Mission Statement
To develop, promote and preserve outstanding cultural, recreational, library and natural experiences and opportunities for residents and visitors of this and future generations.
Performing Arts Center
After experiencing growing pains, the newly-renamed Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts (PAC) – Miami-Dade County’s largest ever public-private partnership – is finding its voice. In 2007, the PAC got a new Chairman of the Board, Ricky Arriola; a new president and CEO, Lawrence J. Wilker; and, more recently, a generous $30 million donation from Ms. Arsht, putting the facility on solid financial footing and positioning it to be one of the greatest performing arts centers in the world.
In 2007, the PAC entertained more than 400,000 patrons with the Florida Grand Opera, Miami City Ballet and Broadway Across America enjoying record attendance. The Florida Grand Opera also set an all-time high for ticket sales. To accommodate the increased attendance, new parking spaces were added adjacent to the center and valet parking service was streamlined to reduced retrieval wait times.
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New Libraries
Miami-Dade County continued to be one of the few governments in the nation to expand its Public Library System. Three libraries opened in 2007 in Opa-locka, Sunset Drive and Golden Glades. Five additional libraries are scheduled to open in 2008, including Naranja, International Mall, Kendale Lakes, Pinecrest and in Coconut Grove’s Elizabeth Virrick Park.
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Expedited Library Checkout
To increase convenience, all Miami-Dade libraries are being retrofitted with self-checkout machines. More than 19 branches already have the time-saving units installed. By summer, all libraries will have the equipment, making it easier and faster to check out materials.
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Wireless Technology
Miami-Dade County is increasingly providing free wireless technology to residents. In 2007, the Public Library System completed the expansion of Wi-Fi wireless technology, making wireless computer access available at all of its libraries. Mayor Carlos Alvarez’s Wireless Miami-Dade Initiative made available free wireless service to four County parks – Tamiami, Tropical, Goulds and Amelia Earhart. If successful, the pilot program will extend to additional County parks and facilities.
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Park Improvements
Fiscal Year 2006-2007 was the most productive capital development year in the history of Miami-Dade Park and Recreation. More than $57 million was invested in multiple park improvements, including a dog-friendly park at East Greynolds Park in Northeast Miami-Dade and a new pool and cabana building at Larry & Penny Thompson Park in Southwest Miami-Dade. Park and Recreation also welcomed a new director, Jack Kardys.
In 2007, programs for senior citizens were introduced at Goulds Park, Westwind Lakes Park, Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Norman and Jean Reach Park, and West Perrine Park. Activities include exercise, tai chi, painting, computer classes, health fairs and screenings, arts and crafts, and field trips. The “Fit to Play, Fun for Life” summer camp program for children was also enhanced this year, with the help of Miami Children’s Hospital. A nutritional component was added to the curriculum which includes strength, endurance and flexibility activities.
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MiamiMetroZoo
Miami MetroZoo returned to its pre-Hurricane Andrew attendance numbers in 2007. More than 632,000 guests visited the zoo in Fiscal Year 2006-2007. Approximately 40% of people who visit the zoo are repeat visitors.
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Cultural Facility Expansion
The “Building Better Communities” General Obligation Bond Program is paving the way for the next generation of community cultural facilities. In 2007, ground broke for a new Cuban Museum, located on Coral Way. Design work for the expansion of the Lyric Theater in Overtown was completed and construction is set to begin in 2008. Both the Miami Art Museum and the Miami Science Museum selected internationally acclaimed architects to design what will be known as Museum Park in Downtown Miami’s Bicentennial Park.
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Vizcaya
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens continued its aggressive restoration efforts. The most visual restoration in 2007 included bringing the Bacchus Fountain, the focal point in Vizcaya’s entrance, back to its original splendor.
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Miami Art Museum
Miami Art Museum completed its 10th anniversary celebration, marked by the donation of more than a dozen major works of art valued at approximately $8 million, including a sculpture by pioneering modernist Fernand Léger. The work was ranked 3rd out of 100 artworks donated or sold in the United States during 2007 by Art and Antiques Magazine.
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Deering Estate at Cutler
Overall attendance at the Deering Estate was up 57% in 2007 thanks to special programs and activities hosted at the facility, including Eco-Bike Tours, Pontoon Boat Tours, naturalist-led specialty hikes and canoe trips, and adult programs.
The Deering Estate also launched its Artists-in-Residence Program. Artists inspired by the natural and historic surrounding create works for display on the Estate. The Artists-in-Residence Program will soon include performance artists, through partnerships with the Florida Classical Orchestra, Miami String Project and the South Florida Writers Guild.
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Historical Museum
During 2006-2007, the Historical Museum of Southern Florida delivered a variety of thought-provoking exhibits and cultural programs. These include exhibits like Port Royal, Jamaica; Miami Bungalows; Miami Beach: America’s Tropical Resort; Water Stories, Rob Storter: Art of the Everglades and more. More than 100,000 residents and visitors experienced its programs and exhibitions, which were free to the public every third Thursday and second Saturday.
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Art in Public Places
Art in Public Places, which recently became part of the Department of Cultural Affairs, completed five major art installations in 2007 – two at the Port of Miami and three at Miami International Airport. In 2008, the Department will launch a state-of-the-art system to continue to evaluate and ensure the maintenance and care of the more than 700 works in its collection.
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