The city of Miami has big plans for Edgewater’s Margaret Pace Park, and it’s asking the community what it thinks.
District 2 Commissioner Sabina Covo and Chris Evans, the city’s parks and recreation director, came together Aug. 10, 2023, to unveil the park’s master plan at the park itself. Located on approximately eight acres of waterfront land along Biscayne Boulevard, it’s slated for a multiphased renovation that the city promises will deliver something for everyone.
The news came to residents in the very heat to which the plan pledges to adapt. Covo championed the idea of a “heat plan” to the commission as record-breaking temperatures plagued the city this summer, much like hurricane plans that municipalities already have in place across the county.
(Courtesy of City of Miami)
This map shows what a fully renovated Margaret Pace Park would look like according to a proposed master plan unveiled Aug. 10, 2023.
“Hopefully, we’re going to be doing a lot to mitigate the heat wave that is coming and that is not getting better, so a top priority for our parks is going to be shade, trees, green space,” said Covo.
The proposed plan for Margaret Pace will include features that should mitigate the effects of extreme heat, including misting areas, splash pads and ample tree coverage. Those features are prioritized within the first two phases of the five-part plan and are expected to be completed as early as next summer.
(Samantha Morell for Biscayne Times)
City of Miami District 2 Commissioner Sabina Covo and Chris Evans, the city’s parks and recreation director, at a Margaret Park Master Plan unveiling Aug. 10, 2023.
For the first phase of the Margaret Pace Park Master Plan, the city is prioritizing shoreline improvements to combat risks associated with sea-level rise. A new upland seawall, marshes along the coast and an elevated baywalk are all included in the plan to adapt to and mitigate shoreline erosion, hurricane surges and king tides. The shoreline would feature native plants, oolite stone blocks, limestone and a sunken storage chamber to hold excess stormwater.
The plan’s second phase includes upgrades to the existing playground, which will remain open during the installation of the new amenities. The dog park, also undergoing renovations, will not remain open, but the city will implement a temporary dog run area in the meantime. Splash pads complete with spraying jets, fountains and interactive water channels are also included in this phase.
The city has already secured funding for the first two phases. Although the shoreline improvements outlined in phase one are planned to begin construction this year, they likely won’t be completed until the first quarter of 2026. Phase two’s renovations, however, including the splash pad, should be completed within the next year.
(Samantha Morell for Biscayne Times)
Residents gather under the shade at Margaret Pace Park during a summer of extreme heat in Miami.
Phase three will bring additional beach volleyball courts to the park, as well as a sandy area for recreational activities. Construction could begin in late 2024 and be completed the following year. Phase four, following the same timeline, will bring an expanded tennis court, upgraded basketball courts and new pickleball courts to meet a growing demand for the new sports trend. (Evans had to pause for applause at this point in his announcement.)
The final phase of the project will bring an updated two-story community center to Margaret Pace Park, including rooms for fitness classes, art workshops, community meetings and social events, as well as a computer lab with internet access and a panoramic viewing area overlooking the park. It will also feature park offices and a visitors’ center for increased resident accessibility.
(Samantha Morell for Biscayne Times)
The first phase of the Margaret Pace Park Master Plan will bring shoreline improvements to mitigate sea-level rise and storm surge.
Construction for the community center is planned to begin late 2026 and expected to last until 2028.
Additional features of the plan include a renovated park entrance with flowers and an art installation, outdoor fitness areas and equipment, kayak kiosks and launch areas, concession stands, new restroom facilities, gathering areas that include “social stairs” and a group pavilion, multipurpose fields, play areas and a palm hammock grove. Public art and native landscaping will also be implemented throughout the park.
(Samantha Morell for Biscayne Times)
Phases three and four of the Margaret Pace Park Master Plan will bring upgrades to existing tennis and basketball courts, as well as new beach volleyball and pickleball courts.
The city of Miami has identified sources of funding for the project which include more than $660,000 in Margaret Pace Park enhancement bonds, $400,000 in Edgewater Neighborhood Area Baywalk and Improvements bonds, just over $1 million in impact fees for shoreline design and $196,300 from the Florida Inland Navigation taxing district. To complete phases three through five of the project, for which funding has not yet been secured, city staff hope to dip into additional impact fees from development projects in the area, Omni CRA grants and a series of federal grant programs.
However, the plan is by no means a done deal. Right now, the city is hoping to gather community feedback to better understand residents’ wishes. Banners detailing the plan are posted throughout Margaret Pace Park, which include QR codes to an ongoing survey on the proposed plan.
Residents are also encouraged to reach out to the parks and recreation department or to Covo’s office to share their thoughts.
“This plan is not set in stone,” said Covo. “What we want is your feedback to give you the best park ever.”