For 20 days in January, more than 20,000 people walked, Ubered, biked and drove to experience a temporary public space called Biscayne Green.
Stretching through blocks of one of Downtown Miami’s busiest thoroughfares, Biscayne Green was an experiment to showcase what Miami could look like if parking lots and other spaces were transformed and activated with engaging festivals, free movie showings and family activities for residents.
The pop-up destination, a 2016 Public Space Challenge winning idea, made headlines and captivated residents, proving that Greater Miami has an appetite for public gathering places where locals can connect and enjoy the outdoors.
In an effort to meet the ever-increasing demand for accessible parks, greenways and public spaces, The Miami Foundation has opened the 2017 Public Space Challenge, a contest for ideas that create, improve or activate local gathering places like parks, playgrounds, sidewalks, basketball courts and plazas in Greater Miami.
Now in its fifth year, the Foundation invests $305,000 to make the top ideas a reality; Challenge partner Target will support winning ideas that promote healthy eating and active play. Anyone can submit an idea — individuals, groups, public agencies, nonprofits or private companies — at ideas.ourmiami.org through Apr. 6.
“Over the past four years, this community has rallied around major park and trail projects like The Underline, Ludlam Trail and Plan Z for Miami. The Public Space Challenge has helped drive that energy,” said Javier Alberto Soto, president and CEO of The Miami Foundation.
“The Foundation’s 50th anniversary year is about fostering the hundreds of ways residents can take ownership of their community and shape the kinds of neighborhoods and local places they want in their hometown. The Challenge puts that power in the hands of every Miamian from South Dade to Aventura.”
