This year, the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department is celebrating 90 years since its founding in 1929. To commemorate this important milestone, the Parks Department is hosting special events and activities all year long, and everyone’s invited.
“Ninety years and going strong,” said Miami-Dade Parks director Maria I. Nardi. “We want to thank the community for their support and commitment all these years. Miami-Dade Parks shares a history of significant contributions to our community’s environmental preservation, recreational and cultural experiences, and continued progress in building a sustainable parks system for residents and visitors to enjoy; and we wouldn’t be here without our past, present and future park champions.”
Now is the perfect opportunity to rediscover all that Miami-Dade Parks has to offer. There’s plenty of outdoor play spaces packed with recreational amenities to suit everyone’s tastes, at parks, nature trails, beaches and golf courses, and at world-famous Zoo Miami, Deering Estate and Fruit & Spice Park.
Stay up to date on Miami-Dade Parks’ 90th anniversary celebration. Follow us on Twitter Facebook, and Instagram#Celebrate90 and visit the website at miamidade.gov for information on the yearlong party.
Here are some upcoming signature celebrations:
Feb. 1 — Glow in the Park, 6 p.m.-midnight, at Tropical Park. An evening of craft beer and wine, music, LED games, food trucks and more,
Feb. 14 — Moonlight and Music Valentine’s Day Concert, 7-10 p.m., at the Deering Estate. Concert starts at 8 p.m. Outdoor concert under the stars featuring Vintash Band with Michaela Paige and Raymond Daniel Rodriguez, with special guest Saxman Lee Gabe. General admission tickets arw $35. Purchase tickets online or call 305-235-1668, ext. 233.
Mar. 1 — Bike 305, Bike to Work kicks off Bike Month in Miami-Dade.
Residents are asked to leave their cars behind and join the ride, if only for this one day, to reduce traffic congestion and experience the stress-relieving health benefits of pedaling a bike. Stay tuned for details and a complete calendar of monthlong activities at Bike305.com.
Mar. 2 — Day at the Park, countywide event at Crandon, Greynolds, Haulover, Homestead Bayfront parks and the Deering Estate.
Each park will be hosting its own unique activities and offering discounts or freebies. Contact the park of interest for times and more details.
Mar. 2-3 — 29th annual Asian Culture Festival, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Fruit & Spice Park. Festival-goers will enjoy a variety of Asian arts, crafts, entertainment, plants and exotic cuisine. Admission is $12; children ages 6-12 are $5; free for age 5 and under.
Mar. 7 — 31st annual In the Company of Women Awards ceremony and dinner, 6-9 p.m., at the Coral Gables Country Club.
Presented by Miami-Dade Parks in partnership with the Miami-Dade Commission for Women and the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade.
Mar. 31 — 15th annual Deering Seafood Festival, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., at the Deering Estate. Scrumptious seafood, celebrity chef demos, kids’ games and rides, live entertainment, educational activities and more! Adults are $20 in advance, $25 at gate; children ages 4-14, $7 in advance, $10 at gate.
Apr. 6 -7 — Redland Blues & Barbeque Festival, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Fruit & Spice Park. The festival features award-winning barbecue and incredible blues and country music. Lots of children’s activities including pony rides will be available.
Apr. 12-14 — Miami International Agricultural, Horse and Cattle Show,
Doors open at 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. Sunday at Tropical Park. Admission is $3; free for children under age 12. Enjoy a day of live music, educational booths, agri-business and livestock product vendors, equestrian shows, dog obedience demonstrations, kids’ activities and more.
The Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department was created on Mar. 1, 1929, and on Jan. 14, 1930, the beautiful Matheson Hammock became the county’s very first park. That land acquisition opened the way for six subsequent parks to come on board: Greynolds Park, Haulover Beach Park, Homestead Bayfront Park, Crandon Park, Fruit & Spice Park, and the Deering Estate, which are now known as Heritage Parks.
Today, Miami-Dade Parks is an award-winning parks system, the third largest in the United States, consisting of 270 parks and 13,573 acres of land, with six golf courses, six marinas, 13-miles of beaches, and favorite attractions like Zoo Miami, Deering Estate and Fruit & Spice Park.
The department provide evidence-based after school sports development and summer camp programs for children and teens, and activities for active older adults and people with disabilities. It promotes conservation and stewardship initiatives through its nature centers and educational tours presented by EcoAdventures, free outdoor fitness gyms, biking and walking trails, and aquatic centers that offer water exercise and water safety classes, and swimming lessons.
