Columbus Day weekend is one of the most popular times for boating, as most long holiday weekends are, and high demand can easily translate into long lines, long waits and lack of parking, hampering plans for a fun day out on the water. To help customers avoid unexpected obstacles that can derail holiday boating plans, the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department urges boaters to contact its marinas for updates on important information before heading out to launch, including:
- Best times to launch in order to avoid delays
- Updates on traffic and parking conditions
- Availability and affordability of short-term wet slips for the holiday weekend
Miami-Dade Parks' marina staff is always on-hand to help facilitate smooth and successful boat launches and recoveries, but boaters should be aware that large holiday crowds at peak times can mean limited parking spaces for vehicles with boat trailers. Calling ahead and advance planning will make a boater's experience more enjoyable and successful.
Here is the contact and location information for the six marinas within the Miami-Dade Parks system:
Pelican Harbor Marina
1275 NE 79th St., Miami
(305) 754-9330
Black Point Marina
24775 SW 87th Ave., Miami
(305) 258-4092
Matheson Hammock Marina
9610 Old Cutler Rd., Miami
(305) 665-5475
Crandon Park Marina
4000 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne
(305) 361-1281
Bill Bird Marina, Haulover Park
10800 Collins Ave., Miami
(305) 947-3525
Herbert Hoover Marina
Homestead Bayfront Park
9698 SW 328 St., Homestead
(305) 230-3033
For more information, visit Miami-Dade Parks' web site at www.miamidade.gov/parks.
About Miami-Dade Parks:
Nationally accredited, a three-time winner of the NRPA National Gold Medal Award and winner of the 2009 Florida Governor's Sterling Award for excellence in management and operations, Miami-Dade Parks is the third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of 263 parks and more than 12,848 acres of land. It is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world. Made up of more than just playgrounds and athletic fields, it also comprises out-of-school, sports-development, and summer-camp programs; programs for seniors and people with disabilities; educational nature centers and nature preserves; environmental restoration efforts; arts and culture programs and events; the renowned Zoo Miami and the Deering Estate at Cutler; the Crandon Tennis Center, home of the Sony Ericsson Open; golf courses; beaches; marinas; campgrounds; pools; and more. For information about Miami-Dade Parks call 3-1-1 or visit www.miamidade.gov/parks.
To request material in accessible format, information on access for persons with disabilities, or sign language interpreter services (7 days in advance), call 305-365-6706.
