"It has been exciting to see this new development," said Commissioner Moss. "These new facilities will surely enhance the community's enjoyment of all the wonderful amenities of this great beach park."

This new development is another great example of the implementation of the Miami-Dade Parks Master Plan Mission to connect people and parks for life.  The improvements include a new 6,124 square-foot building at the west end of the beach that houses the following new amenities:

• Public restrooms
• Lifeguard headquarters
• The new "La Playa Grill" Restaurant and concession area with a screened-in dining area and a walk-around balcony for outdoor eating.

Park visitors will also see a new park sign and new landscaping at the park entrance, a new "dino diggables" sand box where kids can play archeologist and dig up dinosaur bones and fossils, two new ADA accessible picnic shelters, a new sand volleyball court, six new "funbrella" shade canopies, and new connecting walkways that connect to and from parking, picnic areas and the park's natural atoll pool and beach. The park also received sewer and drain field improvements. 

"Miami-Dade Parks is proud to be able to provide this community with new and exciting recreational spaces such as these, where families can enjoy fun and memorable beach outings and reunions for years to come," said Miami-Dade Parks Director Jack Kardys. 

The Miami-Dade Parks' Design and Build Team worked in conjunction with Architeknics, Inc.; Consulting Engineering and Science, Inc.; TC & F Builders Corps.; and Celomar Construction Group to complete this project.  The cost for this development was $4.75 million, with funding from the Safe Neighborhood Parks Program, the Building Better Communities Bond Program, and Biscayne National Park.

The 97-acre beachfront park, also has picnic grilling areas, a large playground, a fishing area, and is home to the Herbert Hoover Marina, a full-service marina with 177 wet slips, a boat ramp, a fueling station, and bait and tackle shop.  Nestled in the crystal clear waters of south Biscayne Bay, the marina is next to the beautiful coral reefs of Biscayne National Park and the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary.   For more information about facility rentals and activities, call 305-230-3033 or visit Miami-Dade Parks.

About the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department:
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 260 parks and 12,825 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.

To request material in accessible format, information on access for persons with disabilities, or sign language interpreter services (7 days in advance), call 305-755-7848.