On March 8, 2003, the Pinecrest Village Council dedicated Pinecrest Gardens and officially opened it to the public as the Village’s newest municipal park. Ten years later, we’ve come a long way, and yes, we have found our way home.
With roots deeply embedded in family entertainment (recalling the days of historic Parrot Jungle) we have managed to forge a path, once again, to becoming one of South Florida’s most family-friendly, activityfilled venues with a mission statement that encompasses recreation, education, conservation, botanical beauty and entertainment.
As we celebrate our 10th year, we feel grateful for the opportunity to reflect on our recent accomplishments. We are grateful to all of our partners, donors, volunteers and members who have been so generous. We are honored to serve our visitors who walk our magnificent paths, the families who celebrate birthdays, weddings and other joyous occasions, our patrons who have applauded our Arts in the Gardens festival that for three years running has brought audiences to their feet cheering local, national and international jazz artists, Grammy Award winning musicians, orchestras, concert bands, international and local dance troops, and theater companies performing everything from Shakespeare to Broadway Musicals. We are proud of our art gallery that twice a year has recognized the best of the best of Miami-Dade Public School students and hosts an array of world-class artists from across the globe in monthly art exhibits.
Our Botanical Prowess boasts more than 1,000 species of Florida native and exotic plants. Pinecrest Gardens is a place of beauty, wonder and history that inspires us to connect to flora and fauna, to each other and to the land around us. It opens our eyes and hearts to the possibilities of each new season.
We are about community, welcoming thousands of visitors every Sunday to a Farmers’ Market unsurpassed by any other market of this type in the region. We are all about our trails, and natural landscape, our classes and lectures, and our Family Fridays or Chick Flick nights where people come to relax, enjoy and escape with family, friends and loved ones to a sanctuary that is safe, clean and pristine.
It is only through “community” that Pinecrest Gardens has and will continue to grow and flourish. It is through your generosity of time and patronage that has helped to provide this oasis of comfort, inspiration, joy, healing and knowledge to all who visit and to future generations to come. Thank you all!
Closing our entertainment schedule this season:
Final Chick Flick Friday: Roman Holiday, Friday, May 10 at 8 p.m. “Delicious and delectable Audrey’s Oscarwinning American debut.” — TV Guide; Audrey Hepburn became a star with this film playing Princess Anne, weary of protocol and anxious to have some fun before she is mummified by “affairs of state.” On a diplomatic visit to Rome, Anne escapes her royal retainers and scampers incognito through the Eternal City. She happens to meet American journalist Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck), who, recognizing a hot news story while pretending not to recognize her, predictably falls in love. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for live music, cocktails and light snacks.
A Change of Season: Looking to the Summer Months — As this performing arts and festival season draws to a close, we arrive at the time of year when the laughter of children prevails in our picnic areas, our petting zoo, playground, Splash ‘N Play water amusement area and a cornucopia of summer camps offering a range of funfilled activities.
My Little Star is Miami Children’s Theater’s engaging summer camp that introduces 4-6 year olds to the world of performing arts. My Little Star meets Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Hibiscus Room/Gardens Gallery. Campers are taught the basics in singing, dancing and acting in fun and educational ways. Best of all, campers get to perform for family and friends in a show at the end of the session on stage at our beloved Banyan Bowl amphitheater. Session 1 is June 10-21 and Session 2 is June 25-July 5. For information or registration, call 305-274-3595.
Inferno’s Challenge is all about fun and fitness as your child (six and up) learns the thrills of circus activities. For the first time ever, come explore a summer fitness camp like no other presented by Miami Heat’s former Extreme Team captain, Ricardo Charles, as he leads Inferno’s Challenge Circus Camp only here at the Gardens. This camp is designed for children of any physical ability level. It promotes teamwork, builds muscles, improves coordination, increases concentration, instills confidence and self-esteem and, most importantly, it’s a lot of fun! Classes include juggling, Rola Bola (balancing), tumbling (basic to elite), mini-trampoline, plate spinning, acrobatics, trampoline, basketball and low wire. Only two sessions are available, July 8-12 and Aug. 5-9, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 305- 669-6990 for price and information.
Summer Lego Day Camp at the Gardens — an engaging summer experience for your kids who have advanced interests in computers, building, and creating cool robots! In this week-long summer camp program, students will be exposed to engineering principles and software programming by using theLEGO MINDSTORMS robotics technology. Not to be missed! Monday-Friday, July 15-19 or July 22-26, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Space is limited! Call 305-669-6990 for pricing or more information. Healthy bag lunch options also available by Evos Kids for an affordable additional cost.
Horticulture Lecture Program this month features horticulturist Craig Morell in a class dealing with the finer points of growing herbs in the summer garden. From robust mint plants that thrive in the summer rains, to tropical basils and protecting rosemary plants from drowning, your herb garden can be productive year-round. Learn the best methods to grow and propagate your herb plants, gain confidence in creating your own organic garden and try some new and exotic herbs. Lectures are May 8 at 10:30 a.m. or May 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hibiscus Room/Gardens Gallery. The $5 fee includes coffee and snacks.
Krafts 4 Kids final classes are all about the “Circle of Life”. Learn about Butterfly Gardens and attracting these spectacular creatures. Your child will delve into the mysteries of their life cycle, learn about the types of butterflies in Pinecrest and what you can plant to attract them to your yard. Every child will take home a cutting of a plant that will draw these beautiful winged species to your garden. Classes are May 11 or May 18 and the fee is $5. Reservations at 305-669-6990 and classes are limited to 20.
Gardens Games: play chess, checkers and dominos in the Gardens — You are in for some gigantic fun when you play chess or checkers with pieces two feet tall. These larger than life game pieces fascinate players and spectators alike, and you can sharpen your strategic skills right on our meadow or patio. Game rental is free with a valid driver’s license, held during the time of reservation.
