"This is a great example of the good things that can happen when governments and citizens work together to turn a dream into a reality," said Miami-Dade Parks Director Jack Kardys. "As Miami-Dade Parks strives to help kids stay active and healthy, with community input we are developing creative and innovative play spaces in our parks, such as skateboard facilities, that encourage youth to get outdoors and exercise."

"The skate court will be a welcome addition to this active community park," said Commissioner Souto.  "Facilities like this help make a neighborhood strong, bringing residents and their kids together to socialize and have fun enjoying their favorite sport."

The 116.5 acre Kendall Indian Hammocks Park, located 11395 SW 79 Street, Miami, also has five pavilions, a picnic deck, barbeque grill pits, three softball fields, a High School baseball field, two 18-hole disc golf courses, two soccer fields, three playgrounds, a vita course, nature trails and walking paths.

Miami-Dade Parks' other skateboard facilities include South Dade Park, Westwind Lakes Park and Country Village Park--the County's first skate park, opened in July 2009.  A fifth skateboard facility is slated for development in 2012 for the northwest portion of the County at North Trail Park.

The skate court at Kendall Indian Hammocks Park will be operated by the Miami based skateboard management group Sugars Drop Shop, which also operates Miami-Dade Parks' skateboard facilities at Westwind Lakes and Country Village Parks.  The Kendall Indian Hammocks Park skate court will be open at 1:00 p.m., weekdays; 10 a.m., Saturdays; 11:00 a.m., Sundays/holidays; and closes daily at sundown.  The cost to skate is $2 weekdays and $5 on weekends/holidays.  The facility offers skateboard and helmet rentals, as well as lessons for beginners.  For details contact Sugars Drop Shop at 786-537-2016.

For directions to the event and further information about activities at Kendall Indian Hammocks Park, the public can call 305-596-9324, or visit Miami-Dade 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 Miami-Dade Parks.

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