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Cutler Bay officials on Oct. 15 announced the names for two newly acquired parks — the Coastal Ridge Preserve and the Veterans Park. The names had been unanimously approved by the town council at irs September meeting.
Both names had been suggested by the Town’s Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee, made up of Cutler Bay residents dedicated to preserving the community’s natural beauty and history.
The Coastal Ridge Preserve is an 8.5-acre site located at Old Cutler Road and SW 184th Street. Purchased in 2020, the land was acquired to “safeguard its environmental significance, prevent development, and further the town’s resiliency efforts.” Located next to the Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands project, the preserve is intended to act as a natural buffer to help mitigate sea-level rise and protect the community during storms.
Part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), the site concept was developed in coordination with Miami-Dade County, the South Florida Water Management District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It includes nature pathways, two educational nature pavilions, pine rockland, hardwood hammock sections, interactive educational kiosks and an observation deck overlooking the wetlands.
To offset costs and support ongoing improvements the town has received $1,106,570 in grants from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Florida Communities Trust (FCT) Program. In 2023, the town was awarded $250,000 from the FDEP Resilient Florida Program. Cutler Bay committed an additional $250,000 in matching funds, and the FCT contributed another $8.5 million.
Veterans Park is a 3.5-acre passive park on Old Cutler Road at SW 87th Avenue. Planned as a tribute to all veterans who have served the country to recognize their dedication and sacrifice, the park’s name pays homage to the town’s deep-rooted history of military service, because Cutler Bay’s origins are tied to housing built for Homestead Air Reserve personnel.
In 2024, the Town of Cutler Bay received $1.5 million in funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)’s Florida Communities Trust program as part of its 2023-24 funding cycle. The town has an ongoing effort to expand recreational and green spaces for its residents.
In a statement posted to town residents, Mayor Tim Meerbott stressed the importance of the acquisitions.
“These parks represent much more than just land,” Mayor Meerbott said. “They are a testament to the power of community, our leaders’ foresight and our residents’ dedication.
By preserving these spaces, we are ensuring that Cutler Bay remains a vibrant, resilient, and connected town for generations to come.”
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