Historic time capsule to be unveiled at The Women’s Park

As part of the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department’s celebrations for Women’s History Month, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Parks Director Maria I. Nardi will unveil a time capsule containing hundreds of items representing the work and accomplishments of Miami-Dade County women. A ceremony will be held at The Women’s Park on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. The landmark park is recognized as the first park in the nation dedicated to women.  

“It is an honor to be part of this historic occasion for The Women’s Park, recognized as the first park in the nation dedicated to women,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “These precious artifacts remind us of early women trailblazers who have paved the way before us and whose contributions have improved the quality of life in our community. I highly encourage everyone to view this amazing collection, soon to be on display at The Women’s Park History Gallery and take time out to enjoy the many amenities of this beautiful and unique park.”

The Women’s Park time capsule was conceived by the Founders Committee of The Women’s Park, as a way to collect and preserve the contributions made by the women of Miami-Dade County and to document the state of women’s status in the last decade of the twentieth century. A resolution by former County Mayor Stephen P. Clark for the naming and development of the site as The Women’s Park, is among the more than 300 documents, photographs and artifacts that were placed in the time capsule, more than 31 years ago. Included are the works of Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Cuban anthropologist Lydia Cabrera, and greetings from First Lady Barbara Bush, among others. 

“Miami-Dade Parks is proud to celebrate this landmark event that will give us a chance to remember our past and to envision the future. Items included in the time capsule capture an image of life in Miami-Dade County 31 years ago. It is a unique opportunity to learn about our past and the common bonds that we share. We appreciate the foresight of women leaders in preserving part of our history,” said Miami-Dade Parks Director Maria I. Nardi.

The time capsule contents were carefully selected and preserved for their importance in women’s history and to educate those who follow, so they may know and appreciate the many women who have taken the lead for the advancement of women’s empowerment and equality in Miami-Dade County and beyond. The items will become part of the permanent collection at the park’s Roxcy O’Neal Bolton Women’s History Gallery.

The dedication of The Women’s Park and the time capsule burial were held at the property on December 2, 1992. The park founders planned to exhume the time capsule on August 26, 2020, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, in which women gained the right to vote. The exhumation was delayed until March of this year, due to COVID-19. 

The Women’s Park original founders were Roxcy O’Neal Bolton, Bonnie Lano Rippingille, Molly Turner, Teresa Zorilla Clark, Dorothy Jenkins Fields, Leona F. Cooper, Katherine Fernandez Rundle, Elaine Gordon, Monna Lighte, Helen Miller, and Silvia Unzueta. 

For more information and directions to The Women’s Park, visit the web page. 

About Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces 
Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces is the third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of more than 285 parks and 40,000+ acres of parks and natural areas, comprised of active, passive parklands and nature preserves. It is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world and focused on placemaking, health and fitness, and conservation and stewardship.

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