On November 5, 1996 Miami-Dade County voters approved a measure called the Safe Neighborhood Parks Act of 1996 to improve parks and natural areas. The measure was organized by a not-for-profit national organization, the Trust for Public Lands, and was sponsored locally by the Trust for Safe Neighborhood Parks, Inc.

The Trust for Public Lands conducted a survey of Miami-Dade County residents and identified four priority areas: park improvements, neighborhood safety, juvenile crime and quality of life. The Safe Neighborhood Parks Program (SNP) has funded $212 million in county and municipal park capital improvements--ranging from athletic fields and picnic areas, to upgrades for people with disabilities and beach restoration.  Miami-Dade County and each of the County's 34 municipalities is benefiting from the Safe Neighborhood Parks Act.  Additionally, SNP monies have been allocated to a number of nonprofit organizations including the YMCA, Trust for Public Lands and the Children's Museum.

How will this act benefit Miami-Dade County?
This proposed measure includes funds for specific park, beach, recreation and open-space projects throughout Miami-Dade County to:

• Improve and build recreation and youth sports facilities, including recreation centers and athletic
    fields
• Offer juvenile recreational activities
• Preserve environmental, greenway and natural areas
• Improve public access to and protection of Biscayne Bay
• Develop and improve senior recreation facilities
• Upgrade park facilities

When will SNP projects be completed?
The SNP Oversight Committee has allocated $212 million in grants for park and recreation improvements.  The work is approximately 85 percent completed.  The County expects to conclude the final projects over the next two years.

Who has authorization to allocate the funds?
An Oversight Committee, created by a Miami-Dade County ordinance, ensures that bond monies are only used for projects approved by voters. The Oversight Committee was chosen by the Board of County Commissioners from a slate of candidates representing the racial, ethnic, gender and geographical composition of the community. An independent audit of bond proceeds will be conducted annually.