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The People’s Dock at the Deering Estate, a popular spot for locals for birdwatching, manatee and dolphin sightings, as well as picnics and family fishing, closed since its’ damage from Hurricane Irma, is now fully-reconstructed and set to reopen to the public. The dock, located just east of the Estate’s visitor’s center, on Biscayne Bay, will once again support community bay access and water recreation.
At 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 29, 2021, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava will lead the official ribbon-cutting for the newly reconstructed People’s Dock. The Mayor will be joined by Miami-Dade County District 8 Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, Miami-Dade County Parks Director Maria I. Nardi, and representatives from Deering Estate and Deering Estate Foundation.
The reconstruction project included the replacement of the 146 square foot rigid pier, 240 square foot floating dock and 183 square foot gangway. The existing concrete piles sub-structure was retained and reutilized for the new dock.
The project scope was to restore the dock structure, which was damaged and partially destroyed during Hurricane Irma in 2017, maintaining the same footprint and basic design, and retaining parts of the structure deemed safe and sound, which was the case for the concrete piles sub-structure.
The former floating dock structure was concrete. The new dock design consists of an aluminum frame with decking and aluminum grating decking. Floatation is provided by polyethylene floats. The aluminum dock system did not require heavy equipment and is more economical than a concrete float system. Aluminum frame systems are more flexible than concrete floats, and withstand storm surge and waves better than concrete floats.
Miami-Dade Parks completed the project with design consultant Moffatt & Nichol, Inc. and construction contractor D’Catasus Inc.
The project cost was approximately $400,976. Funding was provided by FEMA.
“I am thrilled to be part of the official reopening of the People’s Dock at Deering Estate – a great Hurricane Irma recovery milestone,” said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “This dock has meant so much, to so many in Miami-Dade over the last century. Thanks to the Parks Department and FEMA, this historic jewel will now re-open as a popular launch spot for paddlers and fishing.”
Commissioner Cohen Higgins said, “Deering Estate holds a special place in the hearts of the residents of District 8 and all of South Dade. Bringing life to our public green spaces is essential to preserving Miami-Dade’s natural beauty and improving the quality of life for the families of District 8. I applaud Miami-Dade Parks and Mayor Levine Cava for repairing the People’s Dock. The improved Dock will better serve residents and visitors by allowing enhanced access to the waterfront, so we can all enjoy the bay, which is part of what makes our community so special.”
Parks Director Nardi added, “This project has brought new life to Deering’s People’s Dock. It is a great example of how the Miami-Dade County Parks system provides public access to our waterfront and implements resiliency adaptations for preservation, education and stewardship.”
All Covid-19 Safety Guidelines will be observed, including mask wearing and social distancing.
The 453.71 acre Deering Estate, located at 16701 SW 72 Ave., in Palmetto Bay, features a variety of unique cultural and ecological resources and experiences including the historic houses, artist in residence studios, nature trails, and daily guided or self-guided tours of the nature preserve and museum collection. The Deering Estate also presents signature events which include concerts, exhibits, special discount days, and festivals. Public programming and educational activities include lectures, workshops, K-12 STEM+Arts field study trips, preservation and conservation research experiences for university students, Deering Adventure Tours and guided Bird walks, night hikes, and canoe trips.
