West Side of Matheson Hammock Park

West Matheson Hammock Park restoration project

West Matheson Hammock Park holds a special place in Miami-Dade County’s history as the County’s first park and one of its heritage parks. Over the years, the park has played a key role in environmental conservation, serving as the County’s tree farm and earning recognition in the 1980s as an environmentally sensitive habitat. Today, most of the park remains protected under the County’s commitment to voters through the Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program.

For decades, the County has balanced the need for major restoration work to address natural resource degradation and maintain capital assets while keeping the park open for public use. The upcoming improvements are intended to restore the park’s original purpose as a natural preserve.

The restoration plan includes a partnership with Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden to advance long-planned activities and enhance the park’s ecological value. The project has been shaped through legislative actions, public hearings, and community engagement.

Planned improvements

• Rebuilding the historic nursery space
• Removing invasive plants and establishing a tree canopy in recreational areas
• Recreating wading bird habitats and viewing points
• Revegetating and irrigating portions of the Snapper Creek habitat
• Removing invasive vines that have damaged sections of the forest

Temporary closure

To complete this work, West Matheson Hammock Park will be closed to the public beginning Feb. 17. The restoration project is expected to be completed by fall 2026.

The County appreciates the public’s understanding and cooperation as work moves forward to preserve and enhance West Matheson Hammock Park for future generations.

Updates to this schedule will be posted on this page.