The Omni Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) celebrated its grand opening ceremony recently for the new dog park area at Margaret Pace Park, 1745 N. Bayshore Dr.
“With more than 80,000 people now living in greater downtown Miami, quality parks are more important than ever,” said City of Miami Commissioner Marc D. Sarnoff, Omni CRA chair. “This project provides another amenity that increase the quality of life in the Omni area.”
At the end of the ceremony, Commissioner Sarnoff unveiled the metal statue of “Pacer,” the park’s mascot and namesake, donated by Sarnoff’s office. Residents and their dogs then posed for photos with Sarnoff, Pacer and their neighbors.
The half-acre dog park includes two fenced areas, one for dogs over 25 pounds, the other for smaller dogs, allowing them room to run. The dog area includes park benches, “fire hydrants” and water fountains for dogs and people.
Funded by the Miami Omni CRA and spurred by residents’ petitions, the dog park was completed at a cost of $400,000. Maintenance-free, odor-fighting artificial turf and rubberized mulch was supplied and installed by EasyGrass of Miami. Sarnoff estimated the turf would save $800,000 in maintenance costs over 20 years.
“The neighborhood was in need of a separate area for dogs to exercise and release energy,” said Andres Althabe, president of the Biscayne Neighborhoods Association. “We are very pleased that the Omni CRA was so responsive and effective in making this happen. It ensures a safe and considerate environment for everyone to enjoy the park.”
