Debbie Curtin Park dedicates new recreational amenities

The Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department and Miami-Dade County District 8 Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava, on Nov. 5, dedicated new recreational amenities at Debbie Curtin Park, located at 22820 SW 112 Ave.

The new development includes a concrete walking path that’s approximately one half-mile long and eight feet wide as well as an access driveway from SW 112th Avenue that connects to 31 new parking spaces, two of which are for ADA-parking. The entire site has been re-contoured to improve storm water drainage and beautified with Bahia sod plus Live Oak and flowering trees.

“Today marks a milestone for Debbie Curtin Park, which bears the name of a most honorable individual who devoted her life to improving Miami-Dade livability,” Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez said.

“These new amenities will encourage residents to visit this special park and spend more time relaxing and exercising outdoors,” he added.

“I am delighted to see Debbie Curtin Park’s transformation. We will continue to press forward with our plan to invest into our South Dade parks and enhance the quality of life for our residents,” said Commissioner Levine Cava.

“We are proud to have participated in the development of Debbie Curtin Park,” said Maria Nardi, Miami-Dade Parks assistant director.

“Parks is long-dedicated to creating sustainable park and open spaces that are more accessible, walkable and green-minded.”

The project is a product of Miami-Dade Parks’ Design and Build Team working in conjunction with Quality Construction Performance Inc.

The improvements cost $1.3 million and were funded by Impact Fees and a Community Development Block Grant.

Formerly known as Palm Glades Park, the park was renamed and opened in 2010 as Debbie Curtin Park in memory of the late Team Metro director Debbie Curtin. Curtin, who served in several leadership roles during her career with Miami-Dade County (1975-2001), is best known for her enhancements to the quality of community life as the founding director for Team Metro. In this position, Curtin established eight Team Metro offices that provided residents with direct services and assistance in navigating through county procedures.

In conjunction with this effort, she established the Citizens Academy, a program which further focused on bringing County government and services closer to the people.

Upon retiring from Miami-Dade County in 2001, Curtin focused her energies on her own personal battle with cancer, and to the prevention of the disease as chair for the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Miami Unit. At ACS, Curtin organized such fundraisers as “Relay for Life” and “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer,” and lobbied the Florida Legislature and U.S. Congress on ACS issues. She passed away on Aug. 11, 2008, and that same year, the ACS honored her posthumously for her distinguished service.


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