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We’re on track to have one of the hottest summers ever, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of cool things to do. Miami Gardens Parks and Recreation Department encourages you to make the most out of the summer, and the pool is a great place to start.
Bunche Park Pool at 15727 N.W. 22nd Avenue is open for the summer and is offering free swimming lessons for all ages. “We also have adult aqua fit classes in the mornings, Monday through Thursday and Saturdays at Bunche Park Pool,” said Jackie Shakespeare, Assistant Director of City of Miami Gardens Parks and Recreation Department.
Another reason to enjoy parks is that July is Parks and Recreation Month. “To celebrate, let’s recreate,” Shakespeare said. “Now that parks are open and the summer is here, let’s get outside and enjoy our parks.”
Shakespeare suggests registering for a learn to swim class, enjoying a special event or participating in an organized sport.
Residents can also enjoy a game of basketball or tennis, take their kids to the playgrounds or workout in a fitness center. All classes are in person, and virtual activities that were offered during the COVID-19 pandemic are no longer in operation.
Two parks reopened in the spring: Cloverleaf Park at 303 N.W. 191st Street, and Andover Park at N.W. 209th Street and N.W. 1st Avenue. “Cloverleaf now has a brand new facility with a meeting room, state of the art playground, and new outdoor basketball courts that the community can enjoy,” Shakespeare said. It’s also a great place to rent out for a birthday party, baby shower or family celebration.
Andover Park is home to Miami Garden’s first sensory playground, which encourages play for children of all abilities. “Sensory play spaces are also good for children with autism as it helps to retain the brain’s response to sensory information and helps autistic children cope better when dealing with different sounds and textures,” Shakespeare said. There are also new basketball courts and an open field for recreational play.
When school’s out for the summer, parks can fill in the gap for young students. The department hosts summer day camps for children in grades K through 5 at AJ King Park, 4230 N.W. 178th Street, Carol City Park at 3201 N.W. 185th Street, and Bunche Park at 15978 N.W. 27th Avenue. For children grades 6 through 12, day camp is held at Norwood Park, 19401 N.W. 14th Avenue. There is also a S.T.E.A.M. Camp at Bunche Park for children in grades 3 through 8.
Miami Gardens’ youth football and cheer programs are available for kids ages 6 to 13 practicing for the upcoming football season.
There’s a lot going on in parks. For more information about July’s Parks and Recreation month activities, or if you’d like to become a full-time or part-time Parks and Recreation professional, visit the City’s website at www.miamigardens-fl.gov. For more information on aquatics and sports programs please call 305-622-8080.
Become a Parks and Recreation Professional! The City of Miami Gardens is looking for energetic and creative individuals, camp counselors, supervisors, lifeguards, coaches and instructors to add to our team. Full time and Part-time Parks and Recreation positions are now available. To apply, visit the city website at www.miamigardens-fl.gov
