From BHA News, Fall 2009

Still looking for parks

On the cover of the BHA News that came out last March, we heralded a unique public-private partnership conceived of by Commissioner Marc Sarnoff promised to provide residents open park space in an undeveloped private lot owned by long-time developer Tibor Hollo. Site plans were drawn. Neighbors and media were notified. A press conference was held on the site and photos were snapped.

We were all excited by plans that included a pedestrian path along Biscayne Bay, a boardwalk, benches, pergola, soccer space and a sand space for volleyball. There was to be low plants and spaces designated for tots and dogs. The two-acre site was a step in the right direction, even if it was for a limited time of just a few years until the market changed for development.

Approaching a year since the press announcement in December ‘08, the site remains unchanged and neighbors have been asking what’s happening. All we see is the green of weeds and a depressing chain-linked fence instead of the idealized vision of last year.

Residents are urged to not give up hope. BHA is told that Commissioner Sarnoff is still working on finding space and keeping his promise to area neighbors to make a park for Brickell area residents a priority.

"Tibor wanted to do something more permanent in the area," David Karsh, senior staff member for Commissioner Sarnoff explained. "The temporary park concept isn't off the table yet, but has been back-burnered as an even better, permanent solution is pursued on another parcel of land."

Another lot of similar size is being negotiated that would be a permanent park for residents, not something that must be returned when market conditions change, Karsh said. "Tibor will contribute greatly to that."

Details, including where the parcel is located, aren't being released until the deal is signed and the ink is dry. The new possible site is promised to be convenient for Brickell neighbors. Stay tuned...

From BHA News, Winter 2009

Glimpses of Green on the Horizon

No, we're not talking improved financial returns, but rather some new public green space on the horizon. Through an unusual public-private partnership, private land will be converted into a public park and turned over to the residents of Miami for their use for a limited time. City of Miami District 2 Commissioner Marc Sarnoff conceived the plan with Developer Tibor Hollo to create a temporary public park on a vacant construction site at 1201 Brickell Bay Drive.

"With the sluggish real estate market, Mr. Hollo says he'd rather lease the 2-acre property to the city for $1 per year for use as a park, rather than allowing the land to remain vacant until the markets improve," Commissioner Sarnoff said.

"Miamians deserve more green space and I'm hopeful that Villa Magna Park will serve as a catalyst to transform similar vacant properties around the city into beautiful parks which our residents can enjoy," said Commissioner Marc Sarnoff. "Our Mayor and City Manager are committed to making these parks a reality and we are grateful to Mr. Hollo for his outside-the-box thinking and generosity."

Particulars are being settled, but according to preliminary plans Tibor Hollo would build pathways and park benches on the site, while the City would cover insurance and landscaping costs.

"We expect the matter to go before the City Commission in April, and we're not expecting any objections. Then, hopefully work can begin in May, said David Karsh, spokesman for Commissioner Sarnoff.

This is welcome news as Brickell residents clamor for green space. (See extensive park discussion in Fall 2008 BHA News below.)

In other park news, a beautiful entrance to Simpson Park was unveiled in December at the northeast corner of the park at Broadway (15th Road) and South Miami Avenue. Decking, signage and landscaping create an inviting entrance, reopening the passageway in the historic coral rock wall. Now funds are needed for staffing and security so the entrance can actually be unlocked and opened.

From BHA News, Fall 2008 (PDF)

Residents Speak-Out : Green space for children and families lacking

No one is in a better position to talk about quality of life matters than Brickell residents themselves. The email below came from a resident answering our web survey about Brickell area quality of life. Ms. Pueyrredon raises concerns being heard more and more often among those living in Brickell as the area transforms with young families making the Brickell neighborhood home. They are looking for a balance of green space and residential neighborhood amenities, safe and within walking distance from their condos. BHA updates follow her letter.

"My husband and I chose to live and bought a condo in the neighborhood seven years ago because we thought it would develop into a place where you could live, work, shop, have fun, everything within walking distance. But the only improvements the past year have been some lights on Brickell Avenue, new bus stop shelters, some flowers...

There is still an urgent need for a PARK, a common area where people can jog, walk their dogs, take their children. There are hundreds of kids in the Brickell area that don`t have a place to go. And there are hundreds of condos for sale: why would somebody move to Brickell if there aren't green spaces? It's suffocating!

Since I am a mother of two, I find there is no place to take my children to play. I have to ride them by car to Key Biscayne, where there are two parks you can choose from! I think Brickell deserves a park of its own, not only for children, but for people who want to jog, take a ride on their bicycles, walk their dogs, have lunch during weekdays. There is an urgent need for some fresh air, some open space, considering the hundreds of new condos that have been built recently. Imagine if all those condos where all occupied by residents: Wouldn't it be a bit suffocating not to have a public green area?

It's sad to say that I wouldn't move to Brickell if I had to choose again today. My friends and other young couples with small children that are living in Brickell are very concerned about the lack of a green area and many are planning to move to Key Biscayne. Others are working on permissions to build playgrounds on their condos, but shouldn`t this be a public issue, solved by the city and not by private entities? Where is the money from our taxes going?

Moreover, it's impossible to walk on Brickell Ave. The traffic lights don't allow time to cross the street properly, and it is a real danger to cross them. There should be pedestrian markings on the streets and corners that would allow safe crossings. You should come to Brickell and see how many workers struggle to simply walk to lunch.
- Marina Aranda Pueyrredon, The Palace

From BHA: What we know - What is being done
We all are in agreement that we need more park space in the Brickell area offering all kinds of amenities. Commissioner Mark Sarnoff has often acknowledged the need and has committed to working on ways to provide accessible park space for the area. BHA anxiously awaits his creative solution, but, in the meantime, here is a summary of our park inventory and what's happening at each. The common limitation is space - for ballfields, playgrounds, and even parking.

Alice Wainright Park (pictured below) is located south of 26th Road at 2845 Brickell Ave. It offers the most open space among our three options, a runners path around it, some grills and tables, a playground, basketball court and restrooms. Safe access is a major factor limiting use of this park for Brickell neighbors. At the southern end of residential Brickell, it's close in terms of distance, however, one has to cross several lanes of cars fast approaching the toll station on 26th Road to get directly to the park. Old timers might recall when BHA had to battle homeowner Sly Stallone to maintain our access path by the Seaquarium sign and keep the gate open for Brickell neighbors. We were victorious on that one. Alice Wainright has parking for a couple dozen cars, with vehicular access via 32nd and South Miami Avenue, just before Vizcaya's entrance.

Earlier this year BHA asked FDOT consider ways to improve the pedestrian safety at the intersection to get to the park, including a pedestrian crossover or other means. FDOT immediately dismissed the notion of a pedestrian crossover, and their response in their "Brickell Pedestrian Safety Assessment" was to recommend a circuitous route crossing three streets in the intersection, each with signals barely allowing sufficient time even for the most able-bodied to get across, much less a mother with small children. (See BHA News, Winter 2008 issue.) BHA has asked FDOT to, at the very least, reassess the signal timing.

Simpson Park is the next closest park for neighbors off South Miami Avenue at 17th Road. The park is considered a crown jewel of Miami Parks with its rare trees and plant species that cannot be found anywhere else in the state. Private interests have presented plans for improving the park and access to it, although Miami historians and naturalists will caution that not only is Simpson a sensitive native habitat, but aspects of the park, such as the rock wall, are historic. Relocation notices on 21 small trees at the corner of 15th Road/Broadway and South Miami have perked the BHA WatchDog's ears at press time. More to come.

Brickell Park, just south of the Brickell Avenue Bridge, is slated to reopen by year's end. It was closed during the major construction of The Related Group's Icon on Brickell, in exchange for the company refurbishing the park, long overdue, and putting in place a maintenance commitment by owners at Icon. The agreement also brought about the settlement of a complicated lawsuit between the City and the Brickell family who had originally deeded the property to the City of Miami. BHA has been working with The Related Group on their planning and design for the new and improved Brickell Park. BHA neighbors want to ensure there is broad public access, that the park remain passive and offer a quiet, contemplative respite despite the bustle of the city around it.

Well beyond walking range but still relatively closeby in our county of more than 2,400 square miles, BHA is also working with the City of Miami to provide athletic fields on Virginia Key. The idea is that these fields will accommodate Brickell youths and will be served by Miami-Dade Transit.

Pedestrian safety. Ms. Pueyrredon also brought up another important, continuous topic: that of pedestrian safety, along with the speed of traffic, in the Brickell area. Here's the latest activity by BHA in trying to bring about improvements:

Recently another traffic signal was added at 10th Street and Brickell. FDOT plans to install timers at key intersections to show pedestrians the amount of time left to cross before the signal changes. There's one in place at 24th Road and Brickell, although not in all directions. BHA was promised results of a study of left-turn lights and timing at that same intersection, back in April. A southbound left turn signal was requested and BHA also asked for overall timing to be examined. Still waiting.

A pedestrian-activated signal system is also promised for the 1800 block of Brickell where the crosswalk on the pavement is barely visible to the fast-moving traffic. BHA will continue to dog this issue.

Positive news in roadway improvements that we must highlight is the completion of the 15th Road/Broadway and South Miami Avenue traffic circle and fountain. Conceptualized and funded by BHA Associate Member Alan Ojeda, of Rilea Group, developer of One Broadway, it's a welcome improvement. It is also a respectful nod to the early history of the location, where a circle and fountain originally sat and that part of 15th Road was called Broadway.

Reprinted from BHA News, Fall 2009

Simpson Park second phase underway

The "second phase" to the effort to open up Simpson Park at its northeast entrance for better neighbor access is underway, Commissioner Sarnoff's office tells us. We reported on the new entry and deck at the corner of Broadway (15th Road) and South Miami Avenue in the last BHA News, but the story had the usual bitter-sweetness of area projects. The new entryway looked beautiful, but alas, the gate was locked. There was some talk of funds needed to complete the project. The orange construction fencing there currently looks promising, but City budget talks of closing parks and of not being able to staff parks has neighbors concerned.

Reprinted from BHA News, Spring 1999

Simpson Park Undergoing Renovation and Renaissance

Lunch in the park. A simple idea. An open invitation. From Simpson Park Manager Patricia Quintana, that is.

"Midday is when people feel fatigued," she said. "To all those people who work on Brickell, live on Brickell, I say, 'bring your lunch and sit in the park and enjoy it here. Listen to the birds and the winds and look at the hammock.'"

Ms. Quintana guarantees you'll go back to work unstressed.

Capital Improvements

Even if you're not the type to escape to the park for a mid-afternoon break, you may nevertheless want to get over to Simpson Park to witness the renovations there since Ms. Quintana took over as manager nearly four years ago. During her tenure, she has garnered $468,000 for capital improvements from grants, corporate and private contributions.

The BHA has been a chief supporter of Simpson Park programs and improvements whenever endorsement from the neighborhood group was helpful for leveraging funds.

Two blocks west of Brickell off South Miami Avenue at 55 SW 17th Road, the current transformation underway at the eight-and-a-half-acre historic park includes creation of a covered screen enclosure that wraps around the building. Roofing, decking and screening are expected to be completed by the beginning of July, Ms. Quintana reports.

Other plans include restoration of the pond and creation of an ecosystem for it by the students of Southside Elementary School. The pond was originally built in 1920 and sprang a leak in the 1960s, which the City of Miami never repaired. The restored pond and ecosystem hold the promise of providing a field lab for the Southside students.

On the Wish List

Ms. Quintana also has a vision of visitors listening to the "trickling, soothing sounds" of a waterfall, thus far an unfunded item in the roster of improvements. The waterfall would extend from the banyans, coming down to a basin so it looks like it comes from under the building. Plans include three streams with islands of trees, native bromeliads and ferns.

In planning for the addition of a waterfall, Ms. Quintana must take into consideration the root systems of the existing vegetation and native plants. The heavy foliage and hammock of the park make bringing in heavy equipment to do the construction prohibitive, which would add to the labor costs of construction. Ms. Quintana is looking for a $20,000 donation to make the waterfall a reality.

The 1940s building at the park is also on Ms. Quintana's hit list of needed upgrades. She's had the windows replaced with sliding glass doors so that people can better see the hammock all around them. She wants to remove the acoustic ceiling and take the structure back to its original tongue and groove vaulted ceiling.

"It needs to be inviting and express the history of the building," she said. "People need to know it like it was, not like it is now."

Ms. Quintana can be reached at (305) 856-6801 and welcomes calls of suggestion or support.

Reprinted from BHA News, Spring 1998
Simpson Park Manager Recognized for Excellence

Simpson Park keeps getting better thanks to the work of its Manager, Pat Quintana, who has made great strides in improving the park since she took the helm less than three years ago.

Vagrants, gang members, drugs and the ravages of Hurricane Andrew had all but condemned the native hammock before she took over. But now the park is safer and cleaner than it had been for years. Native vegetation has been restored, a fence has been added, and activity abounds with school groups, garden clubs, environmental organizations, youth groups and volunteers replacing the undesirables.

Ms. Quintana's work was recognized May 12th when the City of Miami named her Outstanding Employee of the Year.

"Not only has she been an environmental advocate, but she's also an advocate for children and education," BHA President Tory Jacobs said. "She's always providing opportunities for children at our neighborhood Southside Elementary School to enjoy and learn from the park."

The Brickell Homeowners Association has often endorsed Ms. Quintana's efforts for grants and funding that have enabled renovations and new program development.

Her latest efforts include successfully obtaining funds to add an elevated boardwalk, signage and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant bathrooms. She obtained the money from the State of Florida and through local ADA support. She's hoping to also obtain matching funds from the Safe Neighborhood Parks Challenge Grant to restore the pond and create a learning laboratory at the park for Southside students who will help maintain the pond. Students can participate in a summer camp at the park, which includes environmental field trips, arts and crafts, recreational field trips and other activities.

Ms. Quintana credits her success to the "overwhelming support" she's received from others also dedicated to the betterment of the community, including the BHA.

Brickell area residents are encouraged to visit the eight-and-a-half-acre historic park located two blocks west of Brickell Avenue at 55 Southwest 17th Road (off South Miami Ave.). Those interested in Summer Camp are invited to call Ms. Quintana at (305) 856-6801.

Reprinted from BHA News, Winter 1996
Parks Get New Manager/Advocate

"People need to take ownership of their parks."

That's the message of a new park manager at Simpson Park: Patricia Quintana.

The removal of exotic plants is a number one priority, which translates into taking out nonnative, fast-growing invasive plants, what a layperson might call "weeds." These unwanted flora inhibit the trees and plants that have a rightful place there.

A crew from Hands-On Miami came in and cleared a pond at the park that had been overgrown for years, Quintana told BHA directors. Snake plants and air potatoes were removed.

The park manager wants and needs more volunteers since she is also organizing crews to work at Alice Wainwright Park, an environmentally protected, rare hammock. Its 23 acres also need attention, she says.

Reprinted from BHA News, Winter 2000
Wainwright Park Improvements in the Offing

Park officials are conducting a review of Alice Wainwright Park, its amenities and needed upgrades. Brickell residents' views on desired improvements are sought by Park Manager Pat Quintana. Call her at (305) 856-6801.

Reprinted from BHA News, Fall 1997
The Gate's Open at Alice Wainwright Park, for Now

Residents of Brickell and surrounding neighborhoods are awaiting the County's decision on the controversial gate at Alice Wainwright Park.

Supporters of the gate in the exclusive Cliff Hammocks Association said the primary reason for installing the gate was crime prevention, and originally promised it would be closed for only a few hours in the middle of the night. However, before the City Commission they requested permanent, 24-hour closing, a notion which created a public uproar.

Scores of residentswalkers, joggers, skaters, cyclists and others who use the routesaid putting a gate on a public right of way is unacceptable. The City kicked the issue over to the County saying it was really their call. A report is expected from the County this month. In the meantime, the gate remains chained and locked, open.

Reprinted from BHA News, Summer 1996
Vote on Bond Measure Slated for November: Brickell Area Parks May Get Help

Three parks in the Brickell area would get capital improvements as part of the $200 million general obligation bond measure to be voted on in Dade County this fall. If the measure passes, Simpson, Alice Wainwright and Southside would be among the parks, community centers and recreation facilities countywide to benefit. Historic Brickell Park, embroiled in a legal dispute between the City of Miami and the Brickell heirs, is not included in this plan since its fate is still uncertain.

The "Safe Neighborhoods Parks Act of 1996" would provide capital improvements for parks throughout Dade through an effort by a local group of community leaders and the Trust for Public Land, a national conservation group that helps raise capital for urban areas. The revenue generated from the additional tax homeowners would pay is spread countywide.

Brickell Area Parks Get Slice

About half of the 100+ parks in City of Miami territory are to get about $21 million of the $200 million package, Albert Ruder, director of the City of Miami Parks & Recreation Department said.

The plan calls for Simpson Park to get $150,000, Wainwright $100,000 and Southside Park $100,000.

The money earmarked for Simpson would go toward a greenhouse, restoration of the pond, building renovations and fencing, Ruder said. The Wainwright money would be used for a nature trail, walkways, bathroom, pavilion and picnic facilities, security lighting and landscape improvements to the playground.

At Southside, the park located behind the fire station on Second Avenue, softball, basketball and volleyball courts would be improved and landscaping enhanced.

A Battle Ahead

At their July 16th meeting, Metro-Dade Commissioners approved the plan to go before voters in November. Lengthy debate ensued about distribution of the funds throughout the county and whether all neighborhoods were getting a fair share. Everyone agreed, however, that the $200 million is only a small portion of the capital actually needed across the board.

Backers of the plan have outlined which parks would get what so that voters can be sure the money will be spent on what was promised, project director Brenda Marshall said. Additionally, the plan calls for an annual audit of expenditures of all bond proceeds.

In all cases the intent of the Trust for Public Land is that operation and management funding be secure to sustain the improvements.

"Before the municipality can get the dollars for capital improvements, they have to show the operational funds are in place," Marshall said.

Dade voters have exhibited the "no new tax" sentiment that has swept the country lately, rejecting several bond measures last year that would have increased property taxes. One to refurbish and modernize police equipment and systems for crime control recently failed at the polls.

Surveys conducted by the conservation group in Dade County twice in the past year showed a 65 percent positive response by residents when queried about how much they would tax themselves to support a bond measure for parks. The threshold was around $7 per year for the average household, based on a home value of $90,000. Nearly all Brickell Avenue condo values are above that mark.

The most pressing concerns named by people in the survey were crime, getting youth off the streets, preservation of natural areas and other quality of life issues, Marshall reported. Distrust of public officials was another theme that came up, she said.

The ordinance was drafted by a citizens advisory coalition and the individual projects are going "to be line itemed" on the ballot.

Of the $200 million, $108 million is earmarked for local parks and projects, $77 million for regional parks and $15 million for grants to address additional needs. Some of the big regional winners would include Crandon Park ($6 million), Haulover Park ($4 million), Metrozoo ($12 million) and Fairchild Tropical Garden ($4 million).

Voters can expect to start hearing more about the ballot item in the coming months through a "grassroots campaign" planned by the trust. BHA directors are deciding whether or not to take a stand on the measure.