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Miami-Dade County’s Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW), along with Friends of The Underline, on Feb 26 hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of The Underline’s first half-mile segment, the Brickell Backyard.
Residents and visitors alike are now able to enjoy The Underline’s Brickell Backyard.
“The Underline will be a place where young professionals, children, families, and the entire community can spend time outdoors, enjoy great programming, and easily connect with our Miami-Dade Transit system,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Danielle Levine Cava.
“Today’s opening of the first phase of The Underline is a first step toward a people-first transit future, and I invite the community to come and enjoy this beautiful linear park.”
The Brickell Backyard stretches a half mile starting at the Miami River along SW First Avenue to 13th Street and features five unique blocks. Amenities include a gym area, a community stage, gaming tables, and a large communal dining table.
Access to the Brickell Backyard is as simple as a Metrorail train ride to the Brickell Station.
“The greatest benefit of The Underline is that it is not only beautifying the area underneath our Metrorail tracks, but also making Miami-Dade a more connected county,” said DTPW director Alice N. Bravo, PE. “The multi-modal corridor is easily accessible via public transit and helps to promote a healthier, greener lifestyle.”
The Underline is a public-private partnership with DTPW and the non-profit Friends of The Underline. The project was awarded a $22.3 million BUILD Transportation Grant by the federal government in late 2019 and most recently received a $7 million commitment from the City of Coral Gables in July 2020 to help fund this transformative open space. The project also has received funds from the City of Miami. The Underline will not only enhance the area underneath the Metrorail line, but also act as an economic catalyst.
“The Underline is opening today because of the hard work of our dedicated team, board of directors and our partner, Miami-Dade County,” said Meg Daly, Friends of The Underline founder and CEO. “I believe The Underline will not only change how we experience public spaces but improve the quality of life of our community. Thanks to the Knight Foundation, Swire Properties, FPL and Baptist Health we have some exciting programs and innovative plans in the works for The Brickell Backyard and we can’t wait for everyone in Miami-Dade County to join us.”
Once completed, the 10-mile corridor will reimagine the underutilized space underneath Miami’s Metrorail and create more than 120 acres of open spaces with restored natural habitats, improved pedestrian and bicycle pathways, recreational facilities, community programs and public art installations.
Construction for the Brickell Backyard, which was designed by James Corner Field Operations and constructed by Central Pedrail JV, began in late 2018. The Underline is expected to be completed in 2025.
For more information on The Underline visit theunderline.org.
