HomeMy WebLinkAboutExhibit BCITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: Arthur V. Noriega, DATE: April 13, 2021
City Manager
SUBJECT: Parkland Acquisition District 3
FROM: Barbie Hernandez, Director V \ REFERENCES: Matter ID 21-784
Parks and Recreation Depart ent
ENCLOSURES:
The Department of Parks and Recreation supports the acquisition of new park land as dictated
by the Miami Park Master Plan, which recommends "land acquisition take place to provide a
park within a quarter mile of every resident." Both the Trust for Public Land and the National
Recreation and Parks Association have researched and confirmed that residents are more likely
to use the parks that are close to where they live. In acquiring new park land, the City will move
towards making it possible for every resident to walk safely and comfortably to a park with the
ultimate future goal of having all residents be within a 10-minute walk to a park. An
overwhelming majority of survey respondents (91 %) in the Master Plan process indicated that
"Miami needs more parks, particularly small neighborhood parks, walking and biking trails and
ultimately where possible, large group picnic areas and water access area."
Research has revealed that parks and open space improve physical and psychological health,
strengthen communities, and make cities and neighborhoods more attractive places to live and
work. As the nation is currently facing health concerns relating to obesity, placing parks in
underserved areas, grants it residents a safe and adequate place to engage in physical activity
within their community. In addition, numerous studies have shown that parks and open space
increase the value of neighboring residential property. Green space in urban areas provides
substantial environmental benefits as trees reduce air pollution and water pollution, as well as
help keep cities cooler. Today, because of the Corona Virus Pandemic, parks have become an
essential place in the community to provide residents with an outlet to connect with nature and
defuse stress that COVID-19 has brought to everyone .
In summary, we support the acquisition of new park land in District 3:
• 1649 NW 5th St., 1651 NW 5th St., 1653 NW 5th St., 1628 NW 6th St., 1641 NW 5th St.,
& 1646 NW 6th St.; as is it one of the areas in the city most void of green space. Such
acquisition will play an important role in the promotion of health and wellness to the more
than 16,000 constituents in a half mile radius.
• 5 SW South River Dr. & 27 SW South River Dr.; as it will provide additional park land
where green space is scarce. Such acquisition will provide 10,000 constituents in a half
mile radius with park land on the water embracing the Miami River which is supported by
our Parks Master Plan.
C: Anthony L. Barcena, Assistant Director, DREAM