systems. Parks and other public spaces are poorly linked, creating barriers to access. To meet and overcome many of these challenges, Miami needs to take advantage of every opportunity to create a strong network of resources that goes beyond the traditional parks and recreation system to create a distinctive tropical public realm worthy of a city of international importance. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 55 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw 56 4_ .. . . n i n l „„ 111 „„„„„„„, „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III I A Parks and Public Spaces System for Tomorrow THE PUBLIC REALM: SYSTEMS THINKING FOR PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES Parks and plazas are part of the system of shared spaces within the city that we call the "public realm." The other major components of the public realm are streets and sidewalks. It is the public realm that gives a city its sense of place and creates the arena for people to experience the world around them. If the public spaces of a city are isolated, uncomfortable, and dominated by traffic and vehicles, it will provide a very different experience from one where the public realm is a linked series of safe, comfortable and appealing areas where people can orient themselves; gather with friends, family and strangers; partici- pate in activities, or relax. The public realm reflects the infrastructure of a city. Some of that is "gray infrastructure," the roads, utility lines, communications installations, water and wastewater facilities, and buildings for schools, libraries, hospitals and so on. This infrastructure is planned and built in systems, not in isolated pieces. Today, we also talk about "green infrastructure." These are the parks, tree -lined streets, bike trails and pedestrian paths, river and stream corridors, water- fronts, and urban wilds of the city. They too must be planned, created, main- tained and restored as a system. A green public realm network can become the identifiable framework of city life, framing the built environment, helping to define the city's visual character, and enhancing the daily experience of resi- dents and visitors. In Miami, the benefits of planning for a system of parks —connected by greenways and green streets and continuous with the public realm shaped by buildings and plazas —are already evident in efforts like the Miami Baywalk and Riverwalk. Networks provide recreational value, for example, when areas where activity was formerly limited to sitting at the river's edge are connected into continuous trails for walking and biking. These connections encourage people to walk to local shops and restaurants and enhance the quality of life for residents in adjoining neighborhoods. The result is direct economic value, both in generating opportunities for businesses to service greenway users and neighborhood residents, and in overall increases in property values. The eco- MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 57 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw logical value of a systemic approach is equally important. Many native species, from manatees to butterflies, cannot thrive without a certain amount of habitat. While large wild areas will never return to Miami, greenways can link existing natural areas into networks that are more likely to support successful popula- tions of native plants and animals. Finally, a linked park system, rather than a set of independent park sites, has conceptual value for understanding the city experience. As people move around the city and come upon a park, greenway or boulevard, they are able to orient themselves not just to a single landmark, but to the city-wide system of which it is a part. By focusing on linking parks, other open spaces, and public spaces into a connected system, parks that are close to one another but not contiguous can function like a single large park. This is the vision for the downtown waterfront "park of parks" or "total park" linked by the Baywalk from Margaret Pace Park to the Riverwalk. Similarly, Miami can have its own "Central Park" focused on the South Fork of the Miami River by connecting Curtis, Fern Isle, and Sewell parks, a blueway and a greenway. Acquisition of the Police Benevolent Asso- ciation land on the South Fork to enlarge Fern Isle Park could make the quiet South Fork into a center for kayaking and canoeing, connecting the new Fern Isle/South Fork Park by the Miami River with nearby Sewell Park, a passive park, and Curtis Park, an active recreation park with fields and a swimming pool. With completion of the Miami Riverwalk and provision of safe and com- fortable pedestrian crossing of the nand Avenue Bridge, there would also be a land link. These connected parks, greenway, and blueway would form comple- mentary elements of Miami's Central Park. Similarly, all the parks on the Coco- nut Grove waterfront, combined with a new signature open space on the site of the obsolete convention center, would be linked by parks, bike routes, and bay boat routes to form the Coconut Grove Waterfront Greenway. This chapter sets out recommendations for Miami's parks and open space as a system. Recommendations for specific parks can be found in the discussion of neighborhood visions in Chapter 5. The system -wide recommendations here revolve around eight principles: • Balance acreage and access for level of service. • Preserve and enhance existing parks and open spaces. • Expand resources without acquiring more land. • Acquire land for new parks and open spaces in underserved areas. • Make Miami's park system the greenest and most sustainable in the U.S. • Make access real through strong connections. • Enhance community participation and partnerships. • Improve management and operations. • Diversify funding for capital and operations improvements. 58 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum MIAMI'S PARK SYSTEM TOMORROW: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE In the second half of the twentieth century, when cities were losing population and struggling with declining funds, urban park systems faced the challenge of doing more with less and less. Today, Miami, like many other cities, is expe- riencing a resurgence of investment and population. City leaders understand A 21st-Century Vision for Miami's Parks and Open Spaces ■a ♦ City boundary Body of water River/stream 4 Neighborhood park cz, Citywide park 0 Transit huh ■ ■ ■ iA . ■ ■ ■ ■ . #< R ■ • ■ • ■ ■ M . • ■ ■ ■ ■ ♦♦ • �! ♦ ♦♦ Transit network Greenway Blueway Green street Parkwalk Urban wilds/ nature corridor :tat * ate t s • jj■e' M on. Sr • . V • ski i II ♦ *A • •t ♦• COCONUT GROVE WATERFRONT GREENWAY DOWNTOWN -PARK OF PARKS- 1/111111 • MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 59 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw that parks are critical to a high quality of life and bring economic benefits, and that signature parks contribute to the identity and visibility of the city. Miami residents agree: the majority of respondents to the public opinion survey for this master plan think that parks and recreation improvements are very impor- tant in relation to other city needs and that parks provide economic as well as quality of life benefits to the City. A. BALANCING ACREAGE AND ACCESS: LEVEL OF SERVICE IN A CITY PARK SYSTEM RECOMMENDATIONS > Pursue a medium -term goal of a park within one-half mile of every resident and a long-term goal of a park within one -quarter mile of every resident by acquiring land in underserved areas. > Seek a balance among passive and active uses of parks and public spaces. > Establish a new hierarchy for the park system that reflects Miami conditions. > Survey city residents regularly to monitor preferences, needs, and satisfaction with the park and recreation system. > Establish networks of pedestrian -friendly public spaces. > Ensure that public spaces provided by developers remain open to the public. Level of service for urban parks As the 21st-century revival in city living has returned attention to urban park systems, park planners are recognizing that the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) standards for park hierarchies and park level of service are not suitable for park systems in established urban centers. Peter Harnik, Director of the Center of City Park Excellence at the Trust for Public Land and the author of the 2003 study that highlighted Miami's small number of park acres per r,000 people, in 2o06 told the NRPA Urban Park and Recreation Summit that "I used to think that acreage and facilities were most important, but it appears that city park excellence is more tied to spending.... How much greenspace should cities have and what form should it take? What is the proper level of service for recreation in the city? In years past the National Recreation and Park Association gave a great deal of thought to this topic and came up with some good guidelines for suburban areas, but no one has yet done it for cities."' Harnik further described the evolution in his thinking: ' Peter Harnik, "Beyond the Numbers: The State of America's City Parks Today," Presentation to the National Recreation and Park Association Urban Park and Recreation Summit, Chicago, May 2006. http://www.nrpa. org/content/default/aspx?documentld=3573. 60 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum "Parks need to be located where the people are, and housing should [be] clus- tered near parks.... I believe our cities are not rich enough to provide large areas of green space that only serve very low densities of residents who live around them in single-family houses on large lots. If a neighborhood already looks and feels like a park, the real park has much less purpose, need and value.... If you dorit have a critical population mass to support transit and you don't have enough people within walking and bicycling distance to fill the park, you become reliant on cars.... Either you end up devoting a large amount of parkland to parking, or you create a parking problem in the neigh- borhood around the park."2 As Harnik emphasized, in urban situations, park acreage is less important than park access. Research has repeatedly shown that the most important variable in how much and how often people use a green space is distance —es- pecially walking time —from home.' They will travel from time to time to use large, unique open spaces of regional importance, but for everyday use, parks need to be close by. As a densely -populated city where the 2000 census found that over 35,000 households had no access to a private vehicle and where new high-rise neigh- borhoods are under construction, Miami needs to focus on access —particu- larly walk -to access —more than total acreage in creating new parks. People will easily walk about a quarter mile to get to a destination, and if the walk is reasonably pleasant and the destination sufficiently compelling, they are often willing to walk half a mile. This is the standard used in some of the country's best park systems. Minneapolis has already attained the half -mile goal. Balance passive and active uses of parks and public spaces All park systems need to provide a balance of passive and active green spaces. The master plan survey found that although the majority of current Miami residents are most interested in using parks for unprogrammed activities, such as fitness walking and enjoying green spaces, there are many households with a strong interest in sports and other recreation programs for children, youth and adults. Finding the proper balance can be difficult as multiple user groups vie for the same spaces. This is an ever-present dilemma in cities and suburbs throughout the country. Of course, the master plan survey did not reflect the preferences of the future residents who will occupy the new housing now under development in Miami, which highlights the importance of regularly surveying residents for changes in their preferences and needs for parks and recreation. Organized sports 2 Ibid. 3 Ann Forsyth, "People and Urban Green Areas: Perception and Use," University of Minnesota Design Center for American Urban Landscape Design Brief, 4 (June 2003) pp. 2, 5. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 61 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw leagues and similar groups tend to be more effective in expressing their park and recreation needs on a regular basis than people who are looking for a pas- sive park experience or members of the general public overall. For that rea- son, it is always important to make room for passive park experiences in park designs. Careful design of parks coupled with efforts to share playing fields and other resources for active sports and new technologies, such as artificial turf that allows for more intensive use of sports fields, can help balance demands for active and passive activity areas. Even small parks can be designed to in- clude quiet, landscaped sections as well as areas for children's play equipment or a half -basketball court. A new hierarchy of parks The proposed new park hierarchy emphasizes the importance of different lev- els of access, as well as resources, in the city park system. This hierarchy also reflects the analysis underlying the city's new impact fee system which distin- guishes between two categories: Citywide Parks that serve the city as a whole or many neighborhoods because they contain unique or scarce resources or programs and attract users who live too far to walk to the park, and Neighbor- hood Parks that are designed to serve local neighborhoods. The proposed new parks hierarchy preserves this basic distinction: • Citywide Parks include destination parks, community parks, and linear parks. The destination parks have unique resources or specialties: > Destination Parks + Conservation Parks: Simpson Park and Nature Center, Wainwright Park conservation area, Virginia Key nature trail and conservation area, Pic- nic and Spoil Islands + Waterfront Parks: All the parks over 3 acres in size on Biscayne Bay, the Miami River, the South Fork of the Miami River, and the Little River + Sports Complex and Aquatic Parks: All parks with swimming pools and sports parks with unique resources such as Moore Park's tennis center + Specialty Parks: Parks with unique programs, such as Kinloch Park's program for people with disabilities; with historic resources, such as Fort Dallas; or for special activities, such as domino parks. > Community parks are parks over 3 acres in size that have active recreation facilities. Because demand for these facilities is greater than supply and they serve programs and leagues that operate citywide, these parks attract users beyond the neighborhood in which they are located and need to ac- commodate parking. 62 TYPE OF PARK DESTINATION (CONSERVATION) DESTINATION (WATERFRONT) NAME OF PARK Simpson Park Virginia Key Wainwright Park Bayfront Park Museum Park Antonio Maceo Park Fern Isle Park Sewell Park Jose Marti Park Kennedy Park Peacock Park & Spoil Islands Legion Park & Picnic Islands Magnolia/Pallot Park Morningside Park & Picnic Islands Stearns Park Margaret Pace Park ACRES RESOURCES/SPECIALTY 8.2 conservation 85.2 conservation; beach 21.4 conservation 61.3 waterfront 30.3 waterfront 3.65 waterfront 8.4 waterfront 10.3 waterfront 5.6 waterfront; pool 20.9 waterfront; dog park 9.4 waterfront 13.7 waterfront 3 waterfront 42.4 waterfront 5.4 waterfront 12 waterfront NET AREA Coral Way Downtown North/East Coconut Grove Downtown Downtown Flagami Flagami Flagami Little Havana North/East Coconut Grove North/East Coconut Grove Upper Eastside Upper Eastside Upper Eastside Upper Eastside Wynwood/Edgewater DESTINATION (SPORTS COMPLEX/ AQUATIC CENTER) Gerry Curtis Park Moore Park Bryan Park Shenandoah Park Melreese Golf Course Grapeland Heights Park West End Park Athalie Range Park Hadley Park Coconut Grove Tennis Courts Kirk Munroe Park & Tennis Center 0vertown Youth Center Williams Park Virrick Park 27.7 sports complex; pool 19.6 tennis center 2.1 tennis center 10 pool 132.0 golf course 20 water park; sports complex 6.9 pool 11.9 pool 29.7 pool N/A tennis courts 1.4 tennis center 5.0 gymnasium 5.0 pool 4.7 pool and gymnasium Allapattah Allapattah Coral Way Coral Way Flagami Flagami Flagami Little Haiti Model City North/East Coconut Grove North/East Coconut Grove 0vertown 0vertown South/West Coconut Grove DESTINATION (SPECIALTY) Gomez/Domino Park Fort Dallas Park Ichimura Japanese Garden (Watson Island) Lummus Park Kinloch Park Blanche Park Coconut Grove Sailing Center Virrick Gym/Shake-a-Leg Billy Rolle/C. Grove Mini -Park City Cemetery 0.1 Domino park 1.4 historic resources N/A designed garden 5.9 historic resources 3.5 programs for disabled 1.5 dog park N/A sailing facility 4.5 children's boating programs 0.2 domino park 10.0 historic resources Coral Way Downtown Downtown Downtown Flagami North/East Coconut Grove North/East Coconut Grove North/East Coconut Grove South/West Coconut Grove Wynwood/Edgewater COMMUNITY PARKS LINEAR PARKS Juan Pablo Duarte Park Douglas Park Robert King High Park Henderson Park Jorge Mas Canosa/Riverside Park Belafonte-Talcocy Center and Park Gibson Park Reeves Park Armbrister Park Merrie Christmas Park Eaton Park Stearns Park Coral Gate Park Roberto Clemente Park Biscayne Park Cuban Memorial Plaza Riverwalk 9.2 10.0 N/A 3.5 3.5 3.1 8.0 3.4 5.1 5.4 6.2 5.4 3.6 4.9 7.3 0.2 N/A Allapattah Coral Way Flagami Little Havana Little Havana Model City Overtown Overtown South/West Coconut Grove South/West Coconut Grove Upper Eastside Upper Eastside West Flagler Wynwood/ Edgewater Wynwood/ Edgewater Coral Way Downtown A NEW HIERARCHY OF CITY PARKS: CITYWIDE PARKS MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PL AN III 63 A NEW HIERARCHY OF CITY PARKS: NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS MAME OF PARK RITES RESOURCES /S PFC!J11TY MU AREA, NEIGHBORHOOD Allapattah Mini -Park PARKS Melrose Park Pine Heights Mini -Park Unity Park Broward Circle Mini -Park Triangle Park Allen Morris Mini -Park Brickell Park Central Miami Mini -Park* Flagler St./Paul S. Walker Mini -Park Southside Park Flagami Mini -Park* Miami River Rapids Mini -Park t Range Park#2 Buena Vista Park Lemon City Park Little River Commerce Park* North Bay Vista Park Oakland Grove Mini -Park Pullman Mini -Park South Bay Vista Park Ernesto Lecuona Park Grove Mini -Park Orange Bowl Playground Plaza de Cubanidad African Square Park Crestwood Park Miller Dawkins Mini -Park East Bay Vista Park Simonhoff Park Twelfth Avenue Mini -Park West Buena Vista Park Elizabeth Steele Mini -Park Lincoln Park Douglas/Silver Bluff Mini -Park Dorsey Park Range Park#1 Rainbow Village Park Second Avenue Mini -Park Spring Garden Point Park Town Park Baywood Park Belle Meade Mini -Park Biscayne Heights Mini -Park Coral Nook Park Flagler Terrace Mini -Park Glen Royal Mini -Park Elizabeth Martell Park Woodson Mini -Park 0.4 2.6 0.3 N/A 0.3 0.5 0.1 2.2 N/A 0.1 2.2 1.0 0.9 N/A 1.2 2.3 0.5 0.5 0.2 0.4 0.2 0.3 0.5 N/A 0.3 1.2 1 1 N/A 1.5 N/A 1.1 0.5 0.2 0.5 2.5 0.1 1.5 0.6 1.1 0.9 1.9 0.4 0.4 0.3 1 0.2 0.6 0.4 Allapattah Allapattah Allapattah Allapattah Allapattah Coral Way Downtown Downtown Downtown Downtown Downtown Flagami Flagami Little Haiti Little Haiti Little Haiti Little Haiti Little Haiti Little Haiti Little Haiti Little Haiti Little Havana Little Havana Little Havana Little Havana Model City Model City Model City Model City Model City Model City Model City North/East Coconut Grove North/East Coconut Grove North/East Coconut Grove North/East Coconut Grove Overtown Overtown Overtown Overtown Overtown South/West Coconut Grove Upper Eastside Upper Eastside West Flagler West Flagler West Flagler Wynwood/Edgewater Wynwood/Edgewater * Park is now closed t Leased facility uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum > Linear Parks are the greenways and trails that link different parts of the city together. Not all of these will be under the ownership and manage- ment of the Parks and Recreation Department. However, even in those cases, the Department should be involved in monitoring the use and value of these resources for linking parks and for promoting healthy lifestyles. For example, private property managers charged with maintaining public spaces like River - walk segments sometimes close access in a misguid- ed effort to guarantee more security for their build- ings. City departments must collaborate with each other and with the owners to assure both security and public access. The most important of these linear parks are the Baywalk, Riverwalk, M-Path, and the future Flagler Trail/FEC Corridor Greenway. Effec- tive linkages of these linear parks with city park and recreation resources is essential and will require attention from the Parks and Recreation Department. • Neighborhood Parks are the local parks that primarily serve people who live and work in the immediate vicinity. They include all the existing mini - parks and parks under 3 acres in size that do not fit in one of the Citywide Park categories. Many, but not all, have play structures for children or a few picnic tables. Some function as squares and pocket parks, offering visual re- lief and passive green space, and primarily serve people who arrive on foot. New networks of pedestrian -friendly public spaces In addition to parks and green spaces, Miami should have a robust network of pedestrian precincts including plazas, as well as the streets and trails discussed earlier. The new form -based zoning framework for the city is expected to formalize requirements for development that enhances the pedestrian environ- ment and provide guidelines for plazas, arcades, courtyards and other spaces open to the public, whether in public or private development. Public spaces to be provided by private development should adhere to the principles recently developed by a researcher who reviewed four decades of plazas, pocket parks, atriums and cross -block corridors built and maintained on private property in return for zoning bonuses in New York City.4 An ex- amination of all these spaces found that many were either inaccessible to the public, unusable by the public, or privatized. In many spaces, the public was ef- fectively denied access by physical barriers, lack of signage announcing public use, and diminution of required amenities as seating became unusable or was 4 Jerold Kayden, Privately -Owned Public Spaces in New York City(New York, 2000). Fences on the Riverwalk block continuous passage. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 65 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw taken out, plantings were not maintained, and so on. Privatization also often occurred in the more attractive and amenity -filled spaces, where adjacent pri- vate uses took over the public space (characterized as "cafe creep"). The public should not be required to make a purchase in order to enjoy a space created as a public benefit in return for development capacity. To ensure that public uses remain public, the following principles should be followed: • Signage announcing public use and hours of operation • Amenities —such as seating, drinking fountains, and bike racks —that invite public activity and use • Periodic public monitoring and inspection • A public information campaign so that people know these spaces exist.' Some of the problems found in New York are already evident on parts of the Miami Riverwalk. As Miami sees more of these kinds of public uses on private land, maintenance and access obligations should be spelled out in building permits or other legal agreements and monitoring for barriers to access and for privatization should be undertaken on a regular schedule. B. PRESERVING AND ENHANCING EXISTING PARKS AND OPEN SPACES RECOMMENDATIONS > Define public parks in the zoning ordinance as "Civic Space —Public Park." > Define conservation parks in the zoning ordinance in a separate zoning district from other types of open space. > Define limits on by -right accessory uses and structures. > Adopt a "No Net Loss" policy for park land in city zoning and ordinances. Miami needs to make the most of the parks it has. Miami's park system is not large, acquisition of new park land is challenging, and limited operational budgets over many years reduced the city's ability to maintain its park land, so that some parks have received little attention over time. At the same time, increasing residential density will intensify demand for parks, both as open space relief from buildings and as recreational resources. Preserving Miami's existing park and recreation resources means making sure that park land is not used for other uses. Current zoning for parks and open spaces Miami's current zoning ordinance has two categories that cover parks: CS —Conservation and PR —Parks, Recreation and Open Space. 5 Ibid. 66 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum CS zoning is quite restrictive and intended to protect environmentally sensi- tive areas kept in "an essentially natural state." The apparent oddity of allowing single-family residential development on a minimum of five acres as a condi- tional use presumably derives from the fact that Vizcaya and The Barnacle are zoned CS. The other areas zoned CS are Sewell Park, Simpson Park, and Wain- wright Park; the northeastern, eastern and southeastern parts of Virginia Key, where there are extensive mangroves; and the spoil islands in Biscayne Bay off Dinner Key and the Picnic Islands off the shores of the Upper Eastside and Edgewater. Sewell, Simpson and Wainwright parks have designated conserva- tion areas, though only Simpson has educational signs and a nature center to interpret the native hammock vegetation for visitors. Virginia Key is the site of the city's nature trail and native plant nursery. The CS zone permits accessory uses only by Special Exception and off street parking only if a Special Exception finding is made that it does not have adverse environmental impacts. All other parks, as well as the Dinner Key Marina, the open space on the 79th Street Causeway and most of Watson Island, are zoned PR. This is a much more permissive zone that allows for these uses: • Principal uses > Public and private parks > Recreational facilities > Existing marinas • Conditional principal uses > Educational and cultural facilities > Marine and marina facilities > Entertainment facilities > Social and health -related service facilities > Public safety and City of Miami administrative facilities, including author- ities and agencies thereof > Parkways > Scenic corridors > Camping facilities The conditional uses, which require city commission approval, allow for a wide range of uses and structures to be located on park land. The zoning language is somewhat ambiguous about limits on the size of these facilities and requires findings that major structures may be permitted if "the intent of the district is adhered to" or, for a variety of other uses, nominally requires that they "are an integral part of the park's design or of the recreational function." The PR zone also requires one off-street parking space for each employee and one space for each Soo square feet of building space. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 67 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw Miami 21 zoning for parks and open spaces The SmartCode zoning method used in the Miami 21 rezoning of the city (under way while this plan is being written) provides for parks and open space through a zoning category called Civic Space (CS) described predominantly by physical character: parks, greens, squares, plazas and playgrounds. The descrip- tions of parks, greens and squares emphasize green landscapes and "unstruc- tured recreation," while plazas are described as predominantly hardscape and "available for civic purposes and commercial activities." Only the playground type provides for active recreation. Zoning categories and requirements written with the nuances of Miami's park and open space issues in mind can help the city protect and enhance its pres- ent and future parks. There are four major issues that should be addressed in revising zoning for parks and public spaces: What constitutes a public park? Although Miami has not seen much dedication of private land to public park uses in the recent past, this condition may change with the new public benefits elements of Miami 21 zoning. Suggested language for such a definition is below: A Public Park is an area owned or controlled by a public entity that is intended for public use, open to the sky, and designed for environmental, scenic, recre- ational, or cultural purposes. If the area is not owned by a public entity, it may remain in private ownership but be protected for public use by means of a permanent easement, restriction or other similar legal device acceptable to the city. A Public Park may include, but is not limited to, lawns, trees, active and passive recreation areas, playgrounds, fountains, ornamental plantings, walk- ways, public performance areas, and plazas. Accessory buildings and struc- tures that support and contribute to the public open and recreational space uses may be included, including, but not limited to, buildings for recreation programs, gymnasiums and exercise centers, locker rooms, ticket booths, amphitheaters, recreation staff offices, restrooms, and food service concession areas. Other uses, such as permanent administrative, public safety, school, social or health facilities are not permitted in Civic Space -Public Park Zones. Should we distinguish in zoning between open space for conservation and other park open space? Conservation areas intended to protect areas of natural vegetation are distinct from other kinds of parks and should receive extra protection. The areas cur- rently in CS zoning should be retained as Conservation Parks as a category of Civic Space or the rural T-i zone of the SmartCode system. In any case, the 68 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum zoning should continue to be extremely restrictive. It would be beneficial to ensure that the land is permanently protected by conservation easements. What kinds of uses and structures, and what sizes of structures, should be permitted on public open spaces as accessory to the open space use? Accessory structures and uses that further the open space and recreational mis- sion should be permitted by right, up to certain limits. Such uses and structures may include, but are not limited to, swimming pools, gymnasiums, recreation program buildings, field houses, restrooms, shade structures, picnic pavilions, equipment rental buildings, concession buildings, service areas, and parking areas. Accessory buildings should be permitted by right as long as the total footprint of all buildings will cover no more than 25 percent of the public park. Recreation -related buildings that will cover a greater area should be subject to review by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Planning Board, both of which should make a recommendation to the City Commission for the Commission's final decision. What kinds of limits and criteria should be established for conversion of park and public open space land to other uses (public or private)? What procedures should be put in place to approve changes to park land? Miami's limited amount of existing park land combined with the limited availability and high cost of land for new parks means that preserving existing park land and adopting a "no net loss" policy is essential. The previous chapter listed the many parks that have had other municipal uses located on them over the decades. The City should establish criteria and a deliberative process before any existing park land can be taken out of park and recreation use. This pro- cess should be included or referenced in the zoning code. The process for any conversion of park land should include the following re- quirements:5 • A requirement for an "alternatives analysis." The entity that wishes to take the park land for another use must perform an alternatives analysis (including a no -build alternative). The City Commission must find that there is no fea- sible alternative to using the park land on the basis of criteria other than cost alone. • A requirement for a public hearing. The Planning Advisory Board and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board must each hold a public hearing on the proposed conversion of park land, at a time and place convenient for public comment. Each board must make a written recommendation to the City Commission. • A requirement for replacement. Any park land taken for other uses, including other municipal uses, must be replaced by land with similar park, recreation or conservation value in terms of usefulness and location. If the land is not avail - Recommended procedures based on the discussion by Robert H. Levin, "When Forever Proves Fleeting: The Condemnation and Conversion of Conservation Land," NYU Environmental Law Journal, 9 (2001), pp. 592-637. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 69 Historic cemeteries with landscaped grounds, like Miami's Woodlawn, below, offer the potential for walking programs and green open space in neighborhoods with few parks. Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta has many in- novative programs. uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw able, funds must be deposited in the Parks and Open Space Trust Fund that would be sufficient to buy replacement land at fair market value. The land taken for other uses must be rezoned and taken out of the Public Parks category. • A requirement for a supermajority vote of the City Commission. The City Com- mission must approve the conversion of land by a supermajority vote. C. EXPANDING RESOURCES WITHOUT ACQUIRING MORE LAND RECOMMENDATIONS > Develop policies for City use of nonpark land for parks and recreation: crite- ria and conditions, leases, and contributions of equipment, contributions of maintenance. > Create a School —Park Working Group with city and school district staff to develop a framework for resource -sharing —equipment, maintenance, secu- rity —and approach principals of schools with identified potential. > Designate liaisons with transportation agencies, public works, public hous- ing, cemeteries and so on, to pursue and work out sharing of land, program- ming, and resources. The Parks and Recreation Department has the opportunity to be the policy leader for open space development and recreation programming for the entire city but without having to control all the resources needed to further these policies. There are a number of existing and potential open space and recreation resources in Miami that are not owned or managed by the City. They include public school sites, housing authority land, church and cemetery land, county properties, and lands associated with transportation and drainage infrastruc- ture. In some cases, the City and the Parks and Recreation pep' tment should create long-term agreements with these entities for public use, includ- ing agreements over contributions for equipment and maintenance (based on data about maintenance costs). The City could work with owners of cem- eteries and churches that have land and resources to promote programs such as walking programs in landscaped cemeteries. In other cases, the City should work with public agencies with responsibility for infrastructure proj- ects, to make sure that, where possible, they include green elements, walkways, or other enhancements. 70 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum In order to be effective, programs for shared resources should be developed based on an understanding of the costs and benefits to each party. Once the Park and Recreation Depa' Llnent has established a better understanding of the unit costs of operations and programming, a set of evalu- ation criteria and policies on practical issues such as lease conditions, contributions and receipts for shared resources, maintenance and operational costs, and so on, should devel- oped. In addition, criteria to evaluate the potential of agency collaborations should be developed to make sure that part- nerships are designed to meet the park system's priorities in terms of geographical and programming equity, potential to provide resources and programming that otherwise would not be available, and similar criteria. Sharing resources can be a cost-effective way to provide pilot programs and test public interest. The department should designate a liaison to work with the Miami -Dade school sys- tem, individual school principals, the housing authority, and other public agen- cies that control lands which could be used for park and recreation purposes. School -park partnerships already exist to some degree but should become more systematic for mutual benefit. In cases where schools do not have their own open space, the school district is already using city parks for school recre- ation and athletics, making some payment to the City for that use. Elsewhere in the city, school sites are fenced and inaccessible outside of school hours. The playgrounds and athletic fields at schools should be available to the community as a whole when the schools are not using them. Payments or assignment of staff for the use of parks or school lands should be related to the actual addi- tional cost of providing the service. School system payments to the Parks and Recreation Department for use of parks should go to the Parks and Recreation Department budget and not to the general city budget. In addition to creating school district —parks department partnerships, the Parks and Recreation Department should also open discussions with the public housing authority about potential greenway and mini -park uses at Robert King High Homes along the river and the Smathers Senior Housing site in West Flagler; St. Michael's Church and the Miami -Dade Auditorium in West Flagler about mini -park uses; and with cemetery owners about walking programs. The Parks Department should also create a liaison to the transportation and public works departments to create regular dialogue on the potential for parks and green spaces associated with infra- structure projects. A large, underused school play area and field are located next to Lemon City Park. The Robert King High housing complex has a walkway and green area along the Miami River. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 71 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw D. ACQUIRING LAND FOR NEW PARKS AND OPEN SPACES IN UNDERSERVED AREAS RECOMMENDATIONS > Focus acquisition efforts on waterfront areas and identified underserved neighborhoods. > Acquire neighborhood parks in underserved areas by identifying infill lots that may be available through tax title or condemnation. > Use infrastructure improvements to create new linear parks. > Encourage redevelopment of surface parking lots to include parks with public access. Acquisition and expansion All observers acknowledge that Miami's park system is relatively small for its size and population density. While land was relatively inexpensive, the city had very few resources. Now that the city has been attracting more investment, it faces rising land prices, in addition to the always -complex issues of creat- ing new open spaces in a built-up community where new parks could mean dislocation of businesses or residents. As the city makes acquisitions to meet the interim goal of a park within a half -mile of every residence, it should then continue its efforts, advancing towards the goal of a park within one -quarter mile of every Miami home. There are a variety of ways for the city to acquire new park land, including conversion of public land, outright purchase, tax title, infrastructure projects, eminent domain and developer contributions. Conversion of public land to parks There are several areas in Miami where land in public ownership could be converted into small park and open space amenities. Every street that ends at Biscayne Bay should have a public space overlooking the bay. On small streets a bench and attractive railing can provide a place to sit and look at the water. On larger streets a bigger area could be designated as a public space, with the potential for a belve- dere or platform overhanging the wa- ter, or a pocket park. Consolidation of existing public right of way into small parks may also be possible in certain residential areas, such as Flagami on All streets that terminate at Biscayne Bay should include public spaces. 72 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum NW and SW and Streets and NW and SW 66th Avenue, where there are small traffic circles. There is more right of way than is being used or is needed, leaving the possibility of creating small parks, possibly with pedestrian cut-throughs, and rerouting traffic around them. Purchase Purchase of land for parks should be considered both for citywide parks and for neighborhood parks. High -priority locations or types of park land, based on community preferences, are: • Land with water views or water access • New walk -to parks in underserved areas of the city • Expansion of existing community parks • Land for expansion or creation of linear parks In Flagami, streets could be reconfigured to create new neighborhood mini - parks at locations with traffic circles or wide intersections. Land occupied by a trailer park was recently acquired for Little Haiti Park and the Caribbean Cultural Center at a cost of $6.6 million. The 2005 Tischler-Bise impact fee study adjusted that price upward to $8.o million, or $5o per square foot, to reflect market changes. Although the real estate boom in Miami has moderated somewhat as of this writing, the cost to the City of acquiring large amounts of land for parks may be substantial. Potential sources of acquisition funds include impact fees, developer public benefit payments, bonds, desig- nated fees or taxes, grants, infrastructure projects, and foundations. Redevelopment, land assembly and land swaps Land use transitions in some of the city's industrial or commercial areas may bring more residential uses. In those cases, the new residents will need access to parks and recreation. The City can assist in assembling land parcels for im- portant development projects. As part of that assistance, it should require open space contributions that include both small passive parks and multi -purpose community parks. The City can also facilitate land swaps in order to make land available for park uses. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 73 The Flagler Dog Track is surrounded by acres of parking. Redevelopment could provide for a public park on Flagler Street or elsewhere on the site. Surface parking lot conversions Many acres in Miami are covered by surface parking lots. As Miami's land has become more valuable, it becomes possible for new residential and other devel- opment projects to carry the costs of underground or structured parking. Using some of the land that is liberated from car storage for parks, plazas and other open spaces will enhance the value of lands around the public spaces while providing opportunities for residents. An example of the possibilities inherent in large park- ing lots is the potential redevelopment of the Flagler Dog Track on NW 7th Street. Infrastructure projects Infrastructure improvement projects for transportation, stormwater and drain- age offer the potential to expand existing parks, create new ones, and provide natural green areas. Street and highway projects should always be scrutinized for their potential to enhance the parks and open space system. Efforts to minimize runoff and treat stormwater close to the source, driven by EPA Phase II Stormwater Regulations, will incorporate green strips and mini -parks in streets, stormwater parks, biofilters, and naturalized infiltration areas. Whether large or small, these areas can help in flood control while making a place for both people and nature. Cities such as Seattle are developing model programs of natural drainage with attractive green plantings on neighborhood streets.' Developer contributions Developer contributions to create new parks and public spaces can come about in a variety of ways. Miami's new zoning is expected to include provision for bonus floor development in return for payments for parks and other public benefits. Parks and public spaces can also be created through negotiation; for 6 See www.seattle.gov/util/About_SPU/Drainage_&_Sewer_System/Natural_Drainage_Systems/Street_Edge_ Alternatives/index.asp 74 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum example, when the City facilitates site assembly through closing alleys it should require park or other public space amenities that are comparable to the area being given up. Tax title, eminent domain and similar acquisition Although eminent domain is normally an acquisition method of last resort, it may be appropriate in cases where abandoned property, property with repeated and ex- treme code violations, or undesirable land uses occupy land that would be suitable for parks. When the City has the opportunity to acquire land in tax title or similar methods, the property should be evaluated for its potential use as park land. Donations Land has historically been donated for parks in Miami and other communities. For example, the Ichimura Japanese Garden was a donation to the city. The City should encourage donations, especially to meet the park priorities outlined in this plan. Because every future park comes with ongoing maintenance costs, potential donations should be evaluated for both benefits and costs. Transfer of development rights As an incentive for park and public space creation, the City should make it pos- sible for private organizations (nonprofit as well as for -profit) that provide park resources open to the public to sell their development rights to developers in zoning districts where bonus floors are available. A valuation system would need to be created to make this work and sale of the development rights would require a deed restriction for permanent protection for public open space access. E. MAKING ACCESS REAL THROUGH STRONG CONNECTIONS RECOMMENDATIONS > Complete the Riverwalk and the Baywalk and expand the public access setback requirement along the entire river. > Continue to implement sidewalk and shade tree planting programs along major arterials that connect to parks and other community destinations. > Create a "ParkWalks Program" of marked and signed safe pedestrian routes through neighborhoods in order to link residents to their local parks and promote healthy lifestyles through walking. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 75 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw > Encourage residents to create linear parks on residential street swales by providing guidance and collaboration with the Departments of Planning, Parks, Transportation and Public Works. > Make blueway connections real by expanding recreational boating pro- grams, providing public shuttles to the islands, and exploring ways to make creeks and canals navigable. > Enhance and redesign the M-Path for greater safety, security and connec- tions to surrounding neighborhoods, the Riverwalk/Greenway, and to cross the Miami River to connect with the Commodore Trail. > Build the Overtown Greenway to link downtown to the river through Overtown. > Build the Flagler Trail along the FEC Corridor from downtown to the Upper Eastside. > Explore the potential for a Tamiami Greenway to follow the Tamiami Canal from the Miami River to the Blue Lagoon. > Create the Venetian Connector to Miami Beach for bicyclists and pedestrians. > Pursue links to regional trails in partnership with Miami -Dade County and neighboring communities. Without connections, parks and public spaces cannot function as a system. The connective tissue of a park system is made up of the streets, paths, trails and wa- terways that let people reach their parks and other open spaces. The master plan survey and workshops made it clear that Miami residents would like more op- portunities for safe and appealing walking and biking throughout the city. They want more access to the water —and to the park lands that can only be reached by water. They want more parks they can walk to, but they need comfortable connections, protected from traffic and with safe intersection crossings, shady during the heat of the day, and well lit in the evening and at night. Complete the Baywalk and the Riverwalk The visions for a Miami Riverwalk and Baywalk have been kept alive for decades and, with segments of both in existence and under construction, the vision is approaching reality. Many resources have been expended and com- mitted to both, and the value of these continuous public connections along the waterfront in downtown is well understood. The Baywalk The vision for the Baywalk is a continuous waterside pathway from Margaret Pace Park to the Riverwalk. Less discussed is the potential for a Baywalk continu- ation along Brickell to Coconut Grove. Connecting from Margaret Pace south to the future Museum Park is physically viable, but will require access across several private developments, including the Miami Herald site, and negotiation 76 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum across or beneath the Venetian and MacArthur causeways. Likewise, extension of the Baywalk south along the Brickell waterfront to Coconut Grove is feasible using a combination of existing waterfront parks, private lands and public side- walks. For instance, a little -used pedestrian underpass beneath the Rickenbacker Causeway allows access to the waterfront in Wainwright Park. The Riverwalk The downtown segments of the Riverwalk are taking shape as redevelopment occurs under the City's requirement for a minimum 50-foot building setback with public access up to the 5th Street Bridge. Farther up the river, residential redevelopment is taking place side by side with more traditional maritime uses which remain important to Miami's economy. The Miami River Green - way Plan proposes to accommodate a continuous route through the use of on -street routes at many points. Al- though current maritime and nonresi- dential uses may be developed in ways that make public access impractical or dangerous, the goal of public access to the water along the length of the river should remain. The City's 50-foot set- back requirement should be expanded to include the entire length of the riv- er, so that, as redevelopment occurs, continuous public access to the river is assured. Examples of industrial and maritime uses that accommodate public access can be found in other waterside locations. Property owners should be able to request a waiver for areas on their property where public access is inappropriate, but these waivers should be kept to a minimum and alternate accommodations provided. The tremendous suc- cess of the San Antonio Riverwalk is a testament to the benefits of a continu- ous river walkway, and Granville Island in Vancouver, British Columbia, shows how an industrial plant can continue to operate next to redeveloped properties with public activity. Connecting the Baywalk and Riverwalk to neighborhoods Just as a river will dry up if it no longer collects drainage from a significant watershed, so the Baywalk and Riverwalk may fail to thrive if they are not the focus of a large enough collection area —the neighborhoods around them. The Miami Greenway Action Plan recommended points of public entry in existing parks and "neighborhood gateways" at key locations; a primary system of trails, bikeways, and walkways lining the river from Biscayne Bay to Palmer Lake; improvements to existing parks to enhance access to the river; improvements San Antonio's Riverwalk is a defining element of the city. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 77 Coral Way's median trees exemplify a tradition that Miami is reviving. uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw to bridges and roadways to enhance movement of vehicles, bicycles and pedes- trians; and finally, river dredging and bank stabilization to improve navigation and restore native vegetation. It will be up to the Miami Parks and Department and other city departments to extend the core greenways and create the con- necting links to each of Miami's neighborhoods. Bridging the key gaps in the system and making the small but critical connections is often the most difficult and time-consuming part of the process, involving edges between neighbor- hoods, where ownership is muddled and oversight lacking. Connect people to parks by Green Streets Miami has a tradition of street trees and median plantings, and some of the tradi- tional green streets remain, notably Coral Way, parts of South Miami Avenue, and many streets in Coconut Grove. One of the first park improvements in Miami was the 1929 planting of trees along Coral Way. Aerial photos clearly show the difference between Coconut Grove, where lush plantings and tree cover pre- dominate on both public and private property, and many other neighborhoods, where trees are the exception rather than the rule. In recent years, the City has begun a program to repair its urban tree canopy, planting shade trees as well as decorative palms as part of new street- scape projects. The county also has a street tree master plan. The continued implementation of this tree planting program is essential to creating shady, comfortable and attractive links between neighborhoods and city destinations, induding parks. The Miami 21 zoning plan includes a series of streetscape criteria for different street types, including tree planting. Create a "ParkWalks" program A park within a five to twenty minute walk of every resident is a major goal of this plan. Success requires creation of safe and comfortable walking routes to the parks. Miami's grid of arterial routes at first view seems to provide a logical network for pedestrian routes to parks but in fact, a number of these arterials have very narrow sidewalks and carry very large volumes of traffic, especially during rush hours. Making some of these streets into attractive, tree -lined walking environments will be a complex, long-term project. While the greening of Miami's arterial streets is under way, planning and creating a set of neigh- borhood routes to parks, called ParkWalks, as part of a combined public health and street improvement initiative is a more rapid way to focus resources to enhance residents' access to parks. uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum The South Provi- dence Neighborhood Ministries developed a marked "Path to Health" and 25 walk- ing clubs have been formed. The ParkWalks Program should be developed with the col- laboration of neighborhood residents and park user groups to identify appropriate routes that can be upgraded with trees, sidewalks, lighting, and intersection safety and beau- tification improvements at pedestrian crossings of major arterials where the routes require those crossings. Alley and mid -block pedestrian connections may be part of these routes where opportunities exist. However, in all cases, safety and comfort must be paramount. Good lighting that enhances safety while remaining appropriate to a neighbor- hood context is essential because so much use of the parks occurs in the evenings and at night. The ParkWalks pro- gram should also be conceived as a public health program that encourages walking. As a public health program, Park - Walks could attract funding for community process, design, improvements, maps and signage. This is what happened in a low-income neighborhood of Providence, RI, where a nonprofit alliance received foundation funding to de- velop signed pedestrian routes, maps, and walking clubs to encourage walking for health.' Encourage neighborhood -based linear parks in swales In neighborhoods where wide green swales, rather than curb -and -gutter combinations, process stormwater, the swales have the potential to function as small linear parks. There are some streets now where residents plant and care for gardens in the swales. In interviews and at a few NET Area meetings, residents expressed a willingness to plant and care for trees in the swales of their own streets, but said that they were unsure about what trees to plant, city regulations, or where they could find guidance on these ters. In other neighborhoods, parking constraints result in regular parking on grass swales or paving over the swales. The city's Planning, Parks, Transporta- tion and Public Works departments could collaborate in encouraging residents to value the unpaved swales as linear parks and provide guidance on planting and care of plants in the swales. This program could be integrated with the ParkWalks Program, encouraging residents to see planted swales along Park - Walks routes as an extension of the park system. 7 See www.spnm.org mat- Planted swales in Coconut Grove. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 79 M-Path conditions are often unattractive to walkers and runners. uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw Expand existing and create new greenways and trails The M-Path and the regional transit system The M-Path Trail should be enhanced and, where necessary, redesigned to ease road crossings and tie in to surrounding neighborhood sidewalks and trails. In the short term, the focus should be on connecting the M-Path to the Miami River Greenway. Over the long term, coordination of the park system and the pedes- trian connections recommended in this plan with the regional public transit system is an important opportunity to benefit park users as well as potentially increase transit ridership. Existing Metrorail stations are important nodes in the future system of greenways and pedestrian routes and can be linked relatively easily with the system of gre- enways, green streets, and ParkWalks pedestrian routes. Miami's new Inter - modal Center, designed to promote many alternatives to automobile travel by making public transit and non -mo- torized travel easier, will connect the airport with regional rail and bus lines, and ease vehicular congestion at the airport with a centralized rental car facility. Fi- nally, future extensions of the rail system to the south, and more complete transit within the city provided by the proposed street rail system, will make pedestrian and bicycle routes through the neighborhoods to the transit stops even more important. The value of these major investments in public transit will be increas- ingly apparent if, as projected, Miami-Dade's population grows from 2.3 million to over 3 million over the next twenty years. How much more valuable would this transit system be if each station is fully integrated with the public realm? Commodore Trail The City should make implementation of the 2oo4 improvement plan for the Commodore Trail a high priority in its work with the regional transporta- tion planning organization (the MPO—Metropolitan Planning Organization). The next stage is to identify a way to provide a safe, convenient crossing of the Miami River to link the Commodore Trail to the Baywalk. It may be possible to coordinate this linkage with Riverwalk improvements. The Flagler Trail (FEC Corridor Greenway) A pedestrian and bicycle greenway along the FEC Corridor is another long- term vision that has been kept alive over the decades. Planning for commuter rail use of this corridor is ongoing, but it is important that the opportunity to make this a multi -modal corridor not be lost. The great advantage of a trail along the FEC is that it would provide a safe and continuous route through 80 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum the entire Northeast quadrant of the city, connecting downtown, Overtown, Wynwood, Edgewater, Little Haiti and the Upper Eastside. Because of its loca- tion at the seam between different neighborhoods, the Elagler Trail would be a true shared city-wide resource for thousands of residents. In some locations, the corridor may be wide enough to incorporate small parks and fields for ac- tive recreation, as well as a multi -use trail and the commuter rail line. All the neighborhoods in the east side of the city should be linked to the Elagler Trail by a series of east -west connections that would gradually evolve in response to development projects and neighborhood street -greening improvements. Overtown Greenway The Overtown Greenway plan that emerged from the Trust for Public Land's Overtown Greenprint should be created to link the Miami River through Over - town to downtown. Potential Tamiami Greenway The Tamiami Canal is an overlooked resource that could expand connections within the city. Possible routes for a Tamiami Greenway to follow the Tamiami Canal from the Miami River to the Blue Lagoon should be explored. Make "Blueways" a reality with more public boating opportunities Miami has many parks and open spaces that are accessible by water, but today there are few opportunities for those who do not have access to private boats to get on the water and visit public areas. "Blueways" are designated water routes that can connect park lands. However, a blueway trail following the entire Bis- cayne Bay shoreline and extending up the Miami River is easy to draw on the map, but harder to make into an active public amenity. Public boat launches are already available at several key locations, including Coconut Grove, Morningside Park, Antonio Maceo Park, and one is planned for Sewell Park. The Parks and Recreation Department also offers a sailing program in Coconut Grove. This is just the beginning for a real blueway system. o The islands off the Biscayne Bay shoreline known as the Picnic Islands and the Dinner Key Islands make up a significant part of the Miami park system and can provide important opportunities for access to water, yet very few Miami residents visit them. The Miami -Dade County Department of Environmental The Picnic Islands lie tantalizingly out of reach for Miami residents who do not have private boats. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 81 Fern Isle Park (upper photo) and Sewell Park (lower photo) uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw Restoration and Management (DERM) has completed improvements to many of the picnic islands, including boat docks or reinforced shoreline areas suit- able for beaching a kayak or canoe. This work will be largely finished with the completion of improvements to the islands off Dinner Key Marina which are currently in planning and construction. Expand recreational boating programs Recreational boating programs at the parks with frontage on the bay and the river, including the South Fork of the Miami River, should be expanded. Bay - front Park, Morningside Park, Sewell Park and an expanded Fern Isle/South Fork Park should all have organized boating education and adventure pro- grams, with kayak and canoe rentals. With the existing sailing program in Coconut Grove, this would provide pub- lic water access in each of the four principal areas of the waterfront. Shake -a -Leg works with the City and County to offer programs that serve over 5,00o people annually, with a focus on teaching sailing and kayaking to disabled people, at -risk youth, students and families. Shake-a-Leg's vision for an expanded City of Miami Water Sports Park and Recreation Center on the Coconut Grove waterfront will allow programs to serve an even wider audience. The county -sponsored Eco-Adventures Program offers guided canoeing and kayaking trips from Matheson Ham- mock to the Gables Waterway, at Crandon Park on Key Biscayne, and at Greynolds Park on the Oleta River, among others. Canoe rentals are available at Biscayne National Park, Everglades National Park and the Oleta River State Recreation Area, and all three have mapped touring routes. Overnight camping is available in the national parks. Simi- lar designated routes and guided trips could be created within the city. Create a weekend shuttle to the islands Public access to the Picnic Islands and Dinner Key Islands on weekends could be provided by contracting for a small boat shuttle from Bayfront or Museum Parks and Dinner Key Marina. A small shuttle program would assure that the islands would not be overwhelmed by too many visitors, yet still allow public access. A tour of the bay and the islands would be attractive to Miami visitors as well as residents who want to visit the islands. As the City develops a water taxi program, the waterfront parks and the islands should be incorporated into water taxi routes. uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum Explore new blueways routes Miami's water resources are not limited to the bay and the river. The Little River, Wagner Creek, and the canals are all potentially navigable to boats of dif- ferent sizes. As the already identified blueways become better understood and more usable, the City should work with partners, including the South Florida Water District, to explore ways to bring recreational boaters to these waterways. In the case of the canals, this will mean identifying and providing portage sites at locations along the route. Promote blueways routes to the public and the boating industry To make the blueways concept a reality, boat tour routes need to be mapped in detail and promoted to the public and the recreational boating industry. Non- profit groups, the County and the City can all work together on planning and mapping of tour routes, outreach to potential partners, and coordination with the recreational boating industry. Plan connections to proposed regional trails Both the City and Miami -Dade County have long discussed opportunities for connecting the Miami greenway system to trails in neighboring communi- ties. These trails are close to forming a regional greenway network throughout South Florida that could link Biscayne Bay to the Everglades in multiple loca- tions, while providing north -south connections on former railroad beds. The City should make sure that it is part of that network by understanding how these regional connections can be linked to the city's green streets, paths and trails, and to parks and public spaces. • The Venetian Connector is conceived as a bike path across the Venetian Causeway, providing a safe link from downtown Miami to Miami Beach's extensive network of bike routes, greenways and pedestrian systems. • The Unity Trail will follow an east -west section of the FEC rail corridor, parallel to NW land street. It would provide an important link across the northern tip of the city to Hialeah. • The Perimeter Trail was conceived as a greenway on little -used perimeter roads and/or rail corridors at Miami International Airport. It will link con- necting trails from the south and west to the Miami Intermodal Center and the Miami River Greenway. • The Ludlum Trail will follow former rail corridors south from the west end of Flagami at Robert King High Park, providing a connection to several county parks and ultimately the South Dade Trail all the way to the Ever- glades. • The East-West Trail would extend from the Airport Perimeter Trail west to Florida International University and Tamiami County Park. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 83 Miami parks and green spaces provide habitat for many bird species. uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw As part of its 203o plan, the Miami -Dade MPO designated many proposed greenways, or portions of them, as "cost -feasible plan projects." These include the Miami River Greenway, Baywalk and Commodore Trail, as well as the M- Path Trail, the Flagler/FEC Trail, the Ludlum Trail and the Unity Trail. The City should continue to advocate for funding to move these trails forward. F. MAKE M IAM I'S PARK SYSTEM THE COUNTRY'S GREENEST AND MOST SUSTAINABLE RECOMMENDATIONS > Continue native -plant restoration and elimination of exotic plants as well as nature education programs at Simpson Park and the Virginia Key nature area. > Restore native vegetation in woodland, shoreline and streamfront edges and other areas of parks where possible. > Create satellite nature education programs in the larger city parks. > Establish native plantings in public road, rail, drainage and utility corridors that are not suitable for pedestrian and recreation access. > Incorporate the concept of the tree canopy as habitat in the City's urban forestry program. > Promote public awareness of the benefits of plantings in private as well as pub- lic property. > Introduce sustainable methods in park maintenance and operations. A central role of city parks has always been to allow urban dwellers to enjoy nature close to their homes or places of work. Most large city park systems incorporate nature in two kinds of parks: traditional parks, where nature is managed in designed landscapes or shaped around rec- reational activities, and conservation areas where nature exists on its own terms. While both kinds of parks exist in Miami, in most the native natural environment is barely present. Many residents lack the opportunity to experience nature first hand and learn about the native environment of South Florida. At the same time, anyone who spends time on foot in Miami will find that nature can be found in the midst of the city —plants burst from the seams of paving and bird song fills isolated groups of trees surrounded by asphalt downtown. Moreover, as our society increasingly understands the importance of conserving energy, reducing greenhouse gases to slow down climate change, and eliminating toxic materials, cities are finding that parks and public spaces represent one of the most important arenas for showing leadership in exemplifying and promoting sustainable and energy -efficient management practices. uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum These two issues —bringing more nature into the city and implementing sustainable practices —are linked in the park and public space system, combin- ing planning, management, and public education efforts. Parks and trees are the lungs of the city, bringing myriad benefits, from improving air quality to reducing the urban "heat island" effect exacerbated by reflective, hard surfaces. Environmentally -sensitive best practices can be modeled in city facilities and in the park system so that residents and property owners can see how they work. Environmental education about South Florida's climate and ecosystem can become part of the recreation programs in city parks. Enhance and extend natural areas within the park system and the city Because of the multiple purposes served by the city park system, complex issues must be resolved and diverse interests must be balanced in any program to en- hance and extend natural areas in the parks. Park management and maintenance decisions, driven by the need to work within limited budgets, often make it dif- ficult to maintain natural areas. Mowing to allow recreational use, and clearing and pruning of trees to simplify maintenance tend to eliminate the ground cov- ers and understory vegetation that would be present in a natural ecosystem. Hur- ricane damage and the threat of future storms understandably encourage aggres- sive clearing and pruning. Similarly, public safety concerns also often conflict with native species restoration. The need to provide security has driven the deci- sion to limb up trees and cut down understory shrubs to eliminate hiding places and allow easier surveillance by a limited staff. An example is the recent clearing at Sewell Park to open up views from the parking lot to other areas of the park. Conversely, a walk through some of the more remote areas of Wainwright Park demonstrates how difficult it is to secure areas that are heavily vegetated. Finally, decisions about what to plant and what to cut down over the long history of many parks in Miami have eliminated some native species, such as man- groves, while introducing outsiders like the banyan tree, which, while more use- ful perhaps in a park context, do not fit in very well with the native ecosystem. The introduction of exotic species, both accidentally and on purpose, can drive out native species and encourage the growth of a monoculture. For example, Australian Pines, which were introduced in 1898 for use as windbreaks, now dominate many areas to the exclusion of native plants. The city's current restoration work should continue to focus on conserva- tion areas at Virginia Key and at Simpson Park, expanding to other parks that include natural areas. The priority for these efforts should be those parks that retain the largest natural areas and which are linked by open space corridors like the rivers, canals, and possibly even highway rights -of -way. In each case, MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 85 The Coastal Hammock Interpretive Trail at Virginia Key. uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw these projects should follow several parallel tracks: first, to restore natural eco- systems by removing exotic species and replanting with natives; and second, to celebrate nature through educational programs and public participation. At Simpson Park and the Virginia Key nature area, interpretive trails, programs and signs help explain the importance of the natural landscape. Similarly, there are signs at the city's boat launches about the state's mana- tee protection program. Interpretive signage should also be installed in other parks where there are remnants of natural vegetation. The restored Picnic Islands are a natural candi- date for this kind of treatment, but the remaining mangrove areas in parks along Biscayne Bay are just as important locations. Many people use the bay parks, and in public meetings users sometimes complained about the mangroves and expressed a preference for palms instead. Signs can help raise public awareness about the value and importance of mangroves for the environmental quality of the bay. In community parks, the park naturalist and his staff could create small educational coastal hammock gardens with native species from the Virginia Key native plant nursery. The current efforts at Virginia Key and Simpson Park are proof that degraded areas can be successfully reclaimed, and should be the model for an expanded program of restoration. With trained core staff and excellent leadership in place, this program can easily be expanded to other parks in the city: • The Wainwright Park conservation area should be restored like Simp- son Park. Elimination of exotics and restoration with native species could increase visibility for security purposes and fit well with the quiet neighbor- hood that surrounds it. • Morningside Park, though dominated by introduced species like the banyan, includes a significant wetland area that could be linked to its extensive shore- line. The wetland and shore areas should be restored with native species. • Coconut Grove's Kennedy Park is being redesigned to be more efficient and usable. Part of that redesign should focus on replanting areas not needed or suitable for human use. • As the jewel of the Miami River parks, Sewell Park should be the focus of restoration designed to bring back native species while incorporating spaces for recreation and maintaining visual corridors for security. • The proposed Fern Isle/South Fork Park can bring back the ecological health of the South Fork through restoration of native vegetation and habitat areas and sensitive siting and design of a bridge and boating areas. • Restoration of the South Fork should extend up the Tamiami Canal to the Melreese Golf Course and the Blue Lagoon lakes. Each of these is now 86 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum largely edged with mowed lawns, which could easily be replanted with native species. Where visibility or flood flows are required, grasses and perennial plants could provide natural habitat. • Robert King High Park and the adjacent Carlos Arboleya Campground include extensive natural areas suitable for restoration with native species. Already an important recreational space, this area would be a good location for nature education programs. • Juan Pablo Duarte Park is one of the few community parks with active rec- reation that has room for nature. The drainage swale that traverses the park could be restored with native plants and used as the focus of a nature educa- tion program. Reintroducing nature while improving infrastructure As discussed earlier, public rights -of -way and infrastructure corridors represent an opportunity to expand the park system throughout the city without addition- al acquisition costs. Since many of these linear connectors are not suitable for pedestrian access, they are ideal places to reintroduce native plantings. Because native communities are better adapted to local conditions, in the long term they require less maintenance than the typical lawns and shrub borders. Birds and insects adapted to these areas will soon rediscover them. By replanting public road, rail, drainage and utility corridors with native species, the city can recon- nect the remaining fragmented natural areas and provide habitat for the move- ment of animals that are now isolated from each other. Green streets as natural habitat While the Green Street concept described elsewhere is primarily intended to create shaded pedestrian routes, it will also create a continuous canopy of trees that will be of great benefit to a variety of native birds and insect species. Whether for people or wildlife, concern for protection of the street tree canopy has become an important topic in recent years, and resulted in the adoption of a street tree ordinance. The City should incorporate this effort into a larger Ur- ban Forestry program that would be responsible for maintaining and enhanc- ing the tree canopy throughout the public realm. The public program could become a model for private landowners as they manage trees and other vegeta- tion on their own properties. A nature park along the highways Just as the city streets dominate Miami residents' daily experience, so the regional highway system is the visual focus for those visiting Miami by way of the interstates or airport. With limited public access, the highway verges and medians are also some of the largest "natural" areas left in many of the city's neighborhoods. With careful planning, landscaping could be improved on the entire highway system in Miami, providing benefits to wildlife and enhancing the beauty of the city. Limited human disturbance guaranteed by restrictions on MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 87 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw pedestrian access, combined with selection of native species and management of grassland areas for rare butterflies and other insects could create a unique kind of nature park. Support for such projects is growing at the Florida Depart- ment of Transportation, which spends nearly $3o million every year on highway landscape improvements. A group of resarchers associated with the Univeristy of Florida is surveying and mapping rare plants along FDOT rights of way in Miami -Dade County. Meanwhile, the Florida Highway Beautification Council provides $3 million in annual grants for highway beautification projects. The potential for stormwater parks At the scale of the city's larger districts, stormwater management will continue to include major street drainage systems and outfalls into the canal system. For example, if an outfall needs to be reworked to eliminate direct discharge into the Miami River, it may be more cost-effective to design the area as a naturalized stormwater park than to bury the system under tons of concrete. Partnerships at this scale will require collaboration between the city, Miami -Dade County, and the South Florida Water Management District, but hold great promise for creat- ing more green space while improving water quality and flood control. Implement sustainable management practices Parks are among the city's long-term assets. Increasingly, cities are pursuing more sustainable ways of managing all their assets, and parks should be no exception. By focusing sustainable management in the park system, the City will also provide an educational example to private property owners of how to manage their land- scapes. The City should include green and sustainable features among the design objectives of new recreation and park structures. Over time, as the Parks and Rec- reation Department increases the efficiency of its management systems, it should institute sustainable and non -toxic practices in the following areas: • Water use and irrigation: Irrigation should be installed so that water use can be monitored for efficiency. Consideration should also be given to systems that can recycle stormwater and graywater for irrigation. As South Florida faces water constraints, it is important to conserve potable water for drinking purposes. • Natural turf Turf varieties should be chosen that require lesser amounts of fertilization, irrigation and mowing. • Use of artificial turf for intensively used athletic fields: Artificial turf cuts down wear and tear on natural areas and allows for more efficient use of fields. This means that fewer fields can be used for more games because fields do not have to be rested frequently between uses. • Use of herbicides and pesticides: Integrated pest management and natu- ral alternatives should be used for management of the golf course and other areas. 88 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum • Natural lighting and ventilation of structures: In Miami's climate, air conditioning is a necessity for use of recreation buildings during the hottest months. However, there are many months of the year when air conditioning would be less needed if the design of recreation buildings included attention to opportunities for natural ventilation. Similarly, although many of Miami's parks and recreation buildings are heavily used in the evening and at night, the need for interior lighting during the day can be reduced if natural light- ing becomes a design objective for new and renovated structures. • Sustainable materials for walls, paving, and recreational equipment: Calculation of life -cycle costs at the time of design and specification of mate- rials can make the long-term benefits of sustainable materials clearer. This would include the use of recycled and recyclable materials. • Solar power: Miami's tropical location makes it an obvious place to imple- ment solar power and park and recreation sites offer many opportunities to in- novate and save money. Solar panels could be incorporated in shade structures, picnic shelters, in parking areas and for night lighting on paths and sports fields. The intense use of many Miami parks after dark could make use of solar panels an important way to reduce electricity costs. Solar panels could also be attached to highway overpass structures where recreation areas or parking lots exist below, for example Athalie Range Park #i and Jose Marti Park. • Green roofs: Green roofs are planted roofs that absorb stormwater and reduce the heat effect of hard surfaces. Many municipalities are installing green roofs on their public buildings; Chicago is the best-known example. Using green roofs on recreation buildings is another way to enhance the beneficial effects of green spaces. The initial cost of transition to more sustainable energy and design may be somewhat more than simply continuing with existing methods. However, on a life -cycle basis, green systems can bring significant savings. If the park system makes a commitment to becoming the most sustainably managed park system in the country, it may be able to obtain grants and other assistance to plan and begin implementing the program. G. EVERY PARK SYSTEM NEEDS MANY FRIENDS: ENHANCE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AND PARTNERSHIPS RECOMMENDATIONS > Create a new Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to replace the current Parks Advisory Board. > Hire a volunteer coordinator for the Parks and Recreation Department to develop and manage a network of "friends" groups for individual parks. > Create a citywide parks foundation. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 89 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw > Keep records of recreation program users. > Survey park users regularly to monitor needs and interests, including a scientific survey once every ten years. > Designate a liaison from the Parks and Recreation Department to work with the Miami -Dade County School District on mutual use of recreation and school recreation properties. > Establish a system of community consultation for the redesign of existing parks and design of new parks. Successful urban park systems —such as those in Chicago, New York, and Seattle —have developed strong constituencies and successful nonprofit part- nerships. Their constituencies are based on making sure that the park system communicates with residents and park users and includes them in planning for park and program improvements. The partnerships mobilize additional re- sources to enhance the system, drawing on philanthropic and corporate under- standing of the value to city life of an excellent park and recreation system. This master plan was developed with the benefit of the systematic program of public participation described in Chapter 2. Meaningful community participa- tion benefits the park system by creating a strong parks and recreation constit- uency. It is important at several different levels: • Systemwide policy and priority -setting • Systemwide surveys of changing user needs • Location -specific input into improvements and design by user groups and neighborhoods • Regular updates of the system master plan. Systemwide policy: Create a parks and recreation advisory board As noted earlier, the Parks Advisory Board as currently organized has an over- broad set of responsibilities coupled with a lack of any systematic, defined role in the development and management of city parks and recreation programs. The board should be reorganized as the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, with new membership criteria and clear responsibilities. Adding "Recreation" to the name and the responsibilities of the board makes it clear that park is- sues include the balancing of recreational and other uses of park lands. The membership should be geographically representative and also include people with expertise in park and recreation issues. Board responsibilities should be focused on citywide parks and recreation policy matters. 90 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum Board membership All Park and Recreation Advisory Board members should be residents of Miami. Although Miami ordinances currently allow people who do not live in the city but who work or own property in the city to serve on boards, it is important that the members of this board have a direct interest in the city's parks. An effective board made up of residents will help expand and strengthen the city's constituency for parks. A board of 13 resident members with the Director of Parks and Recreation or his designee as an ex officio member could effectively represent both residents at large and residents with park and recreation expertise. Suggested membership in the organization is as follows: • The mayor appoints two members who are residents at large. • Each commissioner appoints one member resident in his or her commis- sion district. • The city manager appoints the remainder, including people with the follow- ing expertise or experience: > landscape architect > team sports representative > park "friends" group representative > if there is a Miami Parks Foundation, a resident member of the foundation > park recreation program user • Director of Parks and Recreation or designee (not to be the same person who staffs the board) The board would be staffed by the Department of Parks and Recreation, and liaisons from the Planning Department, Department of Public Works, Capital Improvements and Transportation Department would be appointed by those department directors and be made available to inform the board, as needed, about opportunities for collaboration. Board responsibilities The board would be responsible for advising the mayor and the commission, as well as the rest of city government, on citywide parks and recreation policy matters, park and recreation needs and priorities, and the board's members would serve as the stewards of the master plan. The board should meet at least four times a year. Board meetings should be held at night so that members of the public can attend. Every year the board should review progress on implementing the master plan, based on staff reports; hold a meeting devoted to hearing from the public on parks issues; review capital plans and designs in relation to the master plan and the needs expressed in public meetings and provide written advice to the commission; and submit a report to the commission on implementation of the plan and any change in conditions that warrant changes in the plan. In addition, the board should hold a public hearing and advise the commission MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 91 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw in writing on proposals to cover more than 25% of park space with building footprints, convert park land to other uses, accept donated land for parks, or sell city land that may be suitable for parks. Systemwide community surveys The Parks and Recreation Department should more systematically collect in- formation on park and recreation program users, their current level of satisfac- tion, and needs for new park resources or programs. Surveys at the end of rec- reation programs; focus groups; and informal, Web -based surveys can provide direction in between scientific surveys that should be repeated every ten years. Community input in park design Whenever design starts on park improvements or new parks, park users and community members should be invited to a series of meetings: the first to gather information on issues and concerns; the second to present a conceptual design for discussion; and the third to present the detailed design for discus- sion. Regular updates for the master plan The parks and public spaces master plan should be updated every ro years. As the city meets some of its goals and as conditions change, the plan will need to be modified to continue to guide decision making about the parks system. The master plan update should be coordinated with the survey. Partnerships Create a Miami Parks Foundation Miami's park system needs a nonprofit partner to focus attention, raise money, attract volunteers, and enhance the constituency for the city's parks. All the suc- cessful park systems in the United States have strong partnerships with other government agencies, with community groups, and with a parks foundation or other nonprofit focused on helping the city's parks be successful. Examples include the Seattle Parks Foundation, the San Diego Friends of Parks and Rec- reation Foundation, the Boulder Parks and Recreation Foundation, Philadelphia Green, and the Emerald Necklace Conservancy in Boston. In these and other cit- ies, the philanthropic community and the business community have recognized that a thriving and successful park system benefits the whole city. Some of these organizations are actively involved in management and maintenance of parks. Others raise funds for capital improvements and programs. Many coordinate the activities of volunteers and neighborhood parks groups. New York has a number of parks organizations that exemplify different ap- proaches to park partnerships: 92 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum > The Central Park Conservancy may be the best-known nonprofit park organization in the country. With a large endowment ($90 million in 2oo5) and fund-raising capacity, the Conservancy has a management contract with the city of New York and provides more than 85% of Central Park's operating budget. The Conservancy is responsible for maintenance, public programming and capital improvements in the park and the City pays an annual fee for these services according to formulas related to the Conser- vancy's fund raising and expenditures for the park. The City's main role is to set policy for the park, and it has final approval on the Conservancy's capital improve- ments recommendations. The Conservancy has a staff of 25o and over 1,20o volunteers. > The Prospect Park Alliance focuses on fund raising and advocacy for Prospect Park in Brooklyn. In 20o5, the Alliance received $4.5 million in donations and $2.2 million in fees for services and events; it spent $6.3 mil- lion on programs, services and capital improvements. The president of the Alliance is also the administrator of the park, a city employee. > The City Parks Foundation is an umbrella group that facilitates partner- ships between the city's Department of Parks and Recreation and some 25o parks groups and 1,800 neighborhood/civic groups. One of its programs, Partnerships for Parks, provides small grants and technical assistance to community -initiated projects in neighborhood parks. The foundation coor- dinates volunteer activities and offers free arts, sports, and education pro- grams. The majority of the staff are city employees. > Modeled on the Central Park Conservancy, the New York Restoration Proj- ect was founded by the entertainer Bette Midler with a mission to "reclaim, restore, and redevelop underserved park spaces throughout New York City." The organization has collaborated with the Americorps program and has envi- ronmental education programs, community activities and fund raising events. Miami already has several public authorities that focus on specific park proper- ties or public spaces: the Bayfront Trust, the Virginia Key Beach Trust, and the Miami River Commission. What the City and the Parks and Recreation Depart- ment need is a nonprofit partner that will look at all the parks and recreation resources in Miami as a whole, working with the City to strengthen the parks as a system, rather than contributing only to specific signature parks. Chicago's partnership organizations may be a good model. Chicago Friends of the Parks gives technical assistance to parks advisory councils, raises funds for park proj- ects, develops pilot programs, holds public workshops and events, organizes a volunteer program and coordinates with universities for environmental educa- tion programs. Volunteers in New York's Riverside Park have planted and maintained fenced perennial gardens for many years. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 93 A friends group raises funds for the Blanche Park tot lot and adjacent dog park. uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw Hire an ombudsman and volunteer coordinator to organize a network of `friends" groups for individual parks A few parks in Miami already have "friends" groups that support particular parks and organize events, but residents often do not know where to go for information and assistance. The Parks and Recreation Department needs to have a staff member who will serve as the parks ombudsman and coordinate volunteer activities with department activities. Develop partnerships with other government agencies and nonprofit groups. In order to take advantage of the opportu- nities for development of parks and open space through infrastructure improve- ments, discussed earlier, there must be a mechanism for regular communication and collaboration between the Parks and Recreation Department and the policy makers, planners, engineers, archi- tects, landscape architects and maintenance staff of multiple City departments. The Parks and Recreation Department should invite appropriate staff from the Public Works, Capital Improvements and Transportation, General Services, and other depa' Lments to join a working group on park and open space op- portunities. This group should be made familiar with the priorities and recom- mendations of this master plan so that, as they do their work, they are aware of opportunities to enhance the city's park system. As mentioned earlier, the Parks and Recreation Department should also assign liaisons to work with County departments, the Miami -Dade County School District, and the housing authority to strengthen existing and develop new partnerships that can expand park and recreation resources for Miami residents. Another important ally for the Parks and Recreation Department is the public health community. Residents' priorities as expressed in the survey are very much focused on fitness. By creating relationships with the public health com- munity, the Parks and Recreation Department can gain support for and access to funding and programming for fitness resources and programs in Miami. uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum H. IMPROVING MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS RECOMMENDATIONS > Review and expand the Department of Parks and Recreation vision and mission statement to include the public realm role of the parks system in addition to the role of recreation provider. > Establish core services and programs according to level of benefit to the community. > Improve management and employee accountability. > Improve management and establish policies and systems for program partner and sponsor groups. > Strengthen support services. > Enhance the image of the department and city parks. As part of this master plan, a detailed management assessment report was prepared by Greenplay LLC that focused on operations, facilities and programs; service delivery and communications; support services; and fees, charges and revenues. This section summarizes the recommendations of this report. During the last few years, the Parks and Recreation Department has been recov- ering from many years of reduced and restricted budgets. Many improvements are underway, but there are several areas that need more focused attention. Review and expand the department's vision and mission statement The long-term vision of the depar lanent states that the "goal of the Department of Parks and Recreation is to serve all of the residents of the City of Miami by providing safe, clean, and wholesome recreational, educational and cultural activities in order to promote a sense of community." The more recently -cre- ated mission statement is "to provide state of the art park facilities and offer leisure, educational, cultural and physical activities to the residents and visitors of our community while enhancing their quality of life and inspiring personal growth, self esteem, pride and respect for the urban environment." Much of the focus of this master plan has been on how Miami can provide sufficient park and green space for a growing population in a built-up city. The vision and mission of the Parks and Recreation Department currently does not include any emphasis on parks as part of the city's public realm or protection of greenspace and natural areas. Rather, the depar talent goals and mission em- phasize the provision of recreational services. The vision and mission should be reviewed with department staff and modified to incorporate the concept of the importance of parks as part of the city's overall public realm system. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 95 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw Establish core services according to level of benefit to the community The department should establish the core services it will offer, using a system that identifies where programs lie on a continuum from providing benefits to the community as a whole to providing benefits that mostly accrue to the individual. This framework can also aid in creating a consistent policy on charging fees for programs and activities. The depa' llnent must fully identify its costs and use that information to decide which services and programs should be free and how fees should be set for others. When this framework is communicated to the public and city decision makers, it will help develop consensus around how services should be provided and priced in the city park and recreation system. • Community benefit: Services and programs that create benefits for the community as a whole include those that provide safety, address social needs, enhance quality of life and increase property values. These are the basic services that the department should offer free or for minimal fees. • Community/individual benefit: These services benefit both the commu- nity and the individual and are typically the traditional recreation programs at beginner levels. Fees are partially subsidized because of the community benefits and partially paid by the program participant. These services typi- cally might include special needs programs and clubs, leagues and camps for youth. • Individual/community benefit. At this level the services promote more individual than community benefit, typically providing intermediate levels of recreation skills, with fees to reflect less community subsidy. Examples of this level of service might include rentals of facilities and equipment for youth programs and nonprofits, and fitness and wellness programs for adults and seniors. • Mostly individual benefit. Services at this level are for specific groups and benefit their participants more than the community as a whole. Examples in- clude adult team athletics and sports, facility and equipment levels for adults and nonprofits, and special events organized by private promoters. Fees for these services can be set to recover all direct and indirect costs. • Highly individual benefit. Services at this level —such as facility and equip- ment rental to for -profit or private groups —have the potential to produce revenue and should be priced accordingly. When the cost to provide a program is consistently and fairly applied based on who benefits from the program, the value of the program and commit- ment to the program by participants tends to increase. Of course, some groups and individual participants may not be able to afford fees. Currently, there is no consistent policy for fee waivers and the case -by -case process for sponsor- ship groups now in place tends to leave the impression that exceptions are the 96 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum norm. Policies and criteria should be established to clarify who is eligible for reduced or waived fees. Similarly, policies and criteria for individual fee reduc- tion should be established based on ability to pay, rather than a blanket ap- proach based on assumptions about entire communities. Improve management accountability Systems that both empower employees and make them more accountable should be established. The department's annual work plan and performance measures should be clearly tied to its vision, while decision -making respon- sibilities should be expanded to encourage and support empowerment, trust, risk taking, improved judgment and professional growth in department staff. Creation of a "no excuse" task force of employees to provide rapid resolution of relevant issues can hold retreats and regular gatherings of employee groups to discuss topic -specific goals, concerns and issues. Develop standards and systems to rationalize and sustain operations In order to sustain operations, the department needs to develop maintenance level of service standards, identify associated costs, and address funding those costs prior to taking on new assignments. Replacement programs for facilities, equipment and vehicles also need to be established and funded. A clear un- derstanding of costs and their relationship to meeting the standards expected by the public will help the department gain support for appropriate funding levels. Improve management and establish policies and systems for program partner and sponsor groups Many organizations and groups sponsor programs that use Miami park and recreation facilities. Formal policies for working with these groups should be established, as well as consistent systems that track participation, expenditures, revenues and in -kind support to establish target goals for cost recovery. Strengthen support -services assistance A variety of administrative and support services need improvement, includ- ing purchasing decisions and better use of information technology to support programs, services and efficiency. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 97 New signs promote a new image. uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw Enhance the department's image In the last few years, the Parks and Recreation Depart- ment has begun marketing and branding its programs and image, and these efforts should continue to bolster the credibility and awareness of the City's parks and recreation effort among the public. In the survey, many residents ex- pressed lack of knowledge about what the park system has to offer, and in public meetings, some residents assumed that all programs were provided by partner organizations. Statistical information and narratives that tell the story of the department, as well as accreditation and professional certification for park staff, should be part of that effort. In addition, development of strong relation- ships with a new Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and a Miami Parks Foundation will assist the department in upgrading its image. I. DIVERSIFYING FUNDING FOR CAPITAL AND OPERATIONS IMPROVEMENTS RECOMMENDATIONS > Over time, align general fund support of the parks system with the standards and level of service expected by the public for resources and programs that benefit the community. > Assign revenues generated by the Parks and Recreation Department to the departmental budget. > Create a dedicated funding source for the park system, such as a percentage of property tax to support parks and public spaces. > Revise the Parks and Open Space Trust Fund to make it more flexible. Compared to other Florida cities, for many years Miami has served a large and denser urban population on much smaller budgets and has received much less revenue because of very limited fees and charges. As noted in the previous chap- ter, Miami's annual parks budget should be approximately $5o million, more than twice its current size, to meet per capita expenditure standards of similar cities. In recent years, the City has increased the Parks and Recreation Department budget and bond -funded capital improvement programs are bringing many up- grades to the park system. In November aoo4, the City Commission approved creation of the Heart of Our Parks Fund, managed by the Dade Community Foundation, with an initial endowment of $929,919 to fund park program- ming. The Department of Parks and Recreation has also received $I million to 98 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum $2 million in recent years in grants and donations. The Bayfront Trust manages and funds operations and improvements for that park, and the Virginia Key Beach Management Trust is charged with revival of Virginia Key Beach. The city also makes contribu- tions to several specific park programs. CITY PARK & REC ACRES 2004 PARK & REC BUDGET BUDGET PER CAPITA 2004 PARK & REC REVENUE MIAMI FORT LAUDERDALE TAM PA ST. PETERSBURG 892 $12,000,000 973 $26,000,000 1,774 $44,000,000 2,400 $25,000,000 $31 $3,300,000 $156 $8,100,000 $137 $6,700,000 $100 $6,500,000 There are two fundamental budget categories for parks: i) capital improve- ments and 2) maintenance, operations and programming. It is often easier to obtain dollars for acquisition and design of new parks than it is to obtain additional funding for maintenance, operations and programming. Creating new parks is exciting and attracts attention, but the more prosaic work of main- taining, operating and programming parks is essential. Every new park, like every old park, implies a commitment to maintain and operate it as a safe and attractive public space forever. Parks that are poorly maintained, seem unsafe, and lack activities will not be used. Funding sources for acquisition and design include general fund tax revenues; impact fees; public bond issues; transportation and other infrastructure fund- ing; public and private grant funds; developer contributions; and other dona- tions. In recent years Miami has used general fund and bond funding more than other sources. The City's impact fees were dramatically revised upward in 2o05 and made much more flexible and applicable to more parks. The City Commission is expected to revisit the fees annually for adjustment. The Miami 21 rezoning is expected to include developer payments for bonus floors as another source of funding. As discussed elsewhere in this chapter, the City also needs to pursue opportunities for new park and open space acquisition through infrastructure projects (funded primarily with state and federal dol- lars), and promote the formation of a Miami Parks Foundation that can tap private donors for funding. Potential funding sources for maintenance, operations and programming in- clude annual tax revenue general fund allocations; fees for use and programs; in -kind and money donations (stewardship groups, volunteers, etc.); special events fees; concessions; special assessment or benefit districts; endowments for special parks; and grant funds. Miami today depends mostly on annual allocations for its parks operations budgets, although it is increasing efforts to win grant funding. Any fees generated by parks and recreation programs go to the general fund. As the discussion on management improvements makes MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 99 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw clear, some maintenance, operations and programming costs could be recov- ered through a clear identification of costs and a recalibration of fees to reflect relative benefits to the community and to individuals. To make this fully effec- tive, the department budget should receive the benefits of cost reductions and of increased revenues. Miami should work towards creating a dedicated funding source for the park system. Miami's Parks and Recreation Depa' hiient received 3.2% of the Gen- eral Fund in FY 2oo4-2oo5. In contrast, one of the best -funded parks and recreation departments in the country, in Portland, Oregon, received approxi- mately To% of that city's general fund discretionary monies in 2oo5. The best urban park systems have dedicated funding sources, which are generally a por- tion of the property tax or the sales tax. In Minneapolis, $1.2o per $i,000 of tax revenue in 2oo5 went to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, a semi- autonomous, elected board created in 1883 to maintain and develop the city's extensive park system. In 2oo5, the Park Board received 9% of tax revenue. In Seattle, a 2000 parks levy was approved at $0.35 per $1,00o additional property tax to be used mainly for acquisition and development of 18 new neighbor- hood parks in underserved neighborhoods. The Chicago Parks District receives dedicated property tax funds, which account for over 5o% of the government revenues that go to its parks. Here in Florida, Pinellas County uses a portion of its sales tax to fund parks and estimates that 40% of sales taxes are paid by sea- sonal residents and tourists. Boulder, Colorado, has both a sales tax -supported Open Space Fund and a property tax -supported Parks and Recreation Fund. The Parks and Open Space Trust Fund Miami has a Parks and Open Space Trust Fund whose stated purpose is to acquire new parks and open space, with 8o% of the funds targeted towards acquisition. This trust fund would be the appropriate destination of developer bonus payments and other funds dedicated to parks and open space uses. As currently written, the establishing ordinance contains limitations that could prove to be excessively constraining. There are advantages to making the fund as flexible as possible so that these monies can be used to take advantage of unanticipated opportunities. • It would be beneficial to explicitly permit expenditures for park and public space -related amenities that are included in the Parks and Public Spaces Master Plan, such as acquisition for trails/paths and plazas, and investment in green streets that serve as pedestrian access routes to parks. • The ordinance appears to say that the money added to the fund has to be spent within two years. This would make it difficult to accumulate funds for major purchases. This period should be extended, perhaps to the six -year period used for the impact fee funds. 100 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum • All expenditures for acquisition of new park land should require written recommendations from the Parks and Recreation and the Planning depart- ments, and these recommendations must indicate how the proposed ex- penditure relates to the goals and recommendations of the Parks and Public Spaces Master Plan and other relevant City planning documents. • The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board should submit an advisory recom- mendation on expenditures over $5oK for acquisition before the commis- sion takes action. PUBLIC REALM INTO GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE Miami's parks, waterfronts, and public spaces must be understood as a system of green infrastructure that is both internally integrated and linked to a wider regional system. This networking of all the existing and potential elements of the public realm into a system of green infrastructure is more than an abstract concept. Miami residents, in the surveys and public meetings, voiced their desire for a greener Miami and better access to and connections among parks. They understood how lack of connections that provide comfortable, secure and attractive environments can result in underused parks. They asked for more walking and bicycling paths and routes. In a growing city, a strong network of green infrastructure creates a robust framework for growth and a high quality of urban life. The elements of this green infrastructure system are owned and managed by a variety of agencies for the benefit of the whole community. An effective system of green infra- structure requires that all these management entities understand the role that they can play within this connected network and how their piece of the network contributes to the whole. In addition, strong community and nonprofit part- ners have a critical role to play in keeping the idea of green infrastructure alive and in working with management agencies to make it a reality in Miami. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 101 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw 102 5_ .. . . n i n l „„ 111 „„„„„„„, „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III I Visions for Downtown and for City Neighborhoods The previous chapters set out the features of the citywide vision of a linked open space system. This system will give Miami a framework for the individual parks and public spaces that residents experience in their neighborhoods and as they travel around the city. This citywide vision grew out of the neighborhood visions that emerged from the workshops held in every NET Area, from interviews with neighborhood leaders, from visits to every park in Miami, and from open houses where the preliminary visions were reviewed and discussed by residents. In this chapter, the master plan gets down to particulars. For each NET Area there is a summary of what people said about the existing parks and public spaces in their neighborhoods, their perceptions of assets, problems and opportunities, and their hopes for the future. Drawings and photographs express the potential for park improvements and potential new parks. A map shows the parks and open spaces that exist now, indicates opportunities for shared spaces or new parks, and suggests how the concepts of green streets, blueways and greenways, and other connections can be implemented on the neighborhood level. There are many well -loved parks in Miami and many different reasons why people love them. But Miamians also know that most of their parks could be better and that more parks would make the city a better place to live. Although each neighborhood is unique, many common themes emerged across the city. Each NET Area vision plan should be viewed as both a local plan and as part of the grander vision for parks and public spaces —for people, in community, and connected to nature. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 103 DOWNTOWN NET Area: Brickell/Central Business District/Riverside/Park West wo well -attended workshops were held in the Downtown NET Area: a workshop for the business community and a more general meeting for residents and other stakeholders. Both participant groups are very concerned about waterfront access, and both want to see the Riverwalk and Baywalk brought to completion. The workshops explored several options for connections between the downtown commercial area, residential neighborhoods, and the bay. Business owners and residents alike favor establishing a connected system of bayfront parks that stretches from the mouth of the Miami River north to Bicentennial/Museum Park and Margaret Pace Park. Participants in both workshops stressed the need for creating engaging activities in this "park of parks" and connecting it to the Riverwalk. In addition, neither workshop group liked Bayfront Park in its current configuration and both sessions produced many suggestions for its redesign. ■ What we heard om the communi about arks and ublic s aces: Stakeholders see parks and green spaces as attractions that can draw visitors from around the region, the city, the neighborhood —and the world. > Parks framing the CBD and Park West —a grand waterfront of connected parks on the east, a series of linear parks along NW ist Avenue and a network of green, east -west streets linking the waterfront and the linear parks. > A continuous, linear Riverwalk punctuated by important parks and historic sites at Miami Circle, Fort Dallas Park and Lummus Park. > New neighborhood -serving parks in the heart of Brickell as part of the redevelopment of Brickell Village. PROVIDE MORE VISUAL AND PHYSICAL ACCESS TO WATER Direct views to the bay • Opportunities for water play minir The Vision > A grand waterfront park of parks downtown > Redesign Bayfront Park to provide direct water views from Biscayne Blvd. and eliminate fixed theaters and other elements that obstruct views > Flat and open multiuse spaces for performances and informal recreation at Bayfront Park > `Bayfront Beach' with an expanded sandy beach, water features that invite people to touch the water, and handicap -accessible areas > Use of the Museum Park boat slip for art and recreational boating and kayaking > Platforms or floating docks at the water end of streets along the Brickell waterfront > Handicap -accessible beach access at Virginia Key CREATE AND STRENGTHEN CONNECTIONS Connect waterfront parks to neighborhoods and the city with an east -west grid of green streets • Connect waterfront parks to one another • Connect the Baywalk and the Riverwalk The Vision > Tree -lined, shady streets from the waterfront to Government Center and neighborhoods > A pedestrian walk along the length of the waterfront parks > Water taxi service to parks and other destinations along the waterfront > Pursue a boardwalk or cantilevered walkways if needed to complete the Baywalk and Riverwalk > Connect Lummus Park to Lummus Landing > Extend and strengthen the greenways under MetroRail and the MetroMover > A bike, pedestrian and rollerblade path along the FEC corridor into downtown CREATE MORE GREEN LANDSCAPES AND SHADE More plants • Fewer hard surfaces • More shade The Vision > Shade trees along streets and paths where people walk > Shelters, trellises and other shade structures > A South Florida plant garden at Parcel B/ Museum Park > Gardens in every waterfront park and Brickell Park > A new downtown park over un- derground parking framed by the Federal Courthouse, MetroRail and new development PROVIDE ACTIVE AND PASSIVE RECREATION FOR RESIDENTS Play areas for children • Athletic fields • Dog parks • Informal recreation areas • Bike paths and rollerblade paths The Vision > Space in the waterfront parks for athletic fields and informal play (kites, Frisbee) > Athletic fields between NW 6th and nth streets west of the Miami Arena to serve Downtown, Park West and Overtown residents > A new Brickell Village park to serve existing and new residents in all parts of > Physical improvements and enhanced Brickell with play areas for children, a dog maintenance at heavily -used Southside park, and an athletic field Park > Upgrades of MetroRail greenway paths for safe rollerblade use MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 105 VISION FOR PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES 1 t - ,\ Plazas Pursue opportunities to create parks in these underserved areas *Proposed platforms/docks at the end of east -west streets ■■■■ Planned and proposed streetscape im- provements (shade trees, wide sidewalks) I11MDIDINI Proposed river blueway: recreational boating along the northern bankofthe Miami River Existing Baywalk, Riverwalk, and Greenway r-MI Proposed extensions of Baywalk, Riverwalk and Greenway Proposed bike path Proposed design guidelines area BOOKER 1 INASHINUI ON JUST OFFSHORE... VIRGINIA KEY • Public beach • Historic African -American beach undergoing restoration by the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust • Important conserva- tion area with several rare species • Potential ecological adventure area (EDSA plan to be completed in zoo7) • National Park Service interested in operating nature trail • Potential high school site for Miami -Dade School District WATSON ISLAND • Ichimura Miami Japanese Garden now open on weekends • 5.5-acre public park to be created by new development tor IrnisT owntown,, .' Little Havana Coral Way ALARM 01-1,1„ ■■u■ JUVENIL ■ ■■some% CI, of MaMI CEMETERY • 00, ■ • • LAMILLS1,, ME r N ■■■■■■■.■• F. TATION • • ♦ B,SIDE Downtown MVET PACE PARK Wynwood/Edgewater IN CH-2.NY BICENTEI ■•■. ■-■■ ■ AL BUILDING WOLFSON CAMPUS : i •♦ NEW WORLD SCHOOL ♦ • CESU THOLINNMNRCH ■ T. .iw ■ • • �.�.�'�♦ • CONSULATE . • i■ ■■w • r ■ For more detail on this area, see page 6, `A Vision for a Downtown Waterfront Park of Parks." giAL, ,UNol •, PRE siuji 11 BR. NSH,. E .• f• � • s. NE iHEkaNOS coNSULai •�■•• HAH NR S.LA sOLIT . • `►•••). ■ • ,�. 5.�,»=, S"'• ,,Nome, • 106 EXISTING PARKS AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES 8 10 CENTRAL MIAMI MINI -PARK (CLOSED) PERFORMING ARTS DISTRICT > Seek public, landscaped spaces and plazas for cafes and other entertainment -related uses. BICENTENNIAL PARK/MUSEUM PARK (DETAIL ON NEXT PAGE) > Design in public review. PARK WEST ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT > Create a club -area identity with unique streetscape design. BAYFRONT PARK (DETAIL ON NEXT PAGE) FORT DALLAS PARK MIAMI CIRCLE > Protect archaelogical features while providing reasonable public access to this historic property. BRICKELL PARK > Design gardens and paths to enhance this passive park. > Seek corporate sponsorship to support improvements and pas- sive activities. BRICKELL AREA > Create a green grid of landscaped streets to connect the water with the MetroRail greenway and extend the greenway. ALLEN MORRIS MINI -PARK 11 FE 14 BAYWALK Complete Baywalk access with > platforms at ends of streets > boardwalks or cantilevered walks PERFORMING ARTS DISTRICT > Create design guidelines for Brickell Avenue plazas to create a continuous pedestrian prome- nade with plantings, seating, fountains, cafes, and program- ming such as concerts. SOUTHSIDE PARK > Upgrade and repair facilities. > Improve maintenance. BRICKELL VILLAGE Create new neighborhood -serving parks and plazas in coordination with retail and mixed -used development in the heart of the neighborhood > Include sports field, dog park, tot lot, benches, picnic tables and gardens. RIVERWALK Complete Riverwalk access and remove existing barriers. PROPOSED LUMMUS LANDING 1G WATERFRONT PUBLIC SPACE mLUMMUS PARK > Redesign the park and expand across the street to Lummus Landing. > Create a water -play area. > Explore potential for youth educa- tional programs with police horse stables. > Create a major historic interpreta- tion area to start the historic trail. 18 MIAMI-DADE CULTURAL CENTER PLAZA EiWALKER MINI-PARK/FLAGLER STREET PARK 20 GOVERNMENT CENTER > County -owned plaza and green space > Well -maintained U.S. COURTHOUSE DISTRICT New active and passive parks above underground parking and framed by development Eg MIAMI ARENA AREA New park with athletic fields to serve residents SITE OF PROPOSED LUMMUS LANDING BAYFRONT PARK ALLEN MORRIS MINI -PARK CULTURAL CENTER PLAZA MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 107 VISION FORA GRAND WATERFRONT "PARK OF PARKS" MI • O 1 Proposed Baywalk Future Riverwalk Downtown Museum Park should celebrate art, nature, and city life, on land and water. Connect the waterfront across the boat slip. Connect the waterfront from the arena to the marina. Connect the water- T front by water taxi. 1 �'� A redesigned Bayfront Park for residents, downtown workers, and visitors. Connect the riverfront and the bayfront. OVERTOWN NET Area: Southeast Overtown/Northeast Overtown/Rainbow Village/Town Park/Culmer/Sprin - rrien/Highland Park (though a small number of community members attended the workshop, many residents came to the open house. Several of these represented the Overtown Optimist Club and the Overtown Youth Center. The consultant team also interviewed representatives from Crosswinds, the Overtown Advisory Board, and the Trust for Public Land prior to the workshop. At both public meetings, participants appeared more concerned with improving park Aistt programs than finding new park space in the Overtown area. Residents like Gibson Park and Williams Park but find that ongoing renovations limit their use of the parks. Park safety is also a major concern. Most residents agreed that a swimming program is needed for area children and that city pools should be open year-round. In addition, more programs are needed for girls, and all park programs should be inexpensive. What we heard om the communi about arks and ublic spaces: ffer year-round, affordable recreation programs for all ages. • Have structured swimming programs for Williams Pool and Gibson Park. • Keep Williams Pool and Gibson Park Pool open all year. Institute after -school tutoring programs at all neighborhood/ community parks. Open a community fitness and wellness center on county -owned land between NW loth and iith streets near Range Park. • Offer a variety of activities, not just a weight room. Enhance safety in parks and public spaces. • Increase park staff presence and maintain or provide park fencing. Increase police patrols to reduce drug activity in Reeves and Rainbow Village parks. • Program events for public spaces, such as the 9th Street Mall, to draw more users and provide "eyes on the street." Provide connections among Overtown's public spaces and to downtown. • Connect 9th and nth streets to the Entertainment District. • Provide pedestrian -friendly connections between parks, the proposed Overtown Greenway, and public transportation. • Transform the FEC rail corridor into a greenway and bikeway. Create a new greenway +�, �+ connects Overtown to downtown if FDOT depresses I-395. Create new parks. • A mini -park in the Highland Park area with a play area for children will help create community identity. • Make improvements in the Range Park underpass, such as adding a recreation building, domino area, and parking lot. • Provide more public art in the underpass areas. • Build a playground near the YWCA. Provide better maintenance of parks and public spaces. • Ensure ongoing maintenance as the Trust for Public Land's Overtown Greenprint is implemented. • Improve current maintenance of linear parks and public spaces. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 109 VISION FOR PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES LYRIC PLAZA The community gathering space of Historic Overtown The Vision A public plaza next to the Lyric Theatre to celebrate Overtown's heritage. TODAY COMPREHENSIVE SWIMMING PROGRAM The Vision NEW PARKS The Vision > River parks at Spring Garden Point and at NW zzth Avenue and the river. > Playground on county land by the YWCA on NW 5th Street. > Keep swimming pools open year-round. > Provide swimming lessons for every child in Miami. WNW Nkr- PROPOSAL FOR RIVER PARK AT SPRING GARDEN POINT ILIV ART -FILLED RANGE PARK FOR THE DOMINO CLUM The Vision Enhance planned improvements for a domino park with: > Public art under the overpass. > Landscaping and beautification. > Lighting in the park under the elevated road and on routes to the park. > Explore using solar panels on the road structures to light the park sustainably. RAINBOW VILLAGE PARK The Vision > Seek nonprofit partners for a gardening/horticulture program for Rainbow Village residents. > Create a Rainbow Village Park stewardship program. Overtown A FRAMEWORK OF PEDESTRIAN -FRIENDLY STREETS... gatugm Overtown's parks, community destinations, and downtown The Vision Overtown Greenway > Implement the Greenway Plan developed with the Trust for Public Land (TPL). > Link Overtown with the Miami Riverway and the Baywalk. > Create safe walk -to -school routes. > Link Booker T. Washington High School, currently isolated, to the community. Overtown Pedestrian Mall > Renew the Overtown Pedestrian Mall; connect it to downtown. Green Streets > Safe, shady, tree -lined, well -lit streets. > North —South: NW znd, 3rd, 5th, 7th avenues. > East—West: NW zoth, igth, firth, 5th streets. POSSIBLE ALIGNMENT 0 TION A 110 The Overtown Vision for Parks & Public Spaces Overtown NET Area: Southeast Overtown, Northeast Overtown, Rainbow Village, Town Park, Culmer, Spring Garden, Highland Park WILLIAMS PARK& POOL > Open pool year-round. > Add shade to playground. > Programs need more space. > Renovations are planned. TOWN PARK Playground equipment III c to be replaced. GIBSON PARK&POOL > Open pool year-round. > Establish comprehensive swimming instruction and program. > Keep the weight room. Redesign layout to BOOKER T. WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL Connect the high school to neighbor C hoods with green ss streets. F r' Install a play structure in Highland Park. NEW POCKET PARK MIE Adke d amenities to tea riverside pocket park. tt'ytl ? Park and open I t space opportunities 4::) Public space or recreational facIllty Neighborhood gateway rnarker. • sculpture • plantings .signs OVERTOWN GREENWAY r ■.■■..■ Redestrian Friend)y green streets to connect neighbor hpods with shade trees • Greenways: Proposed FEC Greenway; Riverwalk; Overtown Greenway Black Heritage Trail COMMUNITY GARDENS Espand cmmnunlry gardens to more locations. RAINBOW VILLAGE PARK Create community gardens. blish a park stewardship am for residents. GATEWAY IDENTITY Mark the entrance to Overtowris "Main Street." ii 3 POTENTIAL I' GREEN WAY ...if new I395 is depressed. uJn,.i !, ` flfilESS&WELLNESS CENTER Explore siting a fitness nter on county land ;-ar Range Park. i Increase 41 NEW PLAYGROUND programming. >Adjacent to YWCA ' C t to reduce drug »>County cwnersh i p j RANGE PARK CRX111••wr ��Merl MA?. >Createa new domino park. DORSEY PARK Add exercluiy ent and a new baseballseeqfield. FEC GREEN WAY TO BISCAYNE BAY Connect to Bicentennial/ Museum Park on the bay. 9TH STREET PEDESTRIAN MALL > Improve security. > Introduce events/ activities to encourageuse. . ! + > Add art, lighting, and plantings. Rii Lrl > Add parking min'=p tir ��t�yy - . �.�� - LYRIC T EATRE & PLAZA Cultural heart. of Historic Ocertown MIAMI RIVERWALK MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 111 WYNWOOD/EDG EWATER ,, /01. S. J • n/Fashion District/Wynwood Industria District any residents attended the workshop and open house. Most participants were homeowners from the Wynwood community who expressed concern that high-rise development in Edgewater will encroach upon their neighborhoods. These residents primarily use Roberto Clemente Park and would like to see its children's programs strengthened by an after -school program that would include homework help and active recreation programs. Residents do not want to see the park expanded, but would like to have the park's playing fields made more available for in- formal sports. The same group of residents would also like to see streetscape improvements and the creation of a new public plaza along NW end Avenue that would provide a small gathering space and an area for a community garden. Residents from other parts of the NET Area emphasized the need to provide waterfront connections at the ends of streets, bike paths, and pedestrian and bicycle connections to downtown. What we heard from the community about parks and public spaces. Create new public spaces to enhance the identity of Wynwood-Old San Juan: • Add a plaza in the heart of the neighborhood on vacant school district property. • Reinforce streetscape identity along NW end Avenue between 29th and 36th streets Connect neighborhoods with green, pedestrian -friendly routes: • Safe and attractive east -west connections among Wynwood, Midtown Miami, and Edgewater. Park safety is a concern in Wynwood: • Lock parks at night. • Provide benches designed to prevent people from sleeping on them. Open green spaces at public schools for community use: • School fields and green areas can serve neighborhoods outside of school hours. ring more diverse recreational programming back to Roberto Clemente Park: • Add programs such as ballet, art, karate, and soccer. • Introduce preschool and after - school programs. Use Margaret Pace Park as a model for a successful park: • It offers a variety of options for passive and active recreation in a well -maintained park. Wynwood/Edgewater PUBLIC PLACES WHEREVER A STREET MEETS THE WATER Three types of overlooks in Edgewater > Simple benches for sitting and looking at the water at the end of small streets Belvederes at the end of larger streets > Pocket parks where small amounts of public RP land or donated private land are identified VISION FOR PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES PLACITA SAN JUAN Neighborhood plaza with trees and plants for sitting talking, chess, dominoes, concerts, art events DOG PARK AT ELIZABETH MARTELL PARK 1 The Vision > Create a dedicated use for a needed park in a special location. STREETSCAPEAND GREEN PEDESTRIAN ROUTES Within and connecting neighborhoods The Vision > East -west green routes to link old and new neighborhoods > A greenway along the FEC corridor > Gateway landscape elements in medians, street trees, and planters > Unique streetscape iden- tity for neighborhoods along NW end Avenue COMBINE BISCAYNE PARK AND THE HISTORIC CEMETERY INTO A LARGE, MULTI -USE PARK The Vision > Redesign to link the two areas, with Biscayne offering more active recreation and the cemetery offering walks among beautiful landscaping and Miami history. > Provide access from North Miami Avenue. WATERFRONT OVERLOOKS AT THE ENDS OF STREETS Create three kinds of public overlooks where streets end on the water. Simple benches for looking at the water at the ends of small streets Belvederes at the ends of larger nwr Pocket parks where small plots of pu land or donated private land are identified Mt. Auburn Cemetery (left) was one of the he first de- signed land- scapes in the U.S. Today it also functions as a park. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 113 T ! /ynwood/Edgewater Vision for Parks & Public Spaces V PR Val Mark the entrance to Wynwood at major Intersec- tio s JOSE DE DIEGO MIDDLE SCHOOL > Open fields to community after school hours Area: Edgewater, Midtown, Old San Juan, Fashion District, Wynwood Industrial District ROBERTO CLEMENTE PARK HARTNER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL > Redesign school open space as a public park ESTABLISH MAJOR GATEWAY PRESENCE At greenway/light rail link, introduce: • lush landscaping at Woodson Park blic art or unique streetscape elements MIDTOWN MIAMI Connect to public plaza at Midtown Miami. PLACITA SAN JUAN > Proposed urban plaza i• ■ II...•. yy ® ' i I I 1 L WOODSON MINI-PARK/DESIGN DISTRICT PARK > Redesign as a gateway to the Design District > Seek partnerships for design and maintenance _,Th PARK REDESIGN Redesign Biscayne Park to forma single multi- use park with the historic cemetery: > Create easy access from N. Miami Ave. > Plant additional flowering trees and shrubs in the cemetery. > Design a transition from playing fields in Biscayne Park to quiet walking paths in the cemetery. NW STH AVENUE > Create shade over • sidewalks > Conserve and enhance along NW 5th Avenue: Shade tree planting I I., 1 ■ 1 ■ > Create a closed canopy , , • rMN#Illh' over the street in time — median trees GREEN STREET LINK BETWEEN PARKS Strengthen NE r8th Street median and street tree plantings to create a canopied walk between the parks and announce 1141-ks on Biscayne Boulevard. Park and open spare opportunities Pursue opportunities to create mini -parks in these underserved areas Neighborhood gateway markers: • sculpture • plantings • signs ■ i■■■■■ East -west pedestrian -friendly green streets to connect neighborhoods with shade trees Nor▪ th•soulh sueetscape improvements with shade trees Proposed FEC greenway and proposed Baywalk connection i — — Proposed bike path Slreetscapedesign unique lD the neighborhood DOG PARK Createadog park at Elizabeth Martell Park and along NE 36th Street. WATERFRONT OVERLOOKS AT THE ENDS OF STREETS Create three kinds of public overlooks where streets end on the water. • Simple benches for looking at the water et the ends of small streets Belvederes at the ends of larger reels — 11Pocket parks where small plots of pu land or donated private land are identified MARGARET PACE PARK 114 UPPER EASTSIDE NET Area: Shorecrest/Haynesworth/Belle Meade/Belle Meade `Vest,/Bayside/Palm Bay/Palm Grove/Legion Park/Morningside/Baer 1,n olia Park/Biscayne Plaza ii - he Upper Eastside Workshop and Open House drew many area residents. The majority of participants focused on Morningside Park or Legion Park, but others provided comments on smaller and/or lesser - used parks in the area. Residents of the Morningside neighborhood value Morningside Park, but many participants from elsewhere in the area also travel to the park. All agreed that improvements are needed throughout the park, particularly for its playing fields, playground, pool, programs and waterfront area. Many participants were interested in a dog park in the shaded area of Legion Park, along with a new walkway that loops throughout the park. Other points of concern were the lack of a Biscayne Boulevard entrance to Legion Park and the need for more amenities on the waterfront. Residents would also like physical improvements in the smaller bay parks, such as benches, walkways, lighting, and more shade. These smaller parks were also mentioned as potential dog parks, since they are located near new high-rise development. Most participants favor streetscape improvements and believe that the Upper Eastside needs more connectivity between its parks, safer pedestrian access to these parks, and new pocket parks for neighborhoods that contain an increasing number of young families and high -density development. What we heard om the communi about arks and ublic s aces: Dog parks are a high priority. • Dog parks were suggested for almost all existing parks in the Upper Eastside. More shaded areas and better lighting are high priorities in parks: • Plant shade trees. • Provide pavilions. • Improve lighting in Legion and other parks that stay open at night. Create a greenway and blueway along the Little River: • Include green areas and walking paths as part of mixed -use redevelopment of Biscayne Plaza and other riverside nonresidential properties. Connect to a new "Little River Reserve" on the other side of the river. • Enhance kayaking opportunities with river cleanup and launch points. Seek new parks in the Shorecrest area: • Assess opportunities for mini - parks. • Preserve current elements of Biscayne Heights Park. Enhance public access to Biscayne Bay where possible: • Developer -donated waterfront land will become a baywalk at NE Both Street and Bayshore Court. • Undertake regular maintenance to dean up shoreline trash. Expand public access to the Picnic Islands: • Develop water taxi service, boat rentals or other means of access for people without private boats. Connect neighborhoods to parks and each other with green, pedestrian - friendly routes: '1 • Add shade trees and streetscape improvements Make parks more welcoming: • Target the Legion Park entrance at Biscayne Boulevard. • The Morningside Park sign should say "open to the public."_ MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 115 VISION FOR PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES ,0,,,:ky ,:zts!:;.\ Upper Eastside PARKS FOR THE SHORECREST AREA The Vision Little River Greenway, bay park, and mini -parks: > Riverside greenway as commercial properties are redeveloped, and kayaking along the river > New park at NE 79th and Bayshore Drive > New mini -park on unbuildable lots or city land REDESIGN LEGION PARK, STARTING WITH LIGHTING AND THE BISCAYNE BOULEVARD ENTRANCE The Vision > Improve lighting for nighttime use and safety. > Open the Biscayne Boulevard entrance to cars and pedestrians and the pedestrian entrance from NE 7th Court. > Remove the asphalt drive and replace it with a new pathway system with permeable surfaces. BAYWOOD PARK —MORE SHADE AND AMENITIES The Vision The park (left) is too stark. Margaret Pace Park (right) offers a good model for im- provements. ALBERT PALLOT/MAGNOLIA PARK The Vision Maintain and upgrade the park: > Add shade around the perimeter. > Maintain open area for informal sports. > Add limited on -street parking. > Upgrade or remove fence. DOG PARKS AND DOGS IN PARKS The Vision > Dog parks in larger parks: Momingside and Legion > Amenities and rules for dogs in smaller parks: Albert Pallot, Baywood, Eaton, Belle Meade, Biscayne Heights MORNINGSIDE PARK The Vision Maintain and upgrade the park: > Balance active and passive recreation. > Improve pool environment and access. 116 LITTLE RIVER PARK A riverside park as part of the redevelopment of Biscayne Plaza. LITTLE RIVER GREEN WAY AND BLUEWAY > Reserve setbback for a pub- lic as parcels are redeveloped in the future. > Provide kayak launch sites and dean up the river as appropriate. The Upper Eastside Vision for Parks & Public Spaces Upper Eastside NET Area: Shorecrest, Haynesworth, Belle Meade, Belle Meade West, B Legion Park, Morningside, Baypoint, BISCAYNE BOULEVARD STREETSCAPE PROJECT BISCAYNE BOULEVARD POCKET PARKS > Create pocket parks where residential streets have been blocked. > Provide room for bus pull-outs where appropriate. ENHANCE CONNECTION BETWEEN LEGION PARK AND MORNINGSIDE SCHOOL > Retain a signal and crosswalk at NE 66th Street and Biscayne Boulevard. > Install a raised crosswalk > Install a pedestrian -activated "count- dowrf crossing light EATON PARK > Encourage use with more pro- grams and staff. > Add tress along i edges, 5th Avenue. NE ecially Pursue opportunities to create parks in these underserved areas Park and open space opportunities Water -access opportunities Upper Eat Side i tit rI '1 fl J BENCHES AT STREET ENDS TO VIEW THE BAY Access point for water II • • • • • • transportation to the East-weat pedestrian -friendly picnic islands green streets ■—sue Benches to provide North -south pedestrian -friendly water views at ends of streets with streetscape improvements streets dos-4M1 rND Biscayne Boulevard tittle River greenway pocket park and hlueway BISCAYNE HEIGHTS` ,,0 MINI -PARK > Keep it as it is. > The neighborhood uses the park. > Add dog pick-up bags. > Add trees but prese same water views. re benches an furniture. dscape the south+ •e to screen drain-' arse by the parking 1. MAKE NE 79TH STREET PEDESTRIAN -FRIENDLY TO CONNECT THE RIVER TO THE BAY > Trees > Streetscape > Safe crosswalks WATER ACCESS OPPORTUNITY >> Public access to waterfront > Bay walkway PARK OPPORTUNITY > Developer -donated lot > Play structure and benches > Shade PARK > Open the Biscayne Boulevard entrance to vehicles and pedestrians. > Open the pedestrian ac- cess point at NE 7th Court > Redesign the pathway system ors. with permeable > Redesign tlaheceparmk to improve pent of > Identifyanaaforadogpark courts,pedestroancircula- > Add shade mto the tot lot. lion for fitness paths, wa- > Improve lighting for eve- buildings.and to enhance ning use. PICNIC ISLANDS MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 117 taw > Provide public access to the islands via rent- al boats and kayaks for those without private - boats. > Develop a management plan for limited ameni- ties and maintenance on the larger islands. The Upper Eastside Vision for Parks & Public Spaces Upper Eastside NET Area: Shorecrest, Haynesworth, Belle Meade, Belle Meade West, Bayside, Palm Bay, Palm Grove, Legion Park, Morningside, Baypoint, Magnolia Park, Biscayne Plaza EATON PARK > Encourage use with ore programs and staff. > Add trees along park edges, especially on NE Sth Avenue. BISCAYNE BOULEVARD STREETSCAPE PROJECT MORNINGSIDE PARK > Major waterfront park for the city. > Sign on Biscayne Boulevard and at gate should say "open to the public." > Enhance waterside access for people and boats. > Assess use of baseball diamond and fields; reassign areas for sports most in demand. > Allow areas for informal play. II 1 upper Ent Side •. 1 > Identify potential site for dog park in an inconspicuous location. > Upgrade pool and pool programs to enhance attractiveness. > Facilities need upgrades and improved maintenance. > Research design history of the park. > Manage pond and the vegetation around it to create a nature trail. STEARNS PARK > Isolated > Difficult access for visitors from beyond the neighborhood > Potential fora small dog park BENCHES AT STREET ENDS TO VIEW THE BAY PALLOT/MAGNOLIA PARK > Promote "Magnolia' II > Landscape edges with re shade trees. > Remove chain -link fen > Provide informational sign for old sea wall. > Add dog pick-up bags. PICNIC ISLANDS > Provide public access to the islands for those without private boats. > Develop a management plan for limited ameni- ties and maintenance on the larger islands. Pursue opportunities to create parks in these underserved MEM Park and open space opportunities Water -access opportunities Benches to provide water views at ends of Streets Biscayne Boulevard pocket park Access point for water transportation to picnic islands East -west pedestrian -friendly green streets ✓ >s EMI North -south pedestrian•friendly streets with streetscape improvements GE rt: Er Little River greenway and lalueway LITTLE HAITI NET Area: Little River/Edison/Little Haiti/Lemon City/Buena Vista/Design District small number of residents and several representatives of community service groups attended the public meetings. Most of the residents came from Buena Vista East and Oakland Grove. Although few Haitian residents came to the workshop or the open house, the consultant team interviewed several Haitian community service providers and a neighborhood association leader prior to the workshop. Few comments were made about specific parks in the Little Haiti area, primarily because participants agreed that more parks are needed there. Some residents go to parks in the p Eastside area, but many find these difficult to get to. Residents are looking forward to the development of Little Haiti Park and would like to see another large park created in the area, such as on NW list Street. More small parks and children's programs also are needed to serve the changing population, as many families are moving into the area. Participants also agreed that streetscape improvements are needed throughout the Little Haiti area in order to create a pedestrian -friendly environment. 111 -14 ,44, What we heard om the commu Create a greenway along the Little River. • Include natural areas and walking paths on both sides along the river Make Range Park #2 more welcoming and usable. • Distinguish private from public space at the adjacent Victory Homes. • Add trees and shade. • Add recreation amenities at the neighborhood edge. More park programs are needed, especially for teens. • Swimming lessons, cheerlead- ing, chess, computer classes Create a new park adjacent to the electric substation on NW list Street. • New athletic fields to serve the neighborhood and beyond about „ i arks and / ublic s Incorporate play spaces for children, including a splash park. Support the new Little Haiti Park with new mixed -use development. • Encourage mixed -use develop- ment in the commercial/indus- trial district near the park to create neighborhood stewardship for the park and provide housing for employees of area businesses. Make Pullman Park more usable. • Add shade to the play structure. Improve safety and amenities at Buena Vista Park. • Experiment with night closings of the park. Connect neighborhoods with green pedestrian -friendly routes: • Target major north -south routes such as NE 1st, Miami, and NW end avenues need trees, street- scape improvements, crosswalks, and signals to enhance safety. • Connect major park/recreation destinations on 79th, 7rst, 62nd, and 54th streets with pedestrian - friendly east -west routes. • Create neighborhood connec- tions to the planned FEC green - way. Open public school green spaces for community use. • School fields and green areas can serve neighborhoods outside of school hours. 1 MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 119 VISION FOR PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES aURE LITTLE HAITI PARK The Vision > Multi -use park with athletic fields, children's play areas, picnic and domino parks, and a community center LITTLE RIVER RESERVE Public greenway along the Little River The Vision Athletic center and community park at NW 7rst Street: > Athletic fields available for citywide use > Park amenities for neighbor- hood: plaza with trees and plants for sitting and talking, games of chess or dominoes, concerts, art events Little Haiti STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS ON ALL MAJOR STREETS The Vision Promote walking between parks and other community destinations by adding: > shade trees > wide sidewalks > safe pedestrian crossings TODAY NEW AND IMPROVED MINI -PARKS FOR CHILDREN The Vision > Shade for Pullman Mini -Park > Shade for other childrens play areas > Pursue opportunities for new neighborhood play areas adot The Little Haiti Vision for Parks & Pu Little Haiti NET Area: Little River, Edison, Little Haiti, Lemon City, Buena Vista, Design District MAKE NW 2ND AVENUE PEDESTRIAN -FRIENDLY > Street trees > Wide sidewalks > Neckdowns at major intersections > Crosswalks > Traffic calming > Lighting > Bike lanes LITTLE RIVER JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Pursue agreements to permit pub- lic use of school recreation space • outside of school hours. IMPROVE RANGE PARK#2 > Distinguish private from public space at Victory Homes. > Add trees and shade. > Add amenities at the neighbor- hood edge (NW 75th Street). POTENTIAL EDISON/CARVER PARK ATHLETIC CENTER > Athletic fields > Share resources with adjacent childcare center > Easy access fora citywide recreation destination > Parking ATHALIE RANGE PARK AND POOL COMPLEX 1.11111. ACCESS TO SCHOOL RESOURCES ' Pursue agreements to orm permit lic rec re- ation ofschool space outside of school hours at Miami -Edison High Schooland Tous - saint iu[ E L'Ouvertrture Elementary Sdianl. .14 IMPROVE SAFETY AT 7 BUENA VISTA PARK > Consider dosing gates at night -4141> Provide tables for shelters. 11 > Add shade. LITTLE RIVER COMMERCE PARK > Closed and fenced off - ADD SHADE TO PULLMAN MINI -PARK Add shade for the play structure. Park and open space opportunities Zone for mixed -use development Pursue opportunities to create mini -parks in these underserved areas ■ ■■■■■■ East -west pedestrian -friendly green streets ■ —■ — North-south pedestrian -friendly streets with streetscape improvements •MIMIMI Proposed FEC greenway TtTWRIVERRESERYE Create a passive park o the river Create trails Canoe/kayak launch MAKE NE 2ND AVENUE PEDESTRIAN -FRIENDLY > Street trees > Wide sidewalks > Streetscape > Unique design in Little Haiti commercial area > Bike lanes SUPPORT NEW PARK WITH MIXED -USE DEVELOPMENT > Support cultural center > Pedestrian -friendly > Workforce housing > Connect to FEC greenway FUTURE LITTLE HAITI PARK (UNDER CONSTRUCTION) > Soccer field (professional size) > Practice field/ green > Vita Course > Splash park LEMON CITY PARK > Toddler playground > Picnic > Domino park > Community center > Landscaping > Parking }R• ▪ •R�' 1 1 1 1 . — i .... � -.... m. J R BICYCLE/ EDESTRIAN TRAIL MAKE MAJOR EAST -WEST CONNECTIONS PEDESTRIAN -FRIENDLY > Street trees > Wide sidewalks > Crosswalks > Lights MAKE MIAMI AVENUE A BOULEVARD > Street trees > Planted median > Crosswalks and signals > Traffic calming > Lighting MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 121 MODEL CITY NET Area: Hadley Park/Flora Park/Orchard Villa/Icing Heights/Liberty Square/Northwestern Estates my a small number of residents and leaders of community associations attended the Model City workshop and the open house. Much of the input was obtained from the park manager and dance studio manager at Hadley Park, the president of the Model City Optimist Club, and the Model City NET Administrator. The consultant team also interviewed a member of the Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation about revitalization plans in the area. An additional meeting with many senior residents of the area took place in January 2006. At the workshop and open house, residents spoke favorably about Belafonte-Talcocy Park, but comments focused primarily on Hadley Park. Most agreed that its facilities and programs need improvements. Participants feel that the recreation building would be of more use to the community if it were expanded to include community meeting rooms, a gym with locker rooms, and a computer lab. Some program leaders believe that security needs to be increased inside the recreation building and throughout the entire park. These leaders also advocated improvements in many of Hadley's outdoor facilities, such as restrooms at the playing fields, water fountains throughout the park, rain shelters, and better field maintenance. A few residents want- ed to acknowledge adults and seniors as park users by creat- ing passive open space and adult programs. Participants in the senior citizens' meeting also concentrated on Hadley Park. Most believe that it needs physical improvements, such as better walkways, more lighting, more handicapped parking spaces, an expanded fitness center, and more com- munity meeting rooms. Many expressed con- cern about bro- ken equipment and the length of time required to repair it. Partici- pants also wanted to see more programs for seniors, such as language, sewing and other crafts classes, and music programs. They also thought that introducing a shuttle ser- vice would enable senior citizens to get to Hadley and other parks in order to participate in senior programs. What we heard from the communi about arks and public s aces: Hadley Park is a heavily -used cente of community activity. • It draws users from across the city as well as the neighborhood. • Demand for meeting space is high. • Numerous improvements are desired: > Gym with locker facilities for basketball and gymnastics programs. > Rain shelters, restrooms and wa- ter fountains near football field. > Bike racks in front of recreation building. > Skating -area repairs. > Lighting on the walking course for early -morning users. > More programs for seniors. Belafonte-Tacolcy is a very successful park. • Activities and nearby police station make it very safe. • it has lots of programming for kids and seniors. It is well managed and maintaine •, • Its design is atttractive, with plant- ings and sufficient shady areas. Safer and more attractive street connections to parks are needed for pedestrians and bicyclists. • Many residents are reluctant to walk more than a block or two to parks. • Children ride bikes to parks. • A mid -block pedestrian crossing is needed near the entrance to Hadley Park. • Better lighting is crucial for pedestrian safety. • Pedestrians use 9th and firth avenues. Park safety continues to be a concern for some people. Consider: • Installin; security cameras in and near parts. • Providing benches designed to pre- vent people from sleeping on them. ocking parks at night. Coordinated programs for adults and children will encourage family recreation. • Offer a variety of programming that will encourage family members to use the park at the same time. • Provide sitting areas for adults to watch children playing. • More programs are needed for girls, seniors, and adults. Neighborhood streets and vacant lots need a beautification program. • Create green, landscaped medians throughout the area. • Provide landscaping at major intersections and on the public edges of vacant lots. Buena Vista West Mini -Park needs more adult -oriented passive uses. • Neighborhood residents are mostly adults and seniors. • Adding a restroom building would in(Tea ce park lice_ 122 VISION FOR PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES EXPANDED AND IMPROVED AFRICAN SQUARE PARK The Vision > Redesign the amphitheatre space for safety and multiple uses. > Expand the park to the entire block to provide a field for informal sports. > Reestablish the computer lab and after -school tutoring program. HADLEY PARK Introduce family friendly programs and facilities. The Vision > More community meeting rooms > Spaces for passive recreation by adults while children use active recreation areas. > More picnic areas with grills and improved pavilions > Programs for all ages, including seniors > Improved computer lab THE PARK TODAY GREEN, PEDESTRIAN -FRIENDLY STREETS Provide safe connections to the parks. Model City The Vision > Introduce streetscape improvements, street trees, and pedestrian lighting along major corridors: NW 62nd Street; NW 54th Street; NW 7th Avenue; and NW r2th Avenue. > Upgrade lighting and walking conditions on pedestrian corridors like 9th and firth avenues. IN ANY FUTURE REDEVELOPMENT, MORE USABLE GREEN SPACE AT LIBERTY CITY The Vision > Distinguish between public and private green space. > Provide both passive green space and active recreation fields and courts. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 123 The Model City Vision for Parks & Public Spaces Model City NET Area: Hadley Park, Flora Park, Orchard Villa, King Heights, Liberty Square, Northwestern Estates EXPAND AND IMPROVE AFRICAN SQUARE PARK > Redesign theater area > Expand to hblock with multipurpose field > Planned improvements include splash park PROMINENT VACANT LOTS tt >edgesofvac}a� j lots in prominent inept locations. DREW SCHOOL COM PLEX Share school fields with the. publi PROPOSED MARTIN LUTHER KING IR. BOULEVARD PROJECT > Streetscape > Lino parkbelie art HADLEY PARK Planned improvements: > Pool xenoration > New theater > Newphyground equipment > New fields with light - Mg and concessions > Court upgrades > Walking course > Add more programs for > Build gym with locker facilities > Provide rain shelters, xestrooms, and wat r fo fie"e. IFBERTY SQUARE Distinguish between private and public spaces > In future redevelopment create more usable park space to save the whole neighborhood in this area byconsoki dating green space in a singleblac� t NORTHWESTERN HIGH SCHOOL > Openfadlitiesto the puble after arhool hours BELAFONTE-TACOLCY PARK Well -used well -maintained, and well-0esagned CRESTWOOD, DAWKINS, AND WEST BUK > Provide benches and tables for adults J Park and open space opportunities Pursue opportunities for new parks in these underserved areas Gateway R. BOULEVARD FUTURE INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATION CENTER ■•••••■ Pedestrian -friendly green streets with shade trees to connect neighborhoods IMWP Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Project 124 ALLAPAI IAH NET Area: Melrose/Santa Clara/Curtis Park/Civic Center/Allapattah Industrial District/36th S (though the Allapattah Workshop and Open House did not draw a large crowd, participants were able to provide information about the entire NET Area and make suggestions for many of its parks. Residents of Al- lapattah use Curtis Park heavily, and much of the comment focused on ways to improve it. A major concern is how to ensure the safety of children crossing the street within the park. Several participants recommended a pedes- trian -activated signal and a crosswalk; others were in favor of closing the street entirely. An- other recommendation for Curtis Park involves expanding it as a sports center by developing new regulation -sized playing fields. Duarte Park is well -liked by residents, but fewer suggestions Allapattah has three large parks with many activities and strong constituencies: • Curtis Park, Pool and Sports Complex. • Juan Pablo Duarte/Comstock Park. • Moore Park and Tennis Center. were made for its enhancement. A key suggestion w: to investigate ways in which the City and School Board can work together to permit public use of the school athletic fields adjacent to Duarte Park. In addition, participants focused on the need for streetscape improvements through- out the area and ways in which connections can be made among neighborhoods, parks, and the Miami River. the cons : a about Allapattah has few smaller parks to serve neighborhoods. Public school green spaces should be open to community use. • School fields and green areas can serve neighborhoods outside of school hours. • Baseball practice fields and soccer fields are needed. Connect Curtis Park Pool with the rest ofthe park. • Close the street and reroute traffic along NW 22nd Avenue and NW North River Drive. A green plaza along NW loth Street at Curtis Park will enhance the commercial area. More public access to the river is needed. • Explore using barges for park and recreation uses. Enhance and expand the linear park under MetroRail. • Provide bike paths. Increase park funding and support. • Support more programs. • Provide more access to programs through transportation (vans based at Curtis) and other support. • Enhance maintenance. Create a community -garden program for youth. • Provide horticulture training. • Provide summer and part-time jobs in park maintenance. Neighborhoods should connect better with one another and with the river by green, pedestrian -friendly routes. • Focus on these north -south routes: NW r2th, i7th, and 22nd avenues. • Focus on these ast-west routes: NW loth and 36th streets. • Improve the pedestrian environment in the Industrial District. Designate a "Children's Empower ment Zone" for safe play in SE Allapattah centered around chil- dren's institutions and play areas at Pine Heights and Broward Circle. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 125 VISION FOR PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES CURTIS PARK Connect the pool to the park with green space The Vision Install a pedestrian - activated crossing light. Provide minimum access for pool service area. Create a pedestrian plaza on the NW zoth Street edge of the park: > existing trees > wide sidewalk > benches ose orth River Drive: 4 > Provide river views > Create landscaped green from the pool area. area. > Create a connection > Provide permeable paths from the pool to the to connect pool area to the riverwalk. rest of park. LORE ACCESS TO THE RIVER AND A NEW PARK Allapattah GREEN STREETS AND A CURTIS PARK PLAZA ON 2OTH STREET 20TH STREET TODAY ACTIVELY SEEK OPPORTUNITIES TO CREATE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS. The Vision Areas with no parks within walking distance need mini -parks for neighborhood play. The Vision > Extend 50-foot setback and public access requirement for all redevelopment along the river. Allow variances from the requirement only for maritime uses that can demonstrate safety or security problems resulting from public access. > Create a new Unity Park > Provide direct access to the river at the unused marina site near i9th Avenue. > Provide park connections in any redevelopment of the affordable housing site. SITE OF THE PROPOSED UNITY PARK TODAY 126 The Allapattah Vision for Parks & Public Spaces Allapattah NET Area: Melrose, to Clara, Curtis Park, Civic Center, Allapattah Industrial District, 36th Street Strip JUANM TOCK ARKRTE/ COn T PBLO PARK > Dominican festivals--bachatazo3 141.1.11/10 > Needs baseball practice field > Needs soccer field > Attractive natural Swale in park design > Building expansion, splash park, and other improvements are programmed. . MELROSE PARK Existing facilities need upgrades � E ALLAPATTAH MINI -PARK > Court and playground upgrades are programmed. • CURTIS PARK AND SPORTS COMPLEX > Connect the pool to the park. > Create a green pedestrian plaza along NW zoth Street. > Only public boat launch on the Miami River > Open the pool year-round. > Pool renovation and other improvements areprogrammed. Create new park with a nautical theme. JACKSON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Shareopen space with unity outside it school hours Flwa P .ne.oq l 1. .. q— • "It COMSTOCK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL > Share open space u th them ty t -de of sdmol hours ti Hedlwveh 1 a,nc� clza i la II, —`—.. iar_r___,.= _,, ,,,.., ._ ,0_ i R� POTENTIAL PUBLIC RIVERFRONT ACCESS > Like Sewell Park thereconld be green edge at the river at ties unused marina area. CONDITIONS TODAY MOORE PARK > Tennis Center > FOCAL after -school program > Multisport > Budding improvements and other upgrades are mined. METRORAIL LINEAR PARK > Extend where feasible > Incorporate bike path 'Mama vista Wes, as San a�.an aM1on Msgr. �I lit vtow +Ilmaal WAGNER CREEK Cleanup ote Potential public access ts Ia1•Nmee .� •�:^O f South5...P , 9 VofILDREN'Silddare POWERMENT ZON playarea nearconcentr institutions Park and open space opportunities Areas underserved by parks — actively seek mini -parks for neighborhood play Potential public access points along Wagner Creek Zones of special interest l'own PO. t t tt. - INTERCHANGE POND Explore potential for walldng _z and bildngtrails,skateboard emm park, or other active uses. ■•••••■ Pedestrian -friendly green streets with shade trees to connect neighborhoods _•—•• Miami River Blueway AND MI MD Proposed riverside path ----- Existing Riverwalk section MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN 111 127 LITTLE HAVANA NET Area: Little -ram 1,8 I./East Little Havana/Orange Bowl/Latin Quarter/Citrus Grove/South Sewell Park oth the workshop and the open house were well - attended by residents and some community service providers. Many residents came with a specific focus on either Henderson Park or Jose Marti Park, and these groups tended to concentrate on "their" park and see other parks as problematic. Other participants provided general comments on parks and public spaces throughout the Little Havana NET Area. The group of Henderson Park users focused primarily on the idea of having Henderson Park become an arts and cultural center for the Latin American community of Little Havana. A dance program and orchestra program already exist in the park, and residents would like to see this cultural programming expanded and an open-air stage constructed to enhance these programs. In addition, participants support the construction of a small community center within or near Henderson Park. Jose Marti Park's users believe that the park is well -managed, but they would like to see more programming for teenagers, increased park security, better use of the space under the freeway, and upgraded facilities that would provide more opportunities for family activities. Most participants also expressed concern about the lack of park space in the southern and western portions of Little Havana and how unstaffed parks can feel unsafe. Overall, residents would like to see the creation of small parks and greener and safer streets for pedestrians throughout Little Havana. What we heard from the community about parks and public spaces: Jose Marti Park is a successful waterfront multipurpose park. • Residents from all over Little Havana use it heavily. • The pool is open year-round. • It offers many programs for elementary -age children... • ...but fewer programs are available for teens and adults. • Connections are poor between the main park and the under - highway area. • Improvements and expanded programming are needed to meet demand for more activities for the whole family. Henderson Park has inadequate facilities for desired neighborhood activities. • Soccer field, tennis courts, and playground. • It has dance and music programs, but no park building. • There is strong community support for more arts programs to celebrate Latin American culture. u . an open-air stage an. com- munity center to make the park a cultural center for Little Havana. • Increased activity will deter undesired uses. Jorge Mas Canosa/Riverside Park is underused. • There are reports of crime problems; perceived as unsafe. • Adding a park building, organized programs, and staffing would attract use by families. New park space is needed. • There is a severe deficit of parks west of zath Avenue. • Few public or private vacant lots are available for new open space. • New development could be required to provide open space. • Open space could be created on government properties such as Robert King High Homes and the Orange Bowl. Streetscape improvements should be made along major corridors. • Parks need programming and facili- ties that will encourage family use. • Provide programs that will allow adults and children to use the park simultaneously. • Create passive areas that adults avenues; NW an., ' est Flagler, South River Drive, SW ist, 7th, and 8th streets. • Plant street trees to provide shade and improve the pedestrian envi- ronment to encourage walking to the parks. Park safety concerns many residents. • Provide staff at Henderson and Jorge Mas Canosa/Riverside parks. • Speed -zone signs and traffic calming near parks would protec children. • Add programs for adults to increase "eyes on the park.' • Improve lighting. • Keep fences. Provide secure bike storage. can use while their children play. • Target 8th, rath, i7th, and land • Improve picnic areas. VISION FOR PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES AN ARTS AND CULTURE CENTER AT HENDERSON PARK The Vision > Build an open-air stage and a community center to house a variety of arts programs for children and adults. > Work with community organizations to provide programming. > Make the park home to regular area cultural festivals. TODAY Little Havana A NEW WATERFRONT PARK AT ROBERT KING HIGH HOMES The Vision > Transform open space at Robert King High Homes into a riverside park. > Provide boat access and a pedestrian path along the river. TODAY SAFE, FAMILY -FRIENDLY PARKS The Vision > Expand staff and programs to underused parks to meet some of the demand now focused on Jose Marti Park. > Ensure that programming is offered simultaneously for a variety of ages. > Lock parks after hours. > Improve facilities to promote family activities in the parks. PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIONS TO THE RIVERFRONT The Vision > Extend setback and public access requirement for all new development on the south side of the river. > Provide water access at riverfront parks. > Introduce a series of benches or belvederes at the ends of streets that terminate at the river. NEW NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS AND PLAZAS The Vision > To alleviate the severe lack of parks in western Little Havana: • Pursue opportunities to acquire vacant lots or other suitable properties to create mini -parks with play structures; work with surrounding neighbor- hoods to create local stewardship of these spaces. • As redevelopment occurs, require developer con- tributions to neighborhood public green spaces. R�r MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 129 The Little Havana Vision for Parks & Public Spaces Little Havana NET Area: Little Managua, East Little Havana, Orange Bowl, Latin Quarter, Citrus Grove, South Sewell Park F4— ORANGE BOWL > Playground area > Manage parking to allow pe rmanent overflow use of one or lots as a 4, park. > Manage overflow lots so - that informal recreational d when lots aren'tneed dfor parking., _ 1 i 4!•.aIL. CITRUS GROVE MIDELEMENTARY CHOOLS MIDDLE SCHOOLS Install play struc- tureneighborhood �to share with ■ ghb h d at rw 5th Street. i MMM■■■■■■■■1L ■ /... I ■ s j • ■rl I lint IUiI le. II III N{.I lii 'I'a1 144111 I.h ritli ., 11..ni_ N 'All: :Lill ■ ':kill-51f 'Ilia,'" /1,a11 l i/ ,,]lillilr ieliill.1' 1 11 II _°-111i' w el `-', iroliflY; _f l..`:YrzIllcUin"11:ic GROVE MINI -PARK Playspace within residential area ROBERT KING HIGH HOMES PARK OPPORTUNITY > Waterside park > Boat access > Improve pedestrian connections to south ofyth Street. ■ �I�. w■■.■■I4arrla■a■. roman■•■■ Orange Rnwi • i.rL)111111�ti 1lllal�CiriTrl.e 4■ ■■ A..u■■■■■■■ ■ ■ .i.r•T Shenandoah North',% ITS! ��• ; Park and open space opportunities Pursue opportunities for mini -parks in these underserved areas © Potential pocket park Y ■ • • ■ G ; ■ S. 1 i10. _■ el 1 ■ ££ i ILrIII•'t ':11111Ii: , Ali;f W■.. . H-■ ■R-■-■H■■•H■ ■■■■■■■ Pedestrian -friendly green streets with shade trees to connect neighborhoods -•=O• Miami River Blueway Proposed Miami River Greenway bike trail HENDERSON PARK > Playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, shelter > Only soccer field in Little Havana > Unstaffed > Childrehs cultural activities > Community festivals > Add an open-air stage and small community center. ERNESTO LECUONA PARK > Playground area is surrounded by parking lor o green area JORGE MAS CANOSA/ RIVERSIDE PARK > Baseball field, basketball courts, and playground > Reports of crime problems > Add a bike/skate path. Add a small, staffed building. > Create an organized baseball program. Miami, Florida Little Havana ease Map N A ■ ■ • i • • ■ • EAST LITTLE HAVANA RIVERSIDE GARDEN Sponsored and maintained by the neighborhood ■ JOSE MARTI PARK > Heavily used by neighborhood and broader area > Many programs for children > Year-round pool > Planned improvements: • Gym • Splash playground • Pool repairs > Offer more teen, adult programs > Upgrade pavilion for picnics/partie > Create better connections between the two parts of the park; ■ FLAGAMI NET Area: Flagami; LeJeune Gardens; West, North & South Grapeland Heights; North & South "y 11 Park o area residents attended the Flagami workshop, but a few parents of children using the park stopped by the open house. Comments about the Flagami area were provided primarily by West End Park staff; additional information emerged at the workshop in the West Flagler NET Area. West End Park appears to be a significant and safe facility for the Flagami area. The park, however, needs many improvements, such as a pool renovation, field upgrades, and lighting. In addition, more programs should be offered for girls and adults and the pool should be open for year-round use. Residents from other NET areas spoke highly of Antonio Maceo Park, commending the qua y of its management and its appearance. The park manager at Robert King High Park was also seen as being energetic and working hard to promote many recreational activities for all ages. Residents agree that park improvements at Robert King High Park will greatly increase the use of this park. Most Flagami parks, however, face pedestrian -access issues on several wide and dangerous streets nearby, such as Flagler and NW 7th Street. Streetscape improvements and pedestrian safety are issues that need to be addressed by the parks plan. What we heard from the communi about arks and ublic s aces: West End Park is a safe, multipurpose park that is heavily used by children. • The park draws residents from the immediate neighborhood and the larger area. • Parents feel safe letting their children walk to the park. • The pool is heavily used in the summer months and should be open year-round. • Few programs are offered for adults other than sport leagues. • Many improvements desired: > Pool renovations. > Lighting for the playground. > Expansion of the park building. > New fencing for perimeter of the park and baseball backstop. > Batting cage. Antonio Maceo Park is a successful passive park. • Waterfront access and boat ramp. • The walking path is well -used. • Family picnic area and shade shelters. • Difficult to reach on foot from the south because NW 7th Street is wide and dangerous. Robert King High Park has many activities, but inadequate facilities. • Programs for children and adults. • New, air-conditioned recreation building to be constructed in 2006. • Field and court improvements are needed. Streetscape improvements are needed along major corridors. • West Flagler, NW 7th Street, NW 57th and 37th avenues. ant street trees to provide shade for pedestrians. New park space should be created in Flagami. • Connect property owned by the Police Benevolent Association to Fern Isle Park. • Mini -parks are needed for underserved areas in Flagami. More programs for girls are needed at all parks: • dance and cheerleading; • music; • swim teams; and • tennis. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 131 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu The Flagami-West Vision for Parks & Public Spaces CARLOS ARBOLEYA CAMPGROUND > Boy Scour use > Citywide events, surh a S Ea srer egg hunt and large parries FLAGAMI MINI -PARK > Building closed > Used for neighborhood parking > Asphalt pad in rear > Doesn't function as a park > Install play structure ROBERT KING HIGH PARK > Many programs for children and adults > Improvements expected in zoo6 • New recreation building • Covered basketball facility • Tennis ourts "( • Parking and access road > Future soccer field Pursue opportunities to create mini -parks in these underserved areas Flagami-West NET Area: Flagami, Le Jenne Gardens �a.larIrc,m:r. Pedestrian -friendly green streets with shade trees to connect neighborhoods I I I Miami River Blueway Proposed Blueway extensions Proposed trail/greenway ANTONIO MACEO PARK o Attractive, well -used > New community building expected mid -pooh WEST END PARK > Heavily used park > Most use by children > Needs year-round pool > Pool systems need replaci > Playground lighting and new fencing needed > Planned improvements: • Pool area ovations • Building expansion for computer room The Flagami-East Vision for Parks & Public Spaces Flagami-East NET Area: Le Jeune Gardens, West Grapeland Heights, North Grapeland Heights, South Grapeland Heights, South Sewell Park, North Sewell Park POTENTIAL WATERFRONT WALKWAY > Create a green path along the edge of the suefae parkin; lot.. lao �--ems KINLOCH PARK > Adult Development Center in pa > Planned improvements: • Recreation building expansion; • Court upgrades • Fence > Reports of crime problems GRAPELAND PARK > Water parkunderconstmction • Water slides • Splash park • Lazy river . Interactive play 4111 • Amenities REHSINOTON PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL > Share open space with the com- munity outside of school hours MIAMI RIVER RAPIDS PARK > Create a safe pedestrian link from neighborhoods to the river > Improve drainage POTENTIAL PARK AT POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION SITE > Potential for bridge to Fern Isle Park to create one large park POTENTIAL BLUEWAY TO THE BLUE LAGOON > Explore canoe/kayak opportunities from the river along the Tamiami Canal > Explore canoe route along the south fork of the Miami River to the Blue Lagoon, with portage at dams FERN ISLE PARK > Extensive improvements planned: • Park building • Two regulation baseball fields • Play structure • Shelters • Vita Course • Basketball court • Lighting > Entire site to be covered with two feet of fill to resolve contaminatioli issues Pursue opportunities to create mini - parks in these underserved areas Park & open space opportunities Pursue opportunMes to create rnInl parks in these underserved areas uanx oven space opportunities Ra nnI�y� grreenmets, connect oods neigneoassi y eonons Propose t eSR 5NEustf onus BLUEWAY TO MICCOSUK, INDIAN LANDANDCAVES SEWELL PARK > Historic park > Nature park > Planned improvements: • New restrooms and office • Walkways in Pedestrian -friendly green streets to connect neighborhoods I MD IMP Miami River Blueway IMP -: Proposed Blueway extensions MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 133 VISION FOR PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES Flagami RECLAIM FLAGAMI MINI -PARK FOR NEIGHBORHOOD PLAY The Vision > Re -open the park building as a small community center. > Eliminate use as a neighborhood parking lot. > Remove the asphalt pad behind the building and install a small play structure. MAKE WEST END PARK SUCCESSFUL FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY The Vision > Make major renovations to the pool area. > Open the pool for year-round use by all ages. > Provide adequate lighting to enable children to use the park in the evenings. > Offer new programs for adults, seniors, and girls. A NEW PARK CONNECTED TO FERN ISLE The Vision > Connect the open space behind the Police Benevolent Association property to Fern Isle Park via a footbridge. EXTEND THE MIAMI RIVER BLUEWAY The Vision > Explore canoe/kayak oppor- tunities along the Tamiami Canal to the Blue Lagoon. > Explore canoeing potential to the caves by the Miccosukee land. > Explore canoe/kayak potential on the South Fork of the Miami River to the Blue Lagoon, with portage at dams. 134 MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 134 WEST FLAGLER NET Area: Flagami/South Grapeland Heights/Auburndale/La Pastorita/Parkdale North/Citrus C !Couth Sewell Park esidents who attended the West Flagler Workshop and Open House provided information about the few parks in the NET Area and the neighborhoods around Coral Gate Park and Kinloch Elementary and Middle Schools. All participants agreed that both the physical facilities and recreation programs at Coral Gate Park need significant improvements. Safety is also a concern — residents would like to see better lighting and increased police patrols in the park. Since West Flagler has a . icit of park space, residents believe that more parks are needed in order to provide children with safe places to play. Many residents drive to parks in other NET Areas when they are not working, but children need more parks within walking distances of their homes. There are, however, few easy opportunities for creating new parks in the area. What we heard om the communi about arks and ublic s aces: Coral Gate Park is heavily -used, but it needs many facility upgrades and program improvements. • Baseball field, basketball court, tennis court, playground, and picnic area. • Multiple fields and courts of each type are needed. • Recreation building will be up- graded; expanded facility should include meeting rooms for com- munity activities. • Bathrooms and water fountains should be accessible to park users. • Improve parking lots, add bike racks, and increase greenery around the perimeter. Safety is a major concern in/around Coral Gate Park. • Angled parking at the park creates a traffic hazard, since cars must back out directly onto SW Sand Avenue. The intersection of SW i6th Street and SW Sand Avenue is dangerous for pedestrians trying to cross to the park. • Lighting in the park does not illuminate the parking lot. • More police patrols are needed to reduce nighttime drug activity in the park. Many West Flagler residents use parks outside of the area. • People travel to Kennedy, Antonio Maceo, and Shenandoah parks. • Many residents use Coral Gables' recreation facilities, such as golf courses, the Venetian Pool, and recreation programs. More greenspace is needed. • Locate new parks in underserved areas, such as the western part of West Flagler. • Mini -parks are particularly needed, since young families are moving into the area. • New open space should be within walking distance for older residents. • A domino park would be well -used. • Program school space for commu- nity recreation after school hours. West Flagler needs many streetscape improvements in order to create a pedestrian -friendly environment. • The area has many senior citizens and low-income residents who walk to destinations. • Sidewalk repair, street trees, and better lighting are needed for comfort and safety. • Improvements are especially needed on West Flagler Street and around area schools. 1 MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 135 The West Flagler Vision for Parks & Public Spaces West Flagler NET AY,--lgami, South Grapeland Heights, Auburndale, La Pastorita, Parkdale North, Citrus Grove, South Sewell Park Mt 06 �_'�• a 1,9 Le Jenne Gardens West Flagler ER TERRACE/BAY OF PIGS PARK i-park with play area playground equipment and site ishings are planned. FLAGLER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL > Share open space with the community outside of school hours. LAND ACQUISITIONS > Less desirable land uses could be transformed into green space through land purchases. J[ KINLOCH ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOLS > Share open space with osc ool hours outsid f school hours. ■•MMMMM hteghay nt esa �ndersgrvedamaz neigh neighborhoods mnneo nelghbo�Aoods The West Flagler Vision for Parks & Public Spaces West Flagler NET Area: Flagami, South Grapeland Heights, Auburndale, La Pastorita, Parkdale North, Citrus sixth Sewell Park PARK OPPORTUNITY AT FLAGLER DOG TRACK > Create new green space from a portion of the large parking lot. TODAY POTENTIAL PARK AT SAINT MICHAEL'S CHURCH > Create a public/private partnership between the church and the City. > Develop part of the parking lot and the abandoned basketball courts into active recreation space. i ■■■'rn■i-■■■ ■ ■ ■ -1 jrljl'Y r ....1s I1 l d'L1p '• CORAL NOOK MINI -PARK )IL, T. + 1I . 7i ■ ..L. i l.. a F d traffic circle with :ter w� all green area i 11 1' 1,Wr I .... $ o Ilki Li •,- y: 9., �1ti • i, .., iZ"19 wwLn„„ � a� .,``+ �i,. I� IIIIIiIIF ....TM. ■ + 1.7.11a1 ; R1 y ■ _ • SENIOR CENTER ▪ _ ▪ - ,.. • _� _— >B ill small play area for ••�411,; 4 1' ' 1°1rrII r LAND ACQUISITIONS ♦i + n hborhood children In ,• r/J � IL_ Mann. > Less desirable land - rt the housing complex.•v- could be transform * > Encourage mtergenerattona] • - - I � I7 Into green spa tluo ...}F "'tag ,.1 & .1contact.■ _ _ land purchases Y _-.m-� = - ■ .—, _.___■ riel� r � Mr • au ■ GLEN ROYAL MINI -PARK > Two grassed traffic medians without park amenities -111 II IP 4 •!■ _••■■■fFLt■• ..' W _ ■■rr■■■■■71■N■F■■f T■■-N ■-0 •• . ■ ■■■■■ • ODLAW N CEMETERY Largest open space in West Flagler Provide sidewalks around the perim to create small linear parks forwa Potential use for passive recreatio 'e activities. Coral Gate ■ C Parkdale South CORAL GATE PARK > Expansion of recreation building is planned. > Fields need upgrades and better maintenance. > Redesign parking areas for safety. > Nighttime crime reports highlight a need for better lighting. > Dangerous crossing at 3ond Avenue and r6th Street needs pedestrian -activated signals Shenandoah South MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 137 A NEW PARK WITHIN THE SAINT MICHAEL'S CHURCH COMPLEX > Establish a public -private partnership between the City and Saint Michael's and work together to improve the former play area between the church and the school. > Restore the basketball court and create a playground and playing field. FLAGLER DOG TRACK Add green space within the dog track complex The Vision Make a portion of the track's northern parking lot along NW 7th Street a green area that serves Grapeland Heights. USE WOODLAND PARK CEMETERY AS A PASSIVE PARK AREA The Vision > Build sidewalks along all sides of the cemetery and landscape them to create a pleasant walking trail. > Encourage use of the cemetery grounds for passive activities by individual users. > Work with the cemetery to create group recreational programs, such as walking tours. COMMUNITY GREENSPACE WITHIN THE SMATHERS SENIOR CENTER The Vision > Build a small playground in the open area of the senior housing complex. GREEN, PEDESTRIAN -FRIENDLY STREETS... ...and additional mini -parks The Vision > Provide street trees and lighting along major corridors. > Introduce green medians. > Ensure that street furni- ture is adequately shaded. > Install pedestrian - activated signals at busy intersections. > Acquire vacant lots in un- derserved nei borhoods for creation o mini -parks. CORAL WAY NET Area: Douglas Park/Coral Gate/Parkdale South/Silver Bluff/Shenandoah North and South/F, any residents, along with Commissioner Regalado, attended the Coral Way Workshop. Comments fo- cused primarily on Shenandoah Park, Bryan Park, and streetscape issues. Overall, residents like Shenandoah Park and most agreed that its appearance and atmosphere have improved under its new managers. The park, however, lacks facilities and programs for adult users, such as a Vita Course, a walking path, and passive recreation areas. In addition, the pool needs renovation and should stay open both longer hours and year-round. Residents seek a park with hours and facilities that will permit family use in the evenings and on week- ends. Most participants opposed making Bryan Park exclusively a tennis center, pointing out that the loss of its passive space would be detri- mental to users of all ages who live within walk- 'Rrickell ing distance. Participants also believed that more res .ents would walk to nearby parks if street trees were planted and traffic -calming measures implemented. Most wanted new mini -parks created within the Coral Way area, but all acknowl- edge that few park opportunities exist. One viable possibility, though, is Wolfarth Park, two lots on SW 24th Street owned by the City and formerly zoned for parks use. In addition, partici- pants would like to see the City negoti- ate with the School Board to allow shared use of school playing fields. What we heard from the community about parks and public spaces: S enan•oa Par is a success multipurpose park that needs many improvements. u • Pool, playing fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, racquetball courts, and playground. • There are few programs for adults and seniors. • Parking is limited. • Planned improvements include a pool renovation, new basketball courts, and upgraded fields. • The playground needs shade, a dif- ferent surface, and water fountains. • The pool needs to be more accessible to adults. • Passive space is needed for adults and young families. • The park should have a walking/ bike/skate path. Bryan Park serves as an important central green space for its neighborhood. • Tennis courts, basketball courts, playing field, and playground. • The park is used by all ages • Expansion of a successful youth tennis program by adding courts is controversial. • A perimeter walkway with benches needed. additional space. • Parking is limited. • Maintenance issues regarding trash inside and outside the park. Douglas Park is a large park scheduled for many improvements. • Playing fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and playground. • A new recreation center, parking lot will be built. • Planned improvements could include a dog park. Many residents use parks outside of Coral Way. • They travel to Kennedy, Jose Marti, and Coral Gate parks. More green space is needed. • Create Wolfarth Park on vacant lots formerly zoned for parks use. • The Silver Bluff, Roads, and Parkdale neighborhoods need mini -parks. • Few public or private lots are available for new open space. Park accessibility is a problem and discourages park use. • Many parks offer limited parking. • Many park areas do not meet ADA standards. makes walking to Shenandoah Park difficult. • Lack of shaded streets discourages many people from walking to parks. • Speeding traffic near parks makes them hazardous for pedestrians. • Major corridors are difficult to cross on a bicycle or on foot. Streetscape improvements should be made along major corridors. • Target SW iath, i7th, 22nd, 27th, 32nd, and 37th avenues, and SW iith and i6th streets. • Plant street trees to provide a shaded environment that will encourage walking to parks. Parks need to provide recreation opportunities for all ages. • Many programs are offered for children, but fewer exist for adults and seniors. • Programs for adults and seniors should be publicized and should occur at convenient hours. • Create passive space for adults to use while their children play. • Parks should have programs and policies that encourage families to use the parks together. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 139 NEW NEIGHBORHOOD MINI -PARKS, STARTING WITH WOLFARTH PARK The Vision Create a small park with native vegetation on two vacant lots. TODAY SAFE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN PUBLIC SPACES The Vision > Introduce midblock crossings and "countdown' signals at pedestrian crossings to promote safety. > Post and enforce speed zone signs near parks and schools. > Prevent parking on sidewalks at parks. > Provide safer crossings between blocks of the median walkway in the Cuban Memorial Plaza on SW i3th Avenue. TODAY GREEN, PEDESTRIAN -FRIENDLY STREETS The Vision > Provide street trees along major corridors. > Introduce green medians. > Ensure that street furniture is adequately shaded. PARKS FOR ALL AGES The Vision > Provide programs for different ages at times that will allow adults and children to use the parks simultaneously. > Create passive areas for adult use. > Provide adequate publicity for parks programs for adults and seniors. 140 The Coral Way Vision for Parks & Public Spaces Coral Way NET Area: Douglas Park, Coral Gate, Parkdale South, Silver Bluff, Shenandoah BRYAN PARK > Nei bsktbdpnu courts, telaying finnis courts, bs, and ground tennis courts, and playground > Home to seasonal and year- round tennis programs > Passive space well -used by neighborhood residents > Under discussion: Creation of tennis center with new building and retention of play structure 4Noaso••••• N...i H...i..■ CUBAN MEMORIAL PLAZA > Landscaped median with walkway > Statuary honoring significant Cuban figures and events > Walkway lacks safe, marked cross- walks between blocks MAXIMO GOMEZ/DOMINO PARK Rr. - E - DOUGLAS PARK > Playing fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and playground > Planned improvements: • New recreation center • Court upgrades • New parking lot and lighting _ > Could include area for a dog park > Needs more shade and facilities for family activities BOYS CLUt • AL WAY ral commercial cop with lush landscaped t"aand pedestrian- lv sidewalks OLFARTH PARK >Vacant lots, but not currently used as a park > Formerly zoned for .-I park use > Establish a neigh- borhood rnini-park TODAY TRIA I M nipark ar- residential area > Basketball court and playground >Notwell-used SHENANDOAH PARK > Multipurpose park with pool, playing fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, racquetball courts, and playground > Many programs for children > Planned improvements: • Pool renovation • Court and field upgrades > Off more programs for adults and seniors > Expand playground area and provide shade and water fountains > Create passive spaces for adult use, such as quiet bench areas or a walking trail > Prevent users from parking on sides Park and open space opportunities Pursue opportunities for neighborhood mini parks in underserved areas SIMPSON PARK Historic park Passive nature park featu remnant of original h Boardwalk planned for b access in park Support and expand en " o mental educ Lion a- pro - grams SOUTH MIAMI AVENUE p > Boulevard through older IY residential area > Has attractive, green median and pedestria sidewalks Iy Miami, Florida Caw NYy else May N ■■■••■■ Pedestrian -friendly green streets with shade trees to connect neighborhoods Potential linear greenway beneath Metrorail MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN 111 141 NORTH/EAST COCONUT GROVE 171111.."''--- �a laI mo. Center/S. Grove Bayside/North & East Grove/Fair Isle/Bay Heights/Vizcaya/Miami Avenue/Brickell Residential District large number of residents from different neighbor- hoods in Coconut Grove attended the workshop, and most use more than one park in the NET Area. Many wanted to discuss the waterfront parks in detail. Participants generally believed that renovation of the western part of the Peacock Park is key to creating a successful connection between the waterfront and the Coconut Grove retail area. Residents like Kennedy Park but find that its use is hampered by a lack of parking, particularly on weekends. In addition, the park is difficult to get to on foot because South Bayshore Drive has no sidewalks with safe pedestrian access. Fewer residents use Alice Wainwright Park, even though it has bay access; participants felt that its location and removal of much of its parking make it unwelcoming. Some people commented that the limited number of users makes them safety -conscious. Increased use could make the park feel safer. Blanche Park and the Kirk Munroe Tennis Center serve as social centers for residents who bring their dogs to the park. Residents believe the Blanche Park dog park needs more maintenance attention because of high use. Many parents with young children use the tot lot in Blanche Park and would like more amenities, such as benches and water fountains. The parents and the dog park users formed a "friends" group to improve the park. Tennis players would like to see at least two new courts at Kirk Munroe and better use of its recreation building. Other park users want enhanced green space and additional lighting, and they oppose additional tennis courts. There was strong interest in improving the pedestrian - friendliness of streets in Coconut Grove, especially busy Tigertail, Bird, and 27th avenues. In addition, safety could be increased through better street lighting and bike paths for cyclists. Many participants also would like to see swales landscaped so as to create small linear parks. What we heard om the communi about larks and i ublic s laces: Major waterfront parks: Master planning is under way to enhance the waterfront park system and make connections to neighborhoods, retail areas, the bay and islands. • Peacock Park: > Activate the western park to link the retail center with the waterfront. > Add programs to attract adults. > Enhance bay views and provide boating access. David Kennedy Park is heavily used: > Enhance and better maintain land- scaping and playground areas. > Improve pedestrian access and add parking. > Enhance water views. Kenneth Myers Park links Peacock Park and Dinner Key Marina with walkways and public art and needs landscape improvements. Alice Wainwright Park has beautiful bay views and a conservation area but is underused. • Difficult access and constrained parking limit use, create safety concerns. Blanche Park's tot lot and dog park are heavily used and function as social centers for different user groups. Joint needs include: • Increased shade, lighting, and sidewalks around the park. • Water fountain, more seating at the tot lot and "children playing" signs on the street. • Better "disease maintenance" and grassy areas in the dog park. • Dog park users and tot lot mothers joined to form the Friends of Blanche Park to make improvements; they desire better communication with the City. The Kirk Munroe Tennis Center serves as Coconut Grove's public tennis facility. • Tennis players want another court to accommodate junior programs and neighborhood users. • Residents who use grassy areas to walk dogs do not want to lose that space. • More parking and better lighting are needed. The area's mini -parks need improve- ments that would encourage use. • Elizabeth Steele Mini -Park and Lincoln Park need playground equipment and landscaping improvements. • Douglas/Silver Bluff Mini -Park needs restroom facilities and more benches and tables for picnics. Streetscape improvements are needed throughout the area to promote bicycle use and walking. • Provide continuous sidewalks and adequate street lighting for pedestrian safety. • Improve and expand existing bike paths and routes (South Bayshore Drive, Wainwright Park and Vizcaya areas). • Swales could be landscaped to create attractive linear greenspaces along residential roads. • Create a grand landscaped median as a gateway to the Center Grove on South Bayshore Drive. 142 VISION FOR PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES North/East Coconut Grove /441:.8-41144,, A WEEKEND PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE ZONE AT THE WATERFRONT The Vision SAFE STREETS FOR CYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS The Vision > Connect sidewalks throughout Coconut Grove. > Install pedestrian - activated signals at major intersections and parks. > Demarcate the bike lane on S. Bayshore Drive. > Create a bike path to provide south - bound access for cyclists along South Bayshore Drive. > Provide adequate lighting along streets. > Close one side of South Bayshore Drive to cars from ro:oo a.m. to 6:oo p.m. on Sundays to provide additional waterfront space for recreation activity. > Pedestrians, rollerbladers, and cyclists would be welcome to use the dosed street. > Increased activity would generate more interest in waterfront parks and businesses. 7 ENHANCED CONNECTIONS ALONG THE WATERFRONT The Vision > Create a formal baywalk extending from Peacock Park to the parking lot at Virrick Gym. > Negotiate with private property owners for limited public waterfront access. > Pedestrian activity could continue along South Bayshore Drive to Kennedy Park. > Negotiate with Mercy Hospital to create another waterfront walk at the hospital complex. > Demolish the Convention Center and replace it with a new park and waterfront public spaces and activity areas. > Ensure connectivity between waterfront public spaces and the areas across South Bayshore Drive. IMPROVED ACCESS TO ALICE WAINWRIGHT PARK The Vision > Promote park use by building additional parking spaces. > Create a bike path along Brickell Avenue by the park and extending to Vizcaya and possibly along the bay at the Mercy Hospital complex. > Erect directional signs on South Miami Avenue that say `Alice Wainwright Park: Open to the Public." > Create nature trails and interpretive signs for the conservation area and provide nature education programs to encourage use and safety. ENHANCING MINI -PARKS FOR USE AS SMALL NEIGHBORHOOD SPACES The Vision > Provide play structures, benches, and water fountains in all mini -parks. > Increase shade around play areas. > Ensure adequate lighting and safe sidewalks around the parks. > Construct restrooms if enough space exists. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 143 The North/East Coconut Grove Vision for Parks & Public Spaces VOX vot LINCOLN PARK ` > Small lot in rest derearea with a cov d bench lighting. > Add play strut to activate the space. BLANCHE PARK > Popular tot lot and dog park. > Add shad and lighting seating f dupe ply > Add sidewalks d speed zones ! le AItheparkf saferIli;pedestrian access Improve dog pak > Collaborate with Fends of Blnche Park. t L r KIRK MONROE TENNIS CENTER > 5 tennis ourts and small recreation building, high demand for courts > Accomunodateanadditional Muds court in the southwestern comer while retaining neighbor- hood green space > Re -landscape green space along Matilda Street add benches and tables, and eliminateparidng. S Add street lighting for safety. SUNDAY CAR -FREE ZONE ALONG THE WATERFRONT z Close half of Bayshore Drive to auto traffic on Sundays in order to en- uragewalking, biadiaang, and gtee- batetngNe waterfront North/East Coconut Grove NET Area: Bird Grove East, Grove Center, South Grove Bayside, North Grove, East Grove, Fair Isle, Bay Heights, Vizcaya, Miami Avenue, Brickell Residential District CONNECTIONS BETWEEN METRORAIL AND THE WATERFRONT > Make streetscape improvements along zyth Avenue between S. Bayshore Drive and U.S. t to encourage more residents to walk to the MetroRail station. > Considerusing zph Avenue as a green corridor fora trolley that would transport residents and tourists from the MetroRail station to new waterfrontactivities. DOUGLAS/SILVER BLUFF MINI -PARK > Playground, swings, benches, small walking trail. > Replace picrdctables. > Provide more shade near the play and add a small restraom bull,' fp* and : �+ lure • ef • -� • • r�4.`Y.e ,. /l1 • • �a•• i 1orth'jgi z� 4 ••i�4444 1• ' -,'I ✓ ••••••••••••4 hir � � PEDESTRIAN MPROVE''. i III ••• •a. so •••� ON RESIDENTIAL STREETS da ` • •• •• da > adequateco streethglmngonTrgertad - - !•1•• �y„_ ,� Oak, and oN reardennal strceta 6 '"`+..� ••'�• • tlmoughoutthearea �•1 • • 1 , • .., `• \ k • PEACOCK PARK > Baseball field, basketball courts, playground, waterfront boardwalk, shaded picnic areas > Court upgrades, boardwalk repair, landscaping improve- ments, and recreation budding expansion. KENNETH MYERS PARK Walking path and public art. VIRRICK GYM > Ponner Coast Guard hangar converted toa gym and used by the Shake -A -Leg program. PARK OPPORTUNITY AT THE CONVENTION CENTER > Demolish the Convention Center and create new green space on the waterfront LOAM 4111 SPOIL ISLANDS > Open islands to the public with regu- lar access by small boats and kayaks operated or rented by the City. > Create picnic areas on the islands. COCONUT GROVE BAYWALK > Create a scenic waterfront walkway that will mimed parks,marineuses, and new waterfront activities_ North+Eaet Coca DAVID KENNEDY PARK > Variety of activities and areas: playground, walking track, boardwalk, dog park, and bayaide seating. Enhance bay views, shade, and playground. > Encourage more users to walk or bike to the park by building sidewalks and providing a southbound bike trail along Tigertail Avenue. Miami, Florida North/East Coconut Grove Base Map ,�.,l, i..n .111 1.0r. sxpww .ram n.r.r.—arw Pursue opportunities to create mini- 11 parks in these underserved areas Park and open space opportunities Pedestrian -friendly green streets to connect neighborhoods al MI Public Baywalk Bike trail The North/East Coconut Grove Vision for Parks & Public Spaces North/East Coconut Grove NET Area: Bird Grove East, Grove Center, South Gro, e Bayside, North Grove, East Grove, Fair Isle, Bay Heights, Vizcaya, Miami Avenue, Br a,..ntial District ati f • • ♦ ♦ NolthlEast Coconut �i I51 _ ELIZABETH STEELE MINI -PAR > Small open space with no facilities or activities. Ytreate a tot lot and add benches, water fountains, and arestraombuilding. > Make the park more inviting with tropical plantings and additional foliage. LA SALLE SR. HIGH SCHOOL > Share open space with the e community outside f school hours. J NORTH BAYWALK > Work with Mercy Hospital to create a waterfront walk that wiBHimmel the hospital to the grounds at Vizcaya. ALICE WAINWRIGHT > Basketball courts, playgroun areas, ns ovation area, and bayf seating. > Isolated location makes some user unsafe. > Make the conservation area an integt part of the park by creating environmen- tal education programs and nature Bails. COCONUT GROVE BIKE TRAIL > Extend a bike trail from Peacock Park up to the Rickenbacker Causeway. > Provide lanes that allow cyclists to go in both directions by muting southbound bike Haffin along an improved Tigertail Avenue. > Run a portion ofthe trail along Brickell Avenue by Wainwright Park > Demarcate the trail and separate it from traffic as much as possible. Miami, Florida North/East Coconut Grove Base Map rr. l nx AGa.oaMei utl Lew-nceo�/urx.ca rd PMve+, .Mk MM.411..olrc y...•ry B.. ]PS5 xeo N N Pursue opportunities to create mini - parks in these underserved areas Park and open space opportunities 4. Pedestrian -friendly green streets to connect neighborhoods Public Baywalk Bike trail MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 145 SOUTH/WEST COCONUT GROVE NET Area: Bird Grove West/West Grove/South Grove/South Grove Bayside ew residents attended the South/West Coconut Grove Workshop and Open House, but those who did were community leaders who were knowledgeable about neighborhood concerns and park issues. Much of the conversation focused on Virrick Park, which is perceived as a vital facility for the community. Residents generally are satisfied with the programming offered to elementary-school children but believe that the park should expand its offerings for adults, seniors, and, particularly, teens. Participants felt that the heavily used park has maintenance issues and major improvements are needed. Armbrister Park also sees significant community use, particularly because its sports fields can be used for football and baseball. This park, however, needs a larger recreation building to accommodate locker rooms for sports teams, classrooms for after -school programs, and improved storage space. Connections should be made between Armbrister Park and the Barnyard Center, a neighborhood recreation center that offers after -school programs and has several playing courts. Many residents use Billy Rolle/Coconut Grove Mini -Park for domino and chess games. Children and adults in South/West Coconut Grove frequently ride bicycles and walk throughout the area. Workshop participants believe that the pedestrian or and cycling experience could be enhanced by the creation of continuous sidewalks, bike paths, and improved street lighting throughout Coconut Grove. Virrick Park is a heavily used center of neighborhood activity. • Seniors use the park to walk and swim; additional senior programming is desired. • Needs include fields for open play and a clubhouse for teen fitness, music, and dance programs. • Simultaneous activities for dif- ferent age groups create space conflicts. • The gym and pool have many ongoing maintenance issues. • More pool access is needed for disabled persons and seniors. • More parking is needed to serve the pool area. • Although lighting in the park is good, the park should have a security guard. Armbrister Park has sports fields with seasonal opportunities not found at Virrick. • Neighborhood children and sports leagues use the park for baseball and football play. • Soccer demand is low. • The recreation building lacks adequate storage and lockers for teams and classroom space for after -school programs. • An outdoor track would attract the many people who walk the perimeter of the park. • Park facilities could be linked to recreation space at the adjacent fire college and the Barnyard Center. • The playground area needs improvements. • Many families use the park in the mornings; family -oriented spaces and activities should be created. Merrie Christmas Park is a passive park with a play structure. • Residents who do not live near the park do not drive to use it. Billy Rolle/Coconut Grove Mini -Park is a domino park. • Users come throughout the day. • The Department of Parks and Rec- reation provides no supervision. • There have been some reports of drug activity. • The park needs better maintenance. Streetscape improvements are needed areawide. • Lack of continuous sidewalks and adequate street lighting affects safety for the many residents who walk to area destinations. • Improve the pedestrian environ- ment along main roads that con- nect to the U.S. 1 corridor and the MetroRail station. Many residents ride bicycles, but local streets are unsafe for cyclists. • Children and adults ride to parks and other locations. • Many people ride on the side- walks of Grand Avenue, creating conflicts with pedestrians. • Lack of designated bike lanes or separation between bicycles and cars on most roads creates safety hazards. More greenspace is needed throughout the area. • Locate new mini -parks in un- derserved areas, such as South Grove. • Opportunities for pocket parks exist in West Grove. VISION FOR PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES A REVITALIZED ARMBRISTER PARK The Vision > Expand the recreation building and upgrade the field in order to facilitate organized sports. > Provide more shade and places to sit around the playground and basketball areas. > Create connections between Armbrister's facilities and the Barnyard Center. TODAY SAFE STREETS FOR BICYCLES AND PEDESTRIANS The Vision > Provide continuous sidewalks and adequate pedestrian -scale lighting throughout Coconut Grove. > Create bike routes with signage along major corridors and residential streets. > Create a bike -travel safety campaign, including signs, for cyclists and drivers in Coconut Grove. South/West Coconut Grove NEW PARKS ALONG GRAND AVENUE The Vision 1 > Create small parks at the corner of Hibiscus Street and Grand Avenue and the corner of Plaza Street and Grand Avenue. > Place a play structure, benches, tables, a water fountain, and grassed areas in each park. > Landscape the parks with trees and flowering plants in mini -gardens. TODAY The Vision > Offer a range of programs for all user groups, particularly seniors and teenagers. > Continue to improve programs for elementary- school children. > Create passive park areas for adult use. > Provide park spaces and programs that will encourage families to use parks together. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 147 The South/West Coconut Grove Vision for Parks Sc. Public Spaces South/West Coconut Grove NET Area: Bird Grove West, West Grove, South Grove, South Grove Bayside THE BARNYARD CENTER > Recreation center nm by a nonprofit org '- zation. > After -school pro- grams and active eeaion areas for duldren. > Works with area parks to coordinate acfivifies. �y Ike ._ _ ARMBRISTER PARK > Baseball and football fields, playground, and recreation budding. > Provides field recreation facilities not found in Virridc Park. > Users include neighborhood duldren, adult walkers, and sports leagues. > Needs field maintenance and an expanded recreation building. > Could expand recreafionopportu- nitiestlnoughphysical connec- lons to the Bamyard Center. R MERRIE CHRISTMAS PARK Y > Playground area d passive open - space. ,Ii! ...e y#:, _ > Does not attract ti"Y users from outside ' neighborhood. : 4 Acconl MODAT1oN FOR BICYCLES Create bikelanes on major - ,..thdors to allow gait gale eead- y travel ndists. METRORAIL GREENWAY/ BIKE PATH VIRRICK PARK > Gym, basketball court, playground, shelters, picric areas, and pool. > Most widely -used park in South/West Coconut Grove. > Park manager works dosely with community groups. > More programming for seniors and teens is needed. > Long -tens gym maintenance and pool renovations are required. BILLY ROLLE/COCONUT GROVE MINI -PARK > Popular park that provides a shaded space for domino and dress games. > Reports of crime problems.,` Wen > Needs bettermaintenme. PARK OPPORTUNITIES ' ON GRAND AVENUE > Vacant lots providepotential sites for small parks ina central location. Pursue opportunities to create mini - parks in these underserved areas Park and open space opportunities ■■■■■■■ Pedestrian -friendly green streets to connect neighborhoods Bike trail 6_ .. . . n i n l „„ 111 „„„„„„„, „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III „„„„„„III I Design Counts Good design is essential to making the most of a park system, especially in urban areas. Good design creates highly functional, environmentally sensitive, and durable parks that also bring beauty and delight to their users. DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR PARKS RECOMMENDATIONS > Hire a staff landscape architect for the parks department. > Involve the public and park managers in the redesign of existing parks and the design of new parks. > Apply design guidelines when redesigning existing parks or designing new ones. Successful parks and public spaces are where the people are. This is an apparent tautology but it emphasizes the point that parks are for people and people are drawn to places where other people seem to be enjoying themselves. A successful park is located in a place where a park is needed, it provides for activities that people are interested in doing, where they can see others and be seen, and it is linked to other parts of the public realm. The design of the space can attract people or it can repel them. Parks professionals who were interviewed in a recent publication about the best parks in their park districts mentioned the same basic ingredients over and over again: "open space, water, shady places, strolling, fun people places."' As Miami renovates existing parks and creates new ones, it has the opportunity over time to create distinctive park environments. The major park redesigns and new park designs underway as part of the current capital improvements program will make a very significant difference in the design quality of those parks. However, many smaller design projects that affect the parks every year receive much less design attention. During the recent period of very tight budgets, facility improvements or equipment upgrades were made without sufficient attention to overall park design. The Department of Parks and Recreation has not had an in-house landscape architect for decades. It is imperative that the department add a staff landscape architect to work closely with park management and staff —and with the public. Nearby residents and other park users should be involved in the development of improvement programs and master plans for design and renovation of parks. ' Bernie Dahl and Donald J. Molnar, Anatomyofa Park, 3rd edition, (Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press, 2003), 151. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 149 Signs and maps at the entry to parks help orient people, as in this San Antonio park. uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw Park Context and Edges • Provide access to parks from the street on at least two sides, if possible. • Orient adjacent buildings to face the park with windows to frame the park and provide "eyes on the park." • Where there are high -traffic streets at the park edge, buffer those edges to minimize entry of noise and pollution from the street into the park. • Evaluate the need for fences and remove or reduce fencing if it is not needed for security or aesthetic purposes. Attractive fences that allow views into a park while controlling entry can be aesthetically pleasing by providing an edge between the green world of the park and the hard surfaces of the street. Many of Miami's parks have high, turquoise -blue fences of closely -spaced stakes. Both the color and the structure of these fences obscure the view of the park from outside. Because crime, especially at night, remains a concern for some park users, it is important to experiment with different levels of openness before making a final decision to eliminate fences altogether. Sense of Place and Entry • Strive for a sense of place and individual character in park design. Special landscape, historic, or cultural elements should be identified and preserved. Thematic unity expressed through architectural design and details, colors and materials, site fur- nishings and equipment, and plantings should be encouraged. • If possible, locate the main entry to paths near crosswalks or bus stops. • Clearly define points of entry with arches, decorative gates, signed entry features, and/or special landscape massing. • Avoid tall fences along street edges. Decorative fencing and berms, buffered by low hedges, for example, provide definition, safety and security for the park. In some cases where crime has been a serious problem in parks, Miami park users have said that fencing has allowed residents to use parks because criminals were kept out. The removal of fences around parks should be discussed with park us- ers and evaluated in light of crime and other security concerns. • In larger parks, provide signs and maps to orient users. Access • Safe, comfortable, well -lit walkways should extend from neighborhoods to parks. Sidewalks should be shaded and the pavement in good condition. Des- ignated routes that avoid major arterials and intersections should be created with signage, as recommended in the discussion of the ParkWalks program in Chapter 3. Where crossing of arterials and highly -trafficked intersections 150 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum Shady, tree -lined streets like this one provide pleas- ant walking routes to parks and other destinations. is necessary, crosswalks and pedes- trian -activated signals should be provided at a minimum, with con- sideration given to installing raised intersections or similar traffic -calm- ing devices to ensure that vehicles will slow down. • Connect pedestrian paths to all activity areas in a park. Multiple use paths to accommodate walkers, joggers, rollerbladers, and so on should be at least 8 feet wide, increasing to >;o or 12 feet where heavy use is expected. These paths should have gentle curves so they can also serve as access ways for park vehicles and, in larger parks, police patrol cars. • As Miami implements its ADA program to make parks accessible, ensure that when handicap -accessible equipment is provided, access from adjacent sidewalks, other areas of the park and parking areas is also provided. Landscape Design The foundation of a park's design, even for a park primarily dedicated to sports activities, is the grouping of trees and palms. Shade trees provide much -needed relief from the sun in Miami's climate, and all kinds of plantings provide a green environment to contrast with buildings in urban neighborhoods. Ideally, park sites will be selected and developed to preserve existing stands of trees. However, in many areas, the site will be devoid of trees and the entire landscape will have to be created. Tree planting should be one of the first imple- mentation activities in building or renovating a park. Parks without trees, and the shade and beauty they provide, are not fulfilling one of their prime reasons for being; it takes ten or more years for trees to grow to serve their intended function. • Group trees to define spaces, separate incompatible uses, or visually enhance and direct views of scenic features. • Plant trees for shade. Shade is essential adjacent to all gathering areas. Shaded areas for spectators to watch ball games and other sports activities are especially appreciated in Miami's climate. Picnicking and trees go hand in hand. Walkways and sitting areas should be shaded. Shade over play equipment is critical. • Plant special accent plants, such as groupings of tall palms or flowering trees, to direct the eye and enhance park entrances, or subtly guide visitors along paths. Accent plants can be focused in planters to assist in maintenance, and the edges of planter boxes can be made wide enough to serve as seating areas. [Landscape Design text continues on page 154.] A donated tree in Kenneth Myers Park. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 151 Why Margaret Pace Park Is Successful Places to sit —walls, benches, picnic tables, steps Open areas for relaxation or free play Places for dogs "Eyes on the park" and good sightlines Amenities for picking up after dogs Basketball, volleyball, and tennis 152 Why Juan Pablo Duarte Park Is Successful A building designed to fit with the neighborhood Art and culture Places to sit in the shade Places to gather —large picnic shelters A circulation loop for walking and biking A baseball diamond and informal soccer field Fun activities for kids A play area and bridge over a remnant of nature MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 153 Flowering plants, like these at the entrance to Jose Marti Park, should be incorporated more often into park design. uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw • While most trees, shrubs, and ground cover in parks should be low -maintenance, drought - tolerant or native species, consider specimen trees and unique plants for high -visibility spots. Some very large -growing trees, flowering trees (that may be considered messy), and other species that may not be recommended for use along streets or on residential properties can be successful in parks. Parks should be areas to display unusual, special tree species, since they usually have the space to allow for their growth. The Department of Parks and Recreation should work with the Fairchild Botanical Garden to identify trees that could be suitable. The Miami Parks Foundation recommended in Chapter 4 could facilitate donations and maintenance of unusual plants. • Limit dense shrub masses to park edges that abut residential properties, to provide a buffer for them, or to areas that abut incompatible or unsightly activity such as industrial uses. For safety and security reasons, avoid plant- ing shrub masses that can block views into a park from surrounding streets or between areas within the park. • Place trees in coordination with underground and overhead utilities, as well as park lighting, to avoid conflicts. • Unless the design layout of a park dictates the use of formal rows of one species to enhance a geometric space within the park, avoid this approach. Tree groves or loose groupings of more than one species will not lose their effectiveness as a mass if some are lost due to storm damage or disease. • In active areas, where people gather and children play, plant trees that are at least 12 feet tall. • Where mangroves and wetland areas exist, install interpretive signs to ex- plain their environmental value. • Develop a small coastal hammock landscape design for replication in a vari- ety of parks for environmental education. • Install irrigation systems except in natural areas and areas that have masses of mature trees that are shading out grasses. All grass areas, especially those that are used for free play sports, must be irrigated to withstand wear and help them regenerate. Equipment brands should be standardized, so that park personnel can be trained on one operating system and spare parts can more easily be kept in stock. 154 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum • Install artificial turf on high -use athletic fields so that the fields can be used more efficiently. Proper Placement of Facilities and Activities • Where possible, design multi -use active areas that can be available for differ- ent sports on the same space. • Locate park uses to be compatible with adjacent land uses. > Locate noisy activities such as basketball, ball fields, and group picnic shelters away from adjacent residences. > Provide adequate space from errant balls to adjacent properties or streets, or high fences to contain fly balls. > Avoid spill -over of field and court lights into adjacent residential properties by use of cut-off luminaires. • Locate park uses to be compatible with adjacent uses within the park. > Group activities that generate large concentrations of users, noise, and high -intensity lighting together, away from quiet, passive areas. > Place recreation buildings near most intensely -used activity areas to facilitate the park manager's ability to observe and monitor activities. Larger buildings that can house large groups of people should provide a convenient vehicular drop-off area and nearby parking, if possible. • Preserve natural features such as groups of trees to buffer active park uses from residential areas, at street edges to present attractive views into the park, or near special views, such as waterfronts. • Shade is a critical component of park design in Miami. Whether by canopy trees, shelters and pergolas, shade sails (fabric canopies), or other means, shade should be available at or near all activity areas in a park. In new parks or park redesigns, shade trees should be planted to the south and west of playgrounds. Ideal Groupings of Facilities • Group certain activities together to generate enough users to justify the inclusion of support facilities. > Ballfields and football/soccer fields, in groups of three to five, can support a restroom/concession building, usually operated by an organized league. > Tennis courts, in groups of six or more, can support a restroom/tennis pro shop that can serve as a base for a tennis court manager/instructor. This attracts more players per court. The "club" atmosphere provides a social setting, where finding a playing partner is more likely, and a game can be scheduled in advance by the manager. The typical two -court facility Pullman Mini -Park in Little Haiti lacks shade over the play structure and ap- propriately placed seating nearby. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN 111 155 Colorful painted bas- ketball courts and a tree -shaded, paved slope for sitting and watching games combine to make a simple, attractive, and functional space at Bela- fonte-Talcolcy Park. uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw traditionally installed in a small neighborhood park (to provide "equal" access to all), is usually not well used. • Locate picnic facilities near large passive areas and adjacent to special natural features such as waterfronts. Be sure they are well shaded. A nearby open play area for pick-up ball games is an excellent adjunct to picnic grounds. > Small neighborhood parks, if well -shaded and aesthetically pleasing, can also serve as picnic areas, especially in densely -devel- oped urban areas where apart- ment dwelling prohibits at-home barbeques. > Provision of picnic tables next to tot lots or other active recreation facilities are useful for parents to provide snacks or lunch to their chil- dren, but do not qualify as a quality picnicking experience. > If possible, group picnic shelter areas should be separated from individual picnic table areas. Group picnics are generally noisy and not compatible with family picnickers who are seeking more communion with nature. • Provide seating in different ways, so that some seating is in high -traffic areas and is arranged to promote more social contact and other seating is scattered to allow for more solitary enjoyment of the park. • Where possible, provide separate spaces where young children, teenagers and seniors can congregate for social interaction. Buildings, Site Furniture, and Materials • Incorporate art into the design of every major park. • Minimize building footprints by using two-story structures where feasible. • Incorporate green building prac- tices, natural ventilation and light, and energy efficiency by promot- ing adherence to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED©) standards developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. 156 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum • Make site furniture consistent within parks, including trash barrels, which should match site furniture. • Locate benches to maximize shade in summer and provide sun in winter; to avoid conflicts with pedestrians on paths; and with backs to walls or plantings, to enhance a sense of security. • Choose building, wall, and fence materials for durability, weather resistance, and energy efficiency. • Use of paint and mosaic tiles, as in Virrick Park and Bela- fonte-Talcocy Park, can add interest to otherwise very simple materials. • As appropriate, incorporate community cultural traditions and South Florida traditional design in the design of park and recreation buildings, particu- larly as tropical building types were developed to provide light and ventilation. • Incorporate recycled and recyclable materials as much as possible. Dog Parks • Place dog parks away from high - value and sensitive areas, such as waterfronts, and from high -intensity uses, such as sports facilities. • The ideal location is a grassy area with adequate drainage. • A four- to six-foot fence should sur- round the park, preferably with a double -gated entry. • Shade and water should be provided for both owners and dogs, and seat- ing should be provided. • Supplies for cleaning, covered garbage cans, waste bags and pooper-scooper stations should be provided. • Signs with rules and regulations should be posted. Evening play at Shenandoah Park. Lighting • Miami's successful parks are full of people at night. Lighting at parks and on access routes to parks is a very important as- pect of park design in the city. It should be appropriate to the activity in terms of quantity and also be judged for its energy efficiency, minimum glare and spillover, and attractiveness. As noted earlier in this report, the park system should move to solar energy sources as lighting is upgraded. • Isolated areas that are not intended for use at night should not be lit, in order to discourage entry. Bench at Virrick Park. The Kennedy Park dog park is inappropriately located at the waterfront. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN 111 157 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw Parking • When designing a specific park, survey potential users to determine how they expect to access the park. • Provide parking adequate to serve the activities provided in the park, but keep it to a minimum so precious park land is not taken up by paved park- ing spaces. Where there is a choice, vehicular access to a park should be from the street that will create the least impact on neighboring residences. Small walk -to parks can be adequately served by on -street parking. • Encourage park users to walk, bicycle or take public transportation to parks, if possible. Provide bike racks near park and building entrances so that bicy- clists can park and lock bikes. • Share parking areas, such as adjacent school parking lots that may be empty during peak park activity times, to accommodate activities that generate large groups of users. • Where possible, provide vehicular drop-off areas adjacent to large buildings and areas for activities such as group picnicking, baseball, etc. that require bringing equipment. • Use grass -pave or other types of planted pavers that allow for parking in ar- eas that may be needed at peak times for parking but could be used for other purposes most of the time. Crime Prevention Through Design Design the park to promote crime prevention. Provide views into, through and out of the park along paths or in other ways, in order to promote the ability of park users and people in the surroundings to see what is happening in the park and limit opportunities for concealment. 158 7 ..•......„„„„„„„,„„„„„„„,„„„„„„„,„„„„„„„,„„„„„„„,„„„„„„„,„„„„„„„„„,„„„„„„„,„„„„„„„,„„„„„„„,„„„„„„„,„„„„„„„,„„„„„„„,„„„„„„„„ Implementation: Making it Happen It will take the efforts of a broad alliance of public, nonprofit, and private stake- holders to reach Miami's tremendous potential to create a model 21st-century urban network of green and blue public spaces. While the city park system is the foundation of this network, the Depai Llnent of Parks and Recreation is simply one of numerous stakeholders, each of which has a part to play in creating and sustaining Miami's green infrastructure network: other city agencies, county and state agencies, nonprofit groups, private developers and private citizens. This implementation plan focuses on the role of city decision makers and agencies, noting when other agencies and groups must be included. Many of the implementation actions listed here are organizational or managerial. Because this master plan envisions a network of public parks, greenways and blueways, green streets, and public spaces, the implementation of the plan will require the creation of new relationships or strengthening of existing ones among agencies, nonprofits, and the citizenry. The Department of Parks and Recreation can take the lead on some aspects of the plan, while other depart- ments are more appropriate in other situations. In order to forecast future funding requirements for the Depai Lrnent of Parks and Recreation, certain management tasks must be completed first. We know that, despite improved budget allocations in recent years, the department is still underfunded on a per capita basis compared to cities with strong park and recreation systems. The department must analyze its activities to identify core services, the costs of existing services, the costs of providing services to the standard desired by the public, and the potential for recapturing some costs, where appropriate, through fees and charges. Once these issues are fully un- derstood, the department will be able to forecast its needs more accurately and, just as important, explain to Miami residents what they will receive in return for enhanced budgets. Also, as discussed earlier in this report, creation of a robust network of "friends" groups along with a citywide parks foundation, is essential if the Miami park system is to reach its potential. PLANNING FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS The city is now completing a program of bond -financed capital improvements to the park system that includes hundreds of millions of dollars of repairs and replacements, new facilities, and new designs for signature waterfront parks. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 159 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw Although these investments are very welcome and are already making a signifi- cant difference in the park system, the improvement program was not based on a systematic evaluation of needs or a broad conception of the overall role of the park system in the city. In the future, asset management, preventive main- tenance, and capital planning should be ongoing or annual processes based on the principles and goals in this master plan. Currently, small-scale capital improvements are overseen by the Department of Parks and Recreation Support Services Division and larger projects that require contracting by outside designers are overseen by the city's Transporta- tion and Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Department. A new, systematic approach to capital improvements for the park and public space network and related green systems should be established. This approach should include information and input from a wide range of stakeholders both within and outside of city government, including park maintenance staff, park managers, park users and friends groups, neighborhood residents, and representatives of other city departments. Closer coordination between CI P and the parks de- partment about the implementation of capital improvements will ensure that the improvements reflect the experience and operational needs of the parks department. If, as recommended, a landscape architect with parks experience is added to the department's staff, this professional can take over more of the capital improvements planning and design for the park system. The capital improvements process internal to the Department of Parks and Recreation should include the steps below. As the system is put into effect, park managers and other staff who will be asked to implement it should be given training to help them be effective. • Create a capital improvements committee. The committee should include relevant departmental staff. To prepare for the committee's work, in- formation from park user surveys, repair records, grant and outside funding opportunities, and other relevant information should be compiled and ana- lyzed. Once the initial project list has been prepared, the committee should meet with members of the CIP Department. • Refine and update the inventory of existing facilities. The inventory and evaluation accompanying this master plan can serve as a starting point. It is organized as a spreadsheet database linked to GIS and photo resources. However, the inventory took place during a season of several hurricanes and while the existing capital improvement plan was in process, so it does not reflect replacements and improvements undertaken after the inventory date. Each year on a regular schedule the inventory should be updated. A form should be prepared for use by park managers for staffed parks and by park 160 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum maintenance staff for unstaffed parks. An efficient way for park staff to cre- ate and update the inventory would be by using a PDA to enter information while walking around the park and then downloading the information to a departmental database. The inventory can be relatively simple, with infor- mation on the year the facility or equipment was put in service, the date of last improvement, condition (poor, fair, good), level of use (light, moderate, heavy), and any scheduled improvements. Because many improvements and upgrades have recently been made or are currently being implemented, establishing this annual inventory of facilities would provide the parks de- partment with an excellent way to monitor the effectiveness of new designs and durability of new equipment, identifying any issues to be addressed in future capital improvement programs. • Review the status of previously approved projects. This review will in- form the committee about which projects are complete and which are still in process. In addition, it will provide information on any projects completed at lower or higher cost than originally budgeted. • Solicit project proposals. Park senior staff and managers should prepare project proposals and be asked to justify and assign priority rankings to their proposals. A form should be created for this purpose that includes a project description, reason for the project, likely useful life of the project, and its likely impact on operational costs. • Establish evaluation criteria, evaluate project proposals, and rank projects. The committee should evaluate the project proposals according to objective criteria based on the principles and policies in this master plan and other relevant plans, responsiveness to resident needs, benefits to neighbor- hood and citywide residents (as appropriate to the type of park), project cost and future operational costs, and availability of grant funds or other external funding. During this phase it is important to seek information from other city agencies and the CIP Department in order to evaluate whether the value of proposed park improvements can be leveraged with other city invest- ments. For example, green streets projects that improve pedestrian access to parks can be coordinated with park improvements, so that the benefits of the improvements are enhanced by the fact that access will be better. These combined benefits can then be marketed to the public. If major capital improvements projects for the park system continue to be cen- tralized in the CIP Department, it is essential that parks and recreation staff be induded throughout the design and construction process for all capital projects. In- cluding these staff members will enhance the cost-effectiveness of projects because they are intimately familiar with how facilities are used and can influence design to ensure greater functionality and durability of new facilities and equipment. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN 111 161 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw IMPLEMENTATION CHARTS The implementation charts that follow are organized according to categories used earlier in this plan. The chart headings include: • What —the task to be accomplished • How —activities to be undertaken to accomplish the task • Who —the entities primarily responsible for accomplishing or initiating the task • When —a time line for accomplishing the task, which may be a specific year, if appropriate, or more generally: short term (up to 5 years); medium term (5 to ro years); long term (To or more years) • How much —type or amount of expenditures, if known or capable of estimation The implementation charts are presented in two sets. The first covers system- wide issues as presented under 13 different section or chapter headings earlier in this report. The second set focus on the 13 NET Areas and addresses issues specific to particular parks and neighborhoods. 162 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum SYSTEMWIDE TASKS AND ISSUES 1 WHAT HOW WHO WHEN HOW MUCH Pursue a medium -term goal of a park within one-half mile of every resident and a long-term goal of a park within one -quar- ter mile of every resident by acquiring land in underserved areas. Seek a balance among passive and active uses of parks and public spaces. Establish a new hierarchy for the park system that reflects Miami conditions. Survey city residents regularly to monitor preferences, needs and satisfaction with the park and recreation system. Establish networks of pedes- trian -friendly public spaces. Ensure that parks and public spaces provided on private property remain open to the public. Disseminate information on target areas for new parks to all relevant city departments to encourage consciousness of park needs. Identify and keep a list of potential properties. Design areas for safe passive use in all parks. Use the new hierarchy inter- nally and in public materials. Use Web surveys every two to five years; commission scien- tific survey every 10 years. Require good pedestrian con- ditions and links in public and private development projects. Annual or biannual reports by owners on accessibility and condition of public spaces on private property and periodic monitoring by the city. City offices and Immediate Variable departments: and ongoing Mayor and Com- mission; City Manager; Parks; Planning; Public Works; Trans- di portation Parks and CIP Immediate N/A departments and ongoing Parks Department Parks Department Planning and Parks depart- ments Agreement with property owners at the time of permitting 2007 Beginning 2008 Ongoin, 2007 and ongoing Staff time $25,000-50,000 for scientific survey Variable 1 Variable — development bonuses in return for public space benefits. PRESERVE AND ENHANCE EXISTING PARKS AND OPEN SPACES WHAT HOW WHO WHEN I HOW MUCH Revise the zoning code to de- fine and protect conservation areas and public parks. Include in Miami 21 rezoning process. Adopt a no net loss policy for park land in city zoning and ordinances. Provide appropriate staffing, services, equipment and main- tenance at all parks Include in Miami 21 rezon- ing process and/or separate ordinance. Include costs in annual and capital budget requests. City Commission 2007 City Commission 2007 Parks Department Miami 21 staff time Miami 21 staff time Short term Dependent on program MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 163 EXPAND RESOURCES WITHOUT ACQUIRING MORE LAND WHAT I HOW WHO r WHEN I HOW MUCH Develop policies for city use of nonpark land for parks and recreation. Create a School -Park Working Group about sharing of recre- ational resources. Designate liaisons with transportation agencies, public works, public housing, cem- eteries and so on, to pursue resource sharing. Identify direct and indirect costs and benefits to evaluate when and how to use other resources. Develop policies for leases, conditions, contributions of equipment and maintenance. Identify and evaluate all cur- rent relationships in light of program and area needs. Start discussions with prin- cipals of schools identified in the parks master plan as of potential interest. With principals and school department representatives, develop a framework for re- source sharing. Pursue opportunities identi- fied in the NET Area Visions and develop methods to share resources such as land and programming. Parks Department Parks Department Parks Department Parks Department Parks Department Parks Department By 2008 Staff time • By 2008 Staff time 2007 Staff time 2007 Staff time By 2008 Staff time 2007 MEI Staff time ACQUIRE LAND FOR NEW PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES WHAT I HOW I WHO I WHEN I HOW MUCH Focus acquisition efforts on waterfront areas, identified un- waterside development. derserved neighborhoods, and potential linear park segments. Seek public space benefits in City Manager's Immediate Staff time; office; Planning and ongoing variable cost and Parks & Recreation departments Use infrastructure improve- ments to create new linear parks. Identify lots for citywide and neighborhood parks that may be available through tax title, condemnation, or purchase, using the master plan as a foundation. Incorporate open space and park enhancements in city infrastructure projects; ensure consideration of park and open space enhancements in development of county- and state -funded infrastructure projects. City Manager's Ongoing Staff time; office; Planning variable cost and Parks & Recreation departments City Manager's office; Planning and Parks & Recreation departments Encourage redevelopment of Review proposed projects for Planning surface parking lots to include possible conversion of surface and Parks parks with public access. parking to park uses. Department Immediate Staff time; and ongoing variable cost Immediate Staff time; and ongoing developer contributions 164 MAKE ACCESS REAL THROUGH STRONG CONNECTIONS WHAT Expand the public access setback requirement along the entire river to complete the Riverwalk. Complete the Baywalk. Continue to implement sidewalk and shade tree planting programs along major arterials that connect to parks and other community destinations. Create a "ParkWalks" program of marked and signed safe pedestrian routes through neighborhoods in order to link residents to their local parks and promote healthy lifestyles through walking. Encourage residents to cre- ate linear parks on residential street swales. Make blueway connections real. Revise city ordinances. Ensure public access as redevelopment and public projects occur along the bay from Margaret Pace Park to the Riverwalk. Give priority for tree - planting to streets that provide access to parks. Identify likely routes and hold community meetings to review and discuss routes; create and install signage; create maps and walking programs. Provide guidance information and a liaison in the Planning or Public Works departments. Expand recreational boating programs to additional waterside parks, potentially through contracts with existing nonprofit programs. Provide public shuttles to the islands on weekends, potentially by contract with private company and City support with publicity and programs. Explore potential to make creeks and canals navi- gable to kayaks and canoes through discussions with nonprofits such as TPL and with the South Florida Water District. City Commission acts on Planning Department advice 2007 Staff time Planning Department Short -me- Staff time; dium term developer contributions; public project contributions Parks and Planning Ongoing Variable departments make recommendations to CIP. Parks Department; consultants; public health organizations Planning, Parks, Transportation and Public Works departments Parks Department Parks Department; Transportation Department Parks Department Short to medium term Medium term Short to medium term Short to medium term Long term Seek funding from founda- tions and groups promot- ing healthy lifestyles. Seek funding from environ- mental organi- zations to sup- port creation of guidance documents and training. Seek funding from supporters of boating and environmental education. Fee for service with city over- sight of shuttle fee as part of contract Staff time to begin discus- sions MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 165 MAKE ACCESS REAL THROUGH STRONG CONNECTIONS (CONTINUED) HOW MUCH Enhance and redesign the M-Path for greater safety, security, and connections to surrounding neighborhoods, to the Riverwalk/Greenway, and across the Miami River to connect with the Commodore Trail. Create and enhance pedestrian and bicycle paths and trails within the city and advocate for implementation of regional trail systems within and connecting to the city: Overtown Greenway, Commodore Trail, Flagler Trail, Venetian Connector. Work with users and neigh- borhoods to identify areas needing better security and appropriate connections. Designate a staff person in a city department to be responsible for coordinating resources for paths and trails and working with users, neighborhoods, Miami -Dade County, and nonprofits. Explore the potential for a Tamiami Greenwaytofollow the Tamiami Canal from the Miami River to the Blue Lagoon. Parks and Planning departments promote connectivity to Transportation Department, MPO, and MetroRail Medium term Staff time to begin discussions Planning, Short to long Staff time; Parks, or term state funding Transportation department takes the lead Designated staff Medium to Staff time to work with long term Transportation Department MAKE THE PARK SYSTEM THE GREENEST AND MOST SUSTAINABLE IN THE COUNTRY WHAT HOW WHO WHEN HOW MUCH Continue native plant restoration and elimination of exotic plants as well as nature education programs at Simpson Park and the Virginia Key nature area and expand to the conservation area at Wainwright Park. Create satellite nature education programs in the larger city parks, potentially with coastal hammock exhibits. Establish native plantings in public road, rail, drainage and utility corridors that are not suitable for pedestrian and recreation access. Promote public awareness of the benefits of plantings on private as well as public property. Introduce sustainable methods in park maintenance and operations. Incorporate green building methods and green roofs in new park structures and employ life -cycle costing to evaluate costs. Seek collaboration for volunteers and projects from the Dade Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society; the Institute for Regional Conservation; Citizens for a Better South Florida. Expand the Community Science Workshop (CSW) program at Virrick Park to more parks. Seek information and col- laboration from the Institute for Regional Conservation and University of Florida project on state rights of way in Miami -Dade County. Collaborate with organizations such as Citizens for a Better South Florida, the Native Plant Society, and the Institute for Regional Conservation to provide displays, seminars and native plant giveaway events at parks. Evaluate current activities according to the ISO 14001 environmental management standard; implement best management practices such as integrated pest manage- ment, water conservation, chemical management, etc. Require designers to incor- porate energy- and water - efficient systems in new structures and seek LEED certification. Parks Depart- ment naturalist and staff Parks Department works with Citizens for a Better South Florida CSW program Transportation and Public Works departments Ongoing; expand Additional in shortterm staff Short to medium Funded by term grants Medium to long Incorporate term in road and utility project design Parks Short to medium Department with term nonprofits Operations Division of Parks Department Staff time and grants Short term for Staff time; audit; medium incremental term for implementation Parks and CIP Short to long departments term Staff time; possible higher construction costs offset by lower operational costs MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 167 WHAT ENHANCE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AND PARTNERSHIPS HOW WHO WHEN HOW MUCH Create a new Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to replace the current Parks Advisory Board. ....................................................................................................................... Develop and manage a net- work of "Friends" groups for individual parks. Create a citywide parks foundation. Keep records of recreation program users. Survey park users regularly to monitor needs, interests, and satisfaction Establish a system of community consultation for the redesign of existing parks and design of new parks. Amend current ordinance as proposed in master plan. Hire a volunteer coordinator. Convene a meeting of poten- tial supporters. Provide seed money for the foundation from the city. .................................................................................................................... Seek foundation support for initial funding. .................................................................................................................... Record user information in a central database; require organizations that use park resources to provide records on users and user satisfaction. Survey program users after program completion with a common survey instrument for all programs; use Web surveys every two to five years; commission a scientific survey every ten years. Ensure that designers meet with park managers and staff; hold at least two meetings with the public —to discuss design needs and to review proposed design. City Commission 2007 with recommenda- tion of Parks Department ............................................................................ Parks Department Mayor, Commission and Parks Director Mayor and Commission City leaders 2007 and Staff time Professional ongoing salary 2007 2007 2007 Parks Department 2007 and ongoing Parks Department Parks and CIP departments Time Immediate Staff time; for program $25,000— users; 2008 $50,000 for for other scientific surveys survey Ongoing but improve Staff time; include in designer contracts DESIGN COUNTS WHAT Hire a staff landscape architect for the Department of Parks & Recreation. Apply design guidelines when redesigning existing parks or designing new ones. HOW Recruit a landscape architect with parks experience. Require written memorandum from designer on how the design meets the spirit of the guidelines and if not, the ben- efits of alternative approaches. WHO Parks Department Parks Department WHEN 2007 Immediate and ongoing HOW MUCH Professional salary Staff time Revise the Department of Parks & Recreation vision and mission statements to include the public realm role of the parks system in addition to the role of recreation provider. Establish core services/ programs and fees/charges policy according to level of benefit to the community. Improve management and employee accountability. Establish preventive maintenance and replacement programs. Improve management and establish policies and systems for program partner and sponsor groups. Revise through discussion with Parks staff to ensure understanding Department of the significance of the change. Series of workshops for recreation superintendent and park managers. Parks Department Create an annual work plan Parks tied to the vision, mission and Department annual budget process with assignments for senior staff. Create a task force for rapid resolution of issues. Involve supervisors in recruitment, hiring and evaluation. Establish monthly meetings for park managers to discuss goals, concerns and issues. Parks Department then ongoing 2007 2007 2007, then annually Parks Department Parks Department then ongoing Staff time Staff time; 3 consultant workshops totaling $25,000- 30,000 Staff time Immediate, Staff time As part of Staff time task force Refine and update master Parks plan inventory; inventory and Department evaluate condition of all major equipment and vehicles and funding needed for timely replacement. Establish preventive maintenance program and funding need. Parks Department Review and revise application Parks process for special events Department and all other users, regardless of whether fee is applied or waived. Define the purpose and rationale for program partnerships and sponsorships and establish formal policies. Parks Department Immediate, Staff time Short term Staff time Short term Short term Create a facility asset manager position or contract this service (op- erating bud- get minimum $80,000). Staff time Staff time MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 169 Strengthen support services. Enhance the image of the department and city parks. Align revenue and expenditures on a program budget basis with accounting software. Parks Department Create an IT strategic plan to Parks integrate systems. Department Require staff training on computer applications. Parks Department 2007 Staff time Staff time; possible training services contract Create a marketing plan. Parks By 2008 Staff or con - Department tracted Produce an annual report. Parks End of Staff and Department 2007, then printing costs annually WHAT TOO P-11 '1IIPT I 1 , ;fi*! e111 011�I�.._ ,,''J!Kr ; , ,, , ;TilTJl LION HOW WHO WHEN HOW MUCH Seek grants and other funding Identify state and federal for new resources and funds for projects that can activities include park, recreation and open space resources Identify costs of maintenance and support functions and apply to requests for services Allow the Department of Parks and Recreation to recapture costs from fees and event revenues, including, where appropriate, additional funds for cross subsidy of needs that do not generate revenue. ................................................................................................................................ Provide general fund support of the parks system with the standards and level of service expected by the public for resources and programs that benefit the community. Revise the Parks and Open Space Trust Fund to make it more flexible. Create a dedicated funding source for the park system, such as a percentage of property tax to support parks and public spaces. Identify grant sources from funders not specifically oriented towards parks but who are focused on related issues such as public health, environment, and culture. Work with friends groups and a parks foundation partner to supportfundraising for park needs. Track time and materials costs to determine average costs for services. Seek payment or budget allocation for costs incurred providing services to nonde- partmental users. Assign revenues generated by the Department of Parks and Recreation to the departmental budget. Develop annual budgets that clearly explain the rationale behind the standards and level of service; the costs of meeting those standards; and the per capita budget com- pared with similar cities. Provide sufficient funding. Develop a scholarship and fee -waiver program with clear criteria and application proce- dures for individuals and groups who cannot afford fees. Amend the ordinance as proposed in the master plan. After clarification of costs to support standards and level of service, review options used in other cities and develop appropriate program and amount for Miami. Parks, Transportation, ongoing and Public Works departments Parks, Transportation, ongoing and Public Works departments 2007 and Parks Department 2007 and Short to medium term Parks Department 2007 Parks Department Short term Staff time Staff time Staff time Staff time Staff time; service charges will offset the cost of providing the service City Manager; City Short term Staff time Commission Parks Department City Manager recommendation for City Commission action City Commission with staff recommendation Short term and ongoing Short term and ongoing 2007 Parks Department; Medium park advocate term organizations Staff time Amount dependent on annual review Staff time ........................................ Staff time MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 171 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuw NET AREA IMPLEMENTATION TASKS AND PARK OPPORTUNITIES Park visits and inventories were performed during and after the 2005 hur- ricane season and in the midst of implementation of the Homeland Defense/ Neighborhood Improvement Bond capital improvement program. The imple- mentation charts below do not include tasks, actions, or needs related to hur- ricane damage repairs, nor do they include the capital improvements that have already been approved. In general, staffed citywide parks with numerous sports and recreation ac- tivities are well -maintained and amenities such as restrooms and drinking fountains were found to be in good working order. Facilities used by orga- nized groups, athletic fields and equipment, and sports courts were usually in good, if not excellent, condition. Areas for free play, self -directed recreation, and passive use, however, seem to receive less attention. They often have little in the way of design except grass and randomly planted trees, while shade is lacking at activity and seating areas. The number and distribution of picnic tables and benches often bears little relation to the size and design of the park. Vita Course equipment, which is designed to be installed along a "course" —a jogging path —is repeatedly installed in groups rather than along a course. It is also a too -common occurrence that handicap -accessible play structures are not properly linked to the rest of the park by handicap -accessible paths. The city has an ADA plan for making parks accessible. Large improvement projects will include ADA upgrades as a matter of course, but care should be taken with smaller projects, such as equipment replacement, to make sure that accessibil- ity is upgraded at that time. Another critical issue is lighting. Many residents use parks in the dark. They are up early in the morning to jog or walk, or they and their families participate in programs and games in the evening or at night. Good lighting at the parks and on routes to the parks is essential. Finally, all swimming pools should be open all year for swimming instruction, water access, children's swim periods, and adult swim periods. As pools are rede- signed, there should be efforts to create attractive decks for family outings at the neighborhood pool. In addition to action items related to existing parks, the charts for each NET Area include items from the master plan recommendations that may not be under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks and Recreation. The imple- mentation matrix shows once again how important it is to understand the park and open space opportunities that may be available through the work of many agencies, Leveraging these opportunities for the benefit of the city will require coordination. 172 Downtown TASK/OPPORTUNITY ACTIONS/NEEDS WHO Waterfront connections • Pursue a connected Baywalk from Margaret Pace Park to the Riverwalk through park design, setback requirements, floating or hanging walkways. • Commission temporary floating art displays in the water. Establish water taxi service to parks and other waterfront destinations Biscayne • Incorporate the Downtown Development Boulevard Authority Plan to put Biscayne Boulevard connections median parking underground and expand park acreage along Biscayne Boulevard. ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Bayfront Park Redesign Bayfront Park: Redesign • Emphasize visual and physical connection to the bay. • Create "Bayfront Beach" with expanded sandy area, interactive water features and handicap -accessible areas. • Remove fixed amphitheater and use temporary stage and seating for events. • Replace excessive amount of hardscape with green, planted, and shaded areas. • Replace fountain with a creative, interactive water feature. ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Fort Dallas Park • Provide historic interpretation signage and map. Miami Circle Brickell Park • Provide views and interpretive signage from the Riverwalk. • Avoid excessive fencing while protecting the site. • Restore park with Baywalk, benches and pedestrian amenities, paths and gardens with flowering plants. Allen Morris • Continue successful arrangement with Mini -Park Perricone's Restaurant. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Southside Park • Upgrade and repair facilities.. • Improve trash pickup and maintenance. • Review Vita Course placement. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Lummus Park and • Extend the park over the road to "Lummus Lummus Landing Landing." • Create a fountain/water play area. • Establish youth education program with police horse stables. • Preserve historic buildings, provide interpre- tation, and open them to the public. • Remove all chain link fencing; if fencing remains necessary, replace with historically - compatible fencing. Planning and Transportation departments in collaboration with public and private interests Planning and Transportation departments Ongoing Short term Bayfront Park Medium Trust • term Planning Department; Historic Pres- ervation Office State of Florida Short to medium term Developer restoration; oversight by Parks Department Partnership with abutter ................................................... Parks Department Planning, Transportation, Parks, and Police departments; Historic Preservaion Office Medium term Short term Ongoing Short term Short to medium term Seek corporate sponsorship to support improve- ments and programming of passive activities. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 173 TASK/OPPORTUNITY ACTIONS/NEEDS WHO HOW MUCH Miami -Dade Cultural Center Plaza Government Center ........................................................... Courthouse District ........................................................... Miami Arena Area ........................................................... Central Miami Mini -Park Brickell Avenue Plazas Brickell water- front walkway and overlooks .............................................................. Virginia Key Watson Island Green streets • Activate the plaza with restaurants, con- I County certs, artisan fairs and weekly programmed events. • Aggressively publicize events. • Provide visible police oversight. .............................................................................................................................................. • Preserve and maintain the park and its shady County pathways. • Consider events to promote more use of this attractive park. ............................................................................................................................................................................... Create a new downtown park over under- ground parking framed by the courthouse, MetroRail and high-rise development. ............................................................................................................................................................................... Establish a new park with athletic fields in area between the area and the FEC train tracks to serve nearby residents. Short to medium term Short to medium term Planning Medium Department term Planning and Transportation departments Restore and reopen the park in conjunction Parks with historic Fire Station #2 when there are Department people living in the area and/or when there is programming for the park, perhaps as part of the Performing Arts District. ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... • Rezone Brickell Avenue to require pedestri- Planning and an -friendly continuity of plazas when Brickell Transportation Avenue sites are redeveloped. departments • Provide safe mid -block crossings for pedestrians. ............................................................................................................................................................................................. Create platforms, boardwalks, cantilevered walks or floating docks for viewing the water. • Restore Virginia Key Beach Park following the VKBP Trust's plan. • Continue and expand native plant restoration and nature trail programs. • Make the beach handicap-accessible. ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... Ensure public access is maintained to all parts of the future public park and public realm along the water without requiring purchases, etc. ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... Planttrees and make streetscape improve- ments to east -west connections between the FEC Corridor/Overtown and major attractions including Bayfront Park, Bayside, American Airlines Arena, Bicentennial/Museum Park, the Performing Arts Center; connect West Brickell with Brickell Avenue and the water. Planning Department Virginia Key Beach Park Trust; Parks Department .................................................. Planning Department Planning and I Transportation departments Long term Medium to long term Short to medium term Medium term Short to medium term Medium to long term Ongoing Activate Cultural Center Plaza with programmed events. a, The Park at Government Center: a good model for shady walkways. 174 Overtown OVERTOWN TASK/OPPORTUNITY I ACTIONS/NEEDS WHO WHEN I HOW MUCH Williams Park and Pool Gibson Park and Pool Highland Park Rainbow Village Park Gateway and trail markers Dorsey Park Reeves Park Range Park#1 New park at river and NW 12th Avenue Green streets • Open pool year round. • Add shade to playground. • Add program space. • Open pool year round. • Establish comprehensive swimming program. • Preserve and enhance the weight room. • Redesign park layout to improve circulation. Consult with neighborhood on potential need for a play structure in park. • Create community gardens for residents. • Establish a park stewardship program for residents. • Mark the entrance to historic Overtown at NW 2nd Avenue and NW 20th Street. • Install markers for the Black Heritage Trail and the Overtown Greenway. • Add exercise equipment. • Add a new baseball field. • Add programming. • Increase security. • For new domino park, use solar lighting. • Add plantings. • Add art. Create a riverside pocket park. • Connect 11th and 9th streets to Bicentennial/Museum Park with trees and streetscape. • Develop ParkWalks routes with neighborhood and parks users. • Install lighting for safety along ParkWalks routes. Parks Department Parks Department Parks Department Parks Department; nonprofit Partners for Community Gardens program Planning Department Parks Department Parks Department Parks Department Parks Department Planning and Transportation departments Short term"' Short to medium term Short term Short term Shorttermm r r r iir Medium term Medium term Short term Short term Short to medium term Seek grant funding for ParkWalks. Create a new domino park with art, plant- ings, and solar lighting at Range Park #1. Rainbow Village Park could benefit from a stewardship program for complex residents. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN 111 175 rIrv volR nwood-Edgewater TASK/OPPORTUNITY ACTIONS/NEEDS Roberto Clemente Install shaded seating near play areas. Park Plaza— "Placita San Juan" • Negotiate with school district to gain control of parcel on NW 2nd Avenue at 32nd Street. • Design as a plaza with hardscape, trees and shrubs in planters, shade, and areas for sitting. Waterside Establish benches, overlooks or small parks at overlooks the ends of streets at the waterfront. Biscayne Park • Create a landscaped edge to Biscayne Park and City Cemetery and connect it as a gateway to the cemetery. • Create historic programming for the City Cemetery. • Create walking programs for the cemetery. Biscayne— Create a green streetscape connection Margaret Pace between Biscayne Boulevard and Margaret green connection Pace Park. Margaret Pace Provide shade over playground seating. Park Elizabeth Martell Work with neighbors to see if this park and Park adjacent land should be a dog park. Wynwood district gateways Woodson/Design District Park Green streets Continue enhancing Wynwood gateways with sculpture and other indications of its role as an arts district. Redesign the park as a major gateway to the Design District and Midtown Miami, providing art and more places to sit. • Create shady routes connecting parks, neighborhoods and the waterfront. • Develop ParkWalks routes with neighborhood and parks users. • Install lighting for safety along ParkWalks routes. Parks Department Parks Department Short term Short term Planning Short term Department Parks with Short to historic medium term organization partners Planning and Short term Transportation departments Parks Short term Department Parks Short term Department Planning Short term Department Planning Short term and Parks departments Planning Short to Department medium term HOW MUCH r Seek funding partnerships from Design District businesses. Seek grant funding for ParkWalks. Develop a community plaza in the heart of the Wynwood neighborhood. Redesign Woodson Mini -Park as 1), a gateway to the Design District. - Gateway sculptures emphasize Wynwood's identity as an arts district. 176 Upper Eastside TASK/ OPPORTUNITY UPPER EASTSID ACTIONS/NEEDS WHO WHEN HOW MUCH New parks for Shorecrest area on the Little River at Biscayne Plaza Little River Greenway and Blueway Biscayne Boulevard mini - parks Waterfront overlooks Legion Park Baywood Park NE 79th Street Picnic Islands Albert Pallot/ Magnolia Park • On redevelopment of Biscayne Plaza, obtain a public park on the Little River, connecting to park land on the other side of the river. • Seek new neighborhood parks on unbuildable lots or city land. • Rezone commercial riverside properties to require a setback for a greenway as parcels are redeveloped. • Provide kayak launch sites and clean river as appropriate. Create pocket parks where vehicle access has been blocked at residential streets that are closed to vehicle traffic with benches, bus pull- outs and shelters. Create public overlooks with benches or pocket parks at the ends of streets on the bay. • Open the Biscayne Boulevard entrance to pedestrians. • Redesign pathways with permeable materials. • Identify an area for a dog park. • Provide shade for the tot lot. • Redesign the park to improve placement of courts, pedestrian circulation for fitness paths, water views and to enhance buildings. • Improve lighting for evening use. • Open pedestrian entrance at NE 7th Court after consultation with neighborhood. • Renovate the park building to reflect its historic character. • Plant shade trees but preserve water views. • Add more benches and site furniture. • Landscape southern edge to screen parking lot chain link fence. • Maintain mangrove area to avoid trash build-up. Make NE 79th Street pedestrian -friendly to connect the Little River area to the bay. Provide public access through weekend contract boats and kayak rentals at nearby parks. Planning and Parks departments Planning and Parks departments Planning and Transportation departments Planning Department Parks Department Parks Department Short to medium term Medium term Short to medium term Short term Short to long term Short term Planning and Short term Transportation departments Planning and Short to Transportation medium departments term • Add shade around perimeter of the park. Parks • Maintain an open area for informal sports. Department • Add limited on -street parking. • Upgrade or remove the fence. Short term MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 177 per Eastside (continued TASK/ OPPORTUNITY UPPER EASTSIDE ACTIONS/NEEDS ill WHO WHEN HOW MUCH Morningside Park • Add to sign on Biscayne Boulevard: "open to the public." • Research design history and incorporate in current design if practical. • Upgrade the pool and pool programs for year-round use. • Upgrade kayak rental programs. • Assess use of baseball diamond and fields and redesign aeas for sports most in demand. • Preserve areas for informal play. • Consider planting more shade trees in groups. • Identify potential for a dog park in an inconspicuous location. • Manage the pond and wetland to create a nature trail. • Encourage neighborhood use with safe access. • Evaluate potential for a small dog park. Biscayne Heights Provide dog clean-up bags. Park Eaton Park Stearns Park Green streets • Add trees along park edges, especially NE 5th Avenue. • Partner with adjacent library for programming. • Enhance connection between Legion Park and Morningside School. Plant shade trees to make major streets pedestrian -friendly. Develop ParkWalks routes with neighborhood and parks users. Install lighting for safety along ParkWalks routes. Parks Department Short to medium term Parks Short term Departments Parks Departments Parks Departments Short term Short term Planning and Short term Transportation departments Seek grant funding for ParkWalks. Evaluate the potential for creating a small dog park at Stearns Park. Add trees around the edges of Eaton Park for more shade. Plants trees for shade, but preserve bay views at Baywood Park. New Biscayne Boulevard mini -parks: Create pocket parks at closed street ends. 178 Little Haiti TASK/OPPORTUNITY ISSUES/NEEDS WHO 111111 WHEN HOW MUCH "Little River Reserve" Edison/Carver Athletic Center Little River Commerce Park Range Park#2/ Victory Homes Buena Vista Park Pullman Mini -Park Mini -park needs Green streets Create a passive park on the Little River with trails and a kayak/canoe launch. • Create a destination athletic center at NW 71st Street —easy access for citywide recreation. • Include neighborhood amenities including a plaza with trees and plants for sitting and talking, games or chess or dominoes, concerts and art events. • Share resources with adjacent child-care center. • Determine if office workers and community would use park if reopened and seek business sponsor, if so. • If park would not be used, seek to exchange parcel with better -located park opportunity in northern Little Haiti. • Distinguish public from private space at Victory Homes. • Add trees and shade. • Explore potential for community garden plots. • Add amenities at the neighborhood edge — NW 75th Street. • Provide tables for shelters. • Add shade. • Consider closing gates at night for safety. Add shade to play structure and benches positioned by play structure. Seek mini -park opportunities in the Design District and other underserved areas. • Make major north -south and east -west connections pedestrian friendly, especially NE 2nd Avenue and NW 2nd Avenue. • Make Miami Avenue into a boulevard. • Develop ParkWalks routes with neighborhood and parks users. • Install lighting for safety along ParkWalks routes. Parks Department Parks Department Parks Department Parks Department; nonprofit partners for community gardens (such as Coalition for a Better South Florida). Parks Department Parks Department Parks Department Planning and Transportation departments Short to medium term Short to medium term Medium term Medium term Short term Short term Short term Short to medium term Seek grant funding for ParkWalks. tease Buena Vista Park's securitr. Add street trees to make NE 2nd Avenue more pedestrian -friendly. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 179 Ave green space Crestwood Park Dawkins Park West Buena Vista Park .......................................................................... New parks in underserved area Green streets TASK/OPPORTUNITY ACTIONS/NEEDS MODEL CITY WHO WHEN HOW MUCH African Square Park Hadley Park Belafonte— Talcolcy Park ......................................................................... Liberty City green space redesign Alonzo Kelly Park • Redesign the amphitheater space to Parks eliminate below -grade area and provide for Department multiple uses or water playground. • Expand the park to the entire block to provide a field for informal sports. • Reestablish the computer lab and afternoon tutoring program. ................................................................................................................................................................................................... • Build a gymnasium and indoor fitness center • Provide rain shelters, restrooms and water fountains by sports fields. • Install bike racks in front of the recreation building. • Expand space and programming for seniors. • Consult with park users about repairing skating area or using it for other purposes. • Provide lighting on the walking course for early morning users. • Install more grills and pavilions for picnics. • Improve the computer lab to meet demand. ................................................................................................................................................................................................... Rehabilitate and improve community garden project. ................................................................................................................................................................................................... • In any future redevelopment, consolidate green space at Liberty City to provide usable space for both active and passive activities. • Distinguish between private and public space. .............................................................................................................................................................................................. • In any future redevelopment of this area, consider donating this park land to add to a larger area of usable green space. • In the interim, maintain and upgrade the park. ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 12th Ave and 62nd • Landscape the edges of vacant lots in prominent locations. • Provide lighting, benches and plantings at SW corner lot with bus stop. ............................................................................................................................................................................ Provide benches and tables for adult use. • Provide benches and tables for adult use. • Provide a restroom in one of the three small parks. ............................................................................................................................................................................................... Provide benches and tables for adult use. Seek properties for neighborhood parks. • Make major streets pedestrian -friendly. • Develop ParkWalks routes and bike lanes with neighborhood and parks users. • Install lighting for safety along ParkWalks routes. Parks Department Parks Department ................................................. Planning Department County Short to medium term Short to long term Short term Medium to long term Medium to long term Planning Short term and Parks departments Parks Short term Department Parks Short term Department Parks Short term Department Planning Medium and Parks term departments Planning Short to and Parks medium departments term Seek grant funding for ParkWalks. Allapattah TASK/OPPORTUNITY ACTIONS/NEEDS ALLAPATTAH HOW MUCH Curtis Park redesign Unity Park Riverwalk areas Moore Park redesign Juan Pablo Duarte Park Wagner Creek Children's "Empowerment Zone" play areas Interchange pond MetroRail Linear Park Green streets • Connect park and pool area by NW River Drive, redirecting traffic and relocating some parking. • Redesign park entrances and pathways to make park organization clearer. • Add more shade and plantings. • Create a pedestrian plaza on NW 20th Street. • Install pedestrian -activated crossing of NW 20th at the NW corner of the park. • Replace tennis nets. ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... Design and create a neighborhood park. • Extend 50-foot setback and public access requirement for all river redevelopment, with variances for qualified maritime uses. • Explore acquisition of river access site at former marina near 19th Avenue. • Relocate day care center to open a more continguous recreational area. • Passive space needs paths and plantings to enhance design. • Play areas—ADA upgrade and more shade needed. • Keep tennis center courts in excellent condition. • Consider adding another clay court and a two-sided hitting wall. Planning and Transportation departments Short term Parks Short term Department Planning Short to and Parks medium departments term Parks Short to Department medium term Negotiate with Comstock School to share open Parks areas for recreation. Department • Clean up the creek. • Identify and create public access points. Develop play programs in play areas near children's medical area. Short term Planning and Short to Public Works medium departments term Parks Short to Department medium and medical term institutions Explore potential for walking and biking trails, Parks skateboard park, or other active uses. Department .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Extend the park where feasible and incorporate Planning bike trails. Department; MetroRail • Develop ParkWalks routes with neighborhood and parks users. • Install lighting for safety along ParkWalks routes. Parks and Transportation departments Medium to long term Short to medium term Seek grant funding for ParkWalks. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 181 LITTLE HAVANA 11111. WHO WHEN I HOW MUCH TASK/OPPORTUNITY ACTIONS/NEEDS Henderson Park Robert King High Homes new riverfront park Waterfront overlooks and riverwalk Mini -parks for western Little Havana Soccer fields at Orange Bowl overflow parking areas Plaza de la Cubanidad Jose Mas Canosa/ Riverside Park Jose Marti Park and Pool Green streets • Build an open air stage and community center for arts programs. • Work with clinic and community organizations on regular cultural program and festivals. • Transform open space at river into a riverside park. • Provide boat access and pedestrian path. Establish river overlooks and pocket parks. Seek neighborhood park opportunities in underserved areas. Prepare overflow parking areas for use as soccer fields when parking is not needed. Update and refresh design. • Add bike/skate path. • Add a small, staffed building. • Create an organized baseball program. • Offer more programs for teens and adults. • Upgrade pavilion for picnics and parties. • Improve connections between the two parts of the park. • Provide more shade at the pool. • Develop ParkWalks routes with neighborhood and parks users. • Install lighting for safety along ParkWalks routes. Parks Department Parks Department; Housing Authority Parks Department; community groups Parks Department Parks Department Parks Department Parks Department Parks Department Parks, Planning and Transportation departments Short term Medium term Medium term Short to medium term Short term Medium to Seek long term sponsors to fund costs. Medium Park term manager salary Short to medium term Short to medium term Seek grant funding for ParkWalks. • Improve under -the- reeway connections between the two parts of Jose Marti Park. Significant open space provides an opportunity for a new riverfront park at Robert King High Homes. 182 Flagami GA TASK/OPPORTUNITY ACTIONS/NEEDS WHO WHEN HOW MUCH Flagami Mini -Park Antonio Maceo Park West End Park and Pool New mini -parks Miami River Rapids Park ..................................................... Kinloch Park Fern Isle Park expansion with Police Benevolent Association site Sewell Park "Central Park" connections Blueways Green streets • Remove asphalt pad and install play structure. • Rehab and open building for community meeting space. ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... Design new building on minimum of existing green space and provide visual connection through the building to the water. ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... • Renovate the pool and pool area. • Open the pool for year-round use. • Improve lighting. • Offer new programs for girls, adults and seniors. • Add shade. • Provide paved walks and paths. ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... Evaluate opportunities at neighborhood traffic circles with large rights of way for park creation and redirection of circulation. Consider relocating program and returning the site to public park use. ................................................................................................................................................................................................. • Provide shade for bleachers. • Plant trees to screen power station. ................................................................................................................................................................................................. • Acquire PBA site. • Design to connectto Fern Isle. • Manage South Fork to provide canoe and kayak programs while preserving habitat. ................................................................................................................................................................................................. • Over time, eliminate invasive exotics and restore native plants. • Incorporate accessibility where possible. ................................................................................................................................................................................................. Create small boat launch opportunities at Sewell, Fern Isle/South Fork, and Curtis parks. Explore Tamiami Canal boating opportunities. • Develop ParkWalks routes with neighborhood and parks users. • Install lighting for safety along ParkWalks routes. Parks Department Short term Parks and CIP Short term departments Parks Department Parks, Planning, and Transportation departments ............................................................... Parks Department ............................................................... Parks Department ............................................................... City Manager's office; Parks and Planning departments ............................................................... Parks Department Parks Department; South Florida Water District ............................................................. Parks Department ............................................................. Parks, Planning, and Transportation departments Short to medium term Medium term Medium to long term ..................................................... Short term ..................................................... Short to long term Medium term .......................................... Medium term .......................................... Long term .......................................... Short to medium term Seek grant funding for ParkWalks. Fern Isle Park: Provide canoe/kayak the South Fork while preserving wildlife habitat. At Kinloch Park, plant trees along the perimeter to screen the power station. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 183 West Flagle WEST FLAGLER TASK/OPPORTUNITY I ACTIONS/NEEDS WHO WHEN IHOW MUCH Seek neighborhood park sites St. Michael's Church/Miami- Dade Auditorium site Smathers Senio Center site Flagler Street sites (less desirable land uses) Woodlawn Cemetery program opportunitie Coral Gate Park Green streets Evaluate potential park sites identified in master plan. Discuss joint neighborhood park development and use with St. Michael's and the county. Discuss potential for neighborhood tot lot on housing authority land. Evaluate problem properties for potential park use. Discuss opportunities for walking programs with cemetery and public health groups. Review parking and intersection safety issue • Develop ParkWalks routes with neighborhood and parks users. • Install lighting for safety along ParkWalks routes. Parks and Short to long Planning term departments Parks and Short term Planning departments Parks Department ............ Parks and Planning departments Parks Department Parks and Transportation departments Parks, Planning, and Transportation departments Short term Short term Short term Short term Short to medium term Seek funding from public health foundations such as Robert Wood Johnson. Seek grant funding for ParkWalks. Discuss the potential for a neighborhood tot lot in the Smathers senior housing complex. Seek opportunities to create new neighborhood parks. Consider using Woodlawn Cemetery for neighborhood walking programs. The current parking configuration creates safety issues at Coral Gate Park. 184 Coral Way TASK/OPPORTUNITY ACTIONS/NEEDS New Wolfarth Park Bryan Park Cuban Memorial Plaza .................................................................... Simpson Park Triangle Park Shenandoah Park Douglas Park ......................................................... Seek neighborhood park sites Green streets Develop a neighborhood park with shaded play structure, benches, and picnic tables on existing city land. ................................................................................................................................................................................................ Evaluate potential for active programming that does not require full transformation into a tennis center and potential to put a tennis center in a larger park. ................................................................................................................................................................................................ Install raised crosswalks along the pedestrian pathway at street crossings. ................................................................................................................................................................................................ Continue nature center use and programming. Continue current use. • Insufficient continuous passive space for a park of this size —do not further reduce by building more facilities. • Redesign to reorganize space. ............................................................................................................................................................................................ Review Vita Course placement. Evaluate problem properties, redevelopment projects, tax title properties, etc., for potential park use. • Develop ParkWalks routes with neighborhood and parks users. • Install lighting for safety along ParkWalks routes. Parks Department Parks Department Transportation Department ............................................................ Parks Department ............................................................ Parks Department ............................................................ Parks Department Parks Department ............................................................... Planning, Parks, Transportation, and Public Works departments ............................................................... Parks, Planning and Transportation departments Short term 2007 Medium to long term Short term Ongoing Short to medium term Seek grant funding for ParkWalks. South/West Coconut Grove SOUTH/WEST COCONUT GROVE TASK/OPPORTUNITY ACTIONS/NEEDS WHO WHEN HOW MUCH Armbrister Park Add more shade trees. New Grand Avenue parks Create new neighborhood parks at Grand Avenue. Virrick Park Avoid building on green space for neighborhood library addition. .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Merrie Christmas • Add shade to playground and benches. Park • Widen paths. Bike lanes Green streets Create marked bike lanes and bike routes connecting parks and public spaces. • Develop ParkWalks routes with neighborhood and parks users. • Install lighting for safety along ParkWalks routes. Parks Department ................................................. Parks Department Short term Short to medium term Parks and CIP Short term departments .................................................. Parks Department Short to medium term Transportation Short to Department medium term Parks, Planning, and Transportation departments Medium term Seek grant funding for ParkWalks. MIAMI PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES MASTER PLAN III 185 mrt _ rth/East Coconut Grove NORTH/EAST COCONUT GROVE TASK/OPPORTUNITY I ACTIONS/NEEDS WHO 1 WHEN ' HOW MUCH Weekend Waterfront bike zone Peacock Park David Kennedy Park Coconut Grove Baywalk New signature waterfront park Alice Wainwright Park Douglas/ Silver Bluff Mini -Park Lincoln Park Blanche Park Elizabeth Steele Mini -Park Kirk Monroe Tennis Center Green streets Close off the south two lanes of Bayshore Drive on Sundays for biking, rollerblading and walking. • Provide restrooms. • Provide paved access to playground. • Relocate dog park to a more suitable spot. • Provide interpretive signage for the mangrove area. • Keep the shoreline freer of debris and trash. • Provide accessible connection to play structure. • Provide shade at sitting areas by playground. Work with public and private property owners to create a Baywalk from Wainwright Park to Peacock Park. Demolish the old convention center and create a new waterfront park and plaza. • Provide some additional parking and make existing parking as efficient as possible. • Eliminate exotics from conservation area and restore natives. • Install interpretive signage and develop programs for the conservation area. • Provide paths to connect to the tot lot sitting area and the bay. • Provide access to water edge for the handicapped and elderly. • Provide shade for some waterfront benches Repair and renovate, applying guidelines. Repair and renovate, applying guidelines. ork with Friends group to make improvements. Work with neighborhood on passive design: plantings, paths, benches, shade. • Provide shade for seating by courts. • Provide walkway in passive area. • Reposition practice wall to maximize passive area. • Develop ParkWalks routes with neighborhood and parks users. • Install lighting for safety along ParkWalks routes. City Manager's 2007 office; Transportation Department Parks Department Parks Department Parks Department Parks Department Parks Department arks Department Parks Department Parks Department Short to long term Short to medium term Short term (parking); medium to long term (conserva- tion area) Medium term I I Medium term Medium term IL Parks, Planning and Transportation departments Medium ill term Medium term Police detail Seek neighbor- hood group participation and care. Seek neighbor- hood group participation and care. di Seek neighbor- hood group participation and care. Seek grant funding for ParkWalks. 186