"These new facilities will bring neighborhood residents together to socialize and enjoy picnics and other special occasions with their family and friends," said Commissioner Bovo. "The pavilion will surely be a popular gathering spot at this park for many years to come."

The 6.49-acre park has added a new 20'x20' covered shelter with water service, two barbeque grills, and a new connecting walkway. The existing parking area was seal coated and re-striped, and new ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) approved signage and wheel stops were added to the parking spaces. Among its amenities, this park is dog friendly and includes a children's playground with a shade canopy, a multipurpose field and walking paths. 

The improvements were completed with $114,400 in funding from the Quality Neighborhood Improvement Program (QNIP) and park impact fees.

"This new shelter provides shade and a space to get out of the rain or sun, and is another enhancement to the park," said Miami-Dade County Parks Director Jack Kardys.

For further information about facility reservations, activities and programs offered at Spanish Lake Park, call Norman and Jean Reach Park at 305-823-2414, or visit Miami-Dade Parks.

About the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation & 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 County Parks is the third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of 260 parks and 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 visit Miami-Dade County Parks or call 3-1-1.

Miami-Dade County Parks is supported by The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade a non-profit 501(c)3 organization supporting the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department's efforts to further develop Miami-Dade County's world-class parks system for residents and visitors.  Its mission is to create a healthier, more livable and sustainable Miami community by ensuring the implementation of the Parks Open Space Master Plan and the development of year-round park and recreation programs for local children, adults and people with disabilities.  For more information visit the Parks Foundation.

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.