Lummus Park is arguably one of the most recognizable beachfront parks in the United States. Coconut palms swaying in the wind and the neon lights of Ocean Drive are synonymous with Miami Beach across the world. Lummus Park should be at the center of recreational and cultural life for residents and visitors.

The City recently began a transformational reimagining of South Beach by creating the Art Deco Cultural District (ADCD), with Zyscovich Architects developing a land use, mobility, and economic development study, that also encompasses Lummus Park.  A separate agreement with Calvin, Giordano, and Associates (CGA), includes the development of a master plan for long term improvements to Lummus Park, including those funded in the 2018 G.O. Bond Program. 

This period of planning and analysis presents an ideal time to pilot family-friendly activations that will attract residents and visitors alike to Lummus Park.  There are a myriad of possible activation options, including, but not limited to, space for art and cultural exhibits, concerts, tournaments, sports, carousel, or other high-end attractions popular in other sea-side locations including Santa Monica, Geneva, and Seattle.  Reinvigorated interest in Lummus Park and the Art Deco Cultural District would also benefit the surrounding businesses. The results can also be used to inform the planning processes underway by Zyscovich Architects and CGA, as real time feedback.

A preliminary concept by Zyscovich Architects was presented to the Art Deco Cultural District Panel on January 22, 2021. This included expanding the greenspace of Lummus Park into the existing spoil area, between the serpentine pathway and the sand dunes. The spoil area presents an opportunity to pilot an activation that will contribute to the Miami Beach and South Beach experience. Certain sections of the Lummus Park spoil area are largely underutilized outside a few recurring major events throughout the year and Muscle Beach and volleyball courts.

New proposed initiatives for pilot activation plan:

• Carousel

• Miniature Golf Course
• Art Deco-Styled Playscape
• Nature trails
• Shakespeare in the Park
• Replica of the Biscayne House of Refuge
• Art-Deco-styled Lifeguard Collection
• Amphitheater
• Coffee and Ice Cream Kiosks
• Exhibit of WWII Military Training in Miami Beach (https://mdpl.org/archives/2020/04/photographs-of-wwii-military-in-miami-beach/)

Based on feedback from members of the community, my recommendation is to move forward with implementing these amenities within the Lummus Park spoil area.  The final location of the activation plan shall be determined as part of the vendor engagement process.  Preparing and soliciting a request for proposals (RFP), or other suitable procurement mechanism, would be necessary to select a responsible and responsive firm to build and/or manage this activation.

Attached is an exhibit that offers an overview of Lummus Park, highlighting the sections of the spoil area, broken down into three categories:  areas of low use; areas with limited infrequent use, such as for periodic special events; and areas with high daily use by the public and in furtherance of government operations.