The 12-acre park now has a new 3,400-square-foot playground that features a wide array of challenging play activities for children ages 2-12 from overhead ladders and climbers to steppers and swings. The play area has an artificial turf surface for ADA accessibility and is covered by a 50'x65' shade canopy. There are also new walkways, picnic tables, benches, a bicycle rack, a parking area and assorted shade and flowering trees. The improvements included filling and grading the development site.

"This new development is part of Miami-Dade County Parks' commitment to connect people and parks for life," said Miami-Dade County Parks Director Jack Kardys.  "We are committed to creating safe, fun, recreational spaces for families and their kids to stay healthy and active throughout their years."

"These improvements will enhance the attractiveness of this park and better serve the needs of this growing community," said Commissioner Jordan.  "I am thrilled that neighbors have these new park facilities, just in time for their holiday celebrations, as well as outdoor play time with their children."

This is the first substantive project for Lake Stevens Park, which is located in the neighborhood of Lake Stevens across from Lake Stevens Elementary School. Clearing and access control were completed in 2011. The project is a product of Miami-Dade Parks' in-house design team, in conjunction with general contractors Quality Construction Performance, Inc. and DW Recreation Services Inc.  Funding totaled $1,138,000 and was provided by Quality Neighborhood Improvement Program Bonds and Park Impact Fees.

For directions to Lake Stevens Park, visit www.miamidade.gov/parks or call 305-622-2594.                                

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 12,825 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 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.