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In a decisive moment back in November 2018, the residents of Doral placed their trust in the future of their community spaces by approving a $150 million General Obligations Bond. This significant endorsement was aimed at the development of new parks and the enhancement of existing ones, marking the beginning of a transformative chapter in the city’s recreational landscape. Since the approval of the Parks Bond, the city has seen the completion of numerous projects, with significant strides being made in those still underway.
In December 2022, the narrative of Doral’s parks took a historic turn with the election of Christi Fraga as the city’s first female mayor. Bringing over a decade of dedicated public service to her role, Mayor Fraga’s tenure has been characterized by a profound commitment to fulfilling the vision encapsulated in the Parks Bond. Her involvement with the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization further complements her holistic approach to urban planning and community development.
Under Mayor Fraga’s stewardship and leadership, the city has embarked on an ambitious journey to revitalize its park spaces, crucial elements of the Parks Bond’s vision. At the inception of her term, the flagship park project was confronting significant challenges, with completion lingering at a mere 15% and a budget overrun of $70 million. This predicament was a legacy of past administrations, which had deviated from the park’s original design by incorporating numerous non-essential projects.
Confronted with this situation, Mayor Fraga’s administration took decisive action, scaling back these extraneous additions to realign the project with its original intent and the commitments made to voters through the Parks Bond. This recalibration not only mitigated the financial overrun but also accelerated the project’s progress, with completion now exceeding the 60% mark.
As the city anticipates the first phase of the park’s opening in late summer, residents can look forward to a suite of amenities that reflect the community’s diverse needs and interests. The park will feature versatile sports fields, inclusive playgrounds, water sports facilities, and an amphitheater, among other attractions. These enhancements are a testament to Mayor Fraga’s dedication to delivering on the Parks Bond’s promises and fostering inclusive community spaces.
Looking ahead, the final phase of the park, slated for completion in late 2024 or early 2025, will introduce an extensive recreation center and an aquatics facility, further solidifying the park’s status as a cornerstone of community life in Doral. In addition, Mayor Fraga’s initiative to involve the community in a mural project within the park exemplifies her commitment to cultural enrichment and collective engagement.
For a comprehensive overview of the bond’s initiatives, including project updates and reports, the dedicated portal www.doralparksbond.org was reestablished by Mayor Christi Fraga’s administration in 2023, putting transparency and community participation at the forefront of every decision. The website serves as a vital resource for residents and stakeholders to remain engaged in the projects’ progress.
Mayor Fraga’s leadership in managing the Parks Bond reflects a blend of visionary planning and fiscal prudence, ensuring that the bond’s objectives are met while fostering spaces that resonate with the values and aspirations of Doral’s residents. Through her efforts, the bond is not just financing park projects but is laying the groundwork for vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic community spaces that will enrich Doral for generations to come.
Written by: Manny Sarmiento – CEO, Doral Chamber of Commerce, Inc – manny@doralchamber.com
