Capital Improvements

Investing in Parks, Beaches, Nature Areas

For more than a decade the voter-approved Safe Neighborhood Parks (SNP) Program has provided funding for hundreds of improvements to Miami-Dade County parks, beaches, nature areas and recreational facilities along with land acquisition for new parks. SNP began as a community effort to seek a $200 million general obligation bond program referendum in 1996 to fund a wide-range of enhancements and expansions of County parks. The successful referendum ushered in a new era of improvements that has significantly upgraded the County's park system.

Projects include improvements at both regional and neighborhood parks, enhancements to Zoo Miami and the new Equestrian Center at Tropical Park. A 13-member SNP Citizens' Oversight Committee is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the bond program.

Since 1996, the oversight committee has approved a total of approximately $212 million in grants to fund nearly 400 park projects. These grants include additional funds generated from interest earned on bond proceeds since 1996. Currently, there is still work in progress with a projected two-year timeline to conclude the program. Approximately $30 million in work still needs to be completed, across all jurisdictions.

The program is administered by the Office of Capital Improvements. For more information, call Aleida Arrazcaeta 305-375-2724.