News Release Header
For Immediate Release:
November 16, 2012

Media Contact:
Laura Phillips
[email protected]
305-755-7842



Miami-Dade County Parks and Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Joe A. Martinez Announce the Opening of the New ''Plaza Colombia'' at Westwind Lakes Park


(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- 
The Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department and Miami-Dade Board of County Commission Chairman Joe A. Martinez invite the community to join them at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 19, 2012 for the dedication of the new "Plaza Colombia" at Westwind Lakes Park, 6805 SW 152 Ave., Miami.  Plaza Colombia is the result of a parks partnership with the Colombian American Coalition of Florida to beautify and culturally enhance Westwind Lakes Park, and recognize the thriving Colombian-American community.

"I am delighted to see this much anticipated project completed," said Chairman Martinez. "This new and very modern plaza is a fitting tribute to the rich culture and heritage shared by Colombian-American residents and their children."

"Thanks to such partnerships, Miami-Dade County Parks can continue to accommodate projects like this plaza that honor diverse communities that call Miami-Dade home," said Miami-Dade County Parks Director Jack Kardys.

Plaza Colombia features brick walkways, a seating area with benches, a memorial wall, flag posts and decorative spheres. This new development is a product of MGE Architects and construction contractor Mecano Development. The project was funded with a $50,000 donation from the Colombian American Coalition of Florida and $19,000 from the Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond Program.

The 21-acre Westwind Lakes Park also contains a recreation center, a skate court, lighted soccer fields, a lighted walking path with fitness stations along the path, picnic shelters, a sand volleyball court and a large playground. For directions and more information about activities and programs at this park the public can visit www.miamidade.gov/parks or call 305-388-4771.

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 about Miami-Dade County Parks call 3-1-1, or visit www.miamidade.gov/parks/.

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 on the Parks Foundation, please visit www.parksfoundationofmiami-dade.com.

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.


 

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MIAMI-DADE PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACES DEPARTMENT
275 NW 2nd Street, 3rd Floor Miami, Florida 33128
(305) 755-7842