| | | | | | | | | TO: | Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee Members
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| FROM:
| Alina T. Hudak, City Manager |
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| | DATE: | June 11, 2021
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| | SUBJECT: | DISCUSS INVESTING IN PLAYGROUNDS IN LUMMUS PARK |
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| | | | | | | | HISTORY:
| | At the February 12, 2020 City Commission meeting, a discussion to invest in playgrounds in Lummus Park, sponsored by Commissioner Arriola, was referred to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (FERC). |
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| | | | | | | | ANALYSIS:
| Lummus Park is located between Ocean Drive and the Atlantic Ocean between 5th Street and 15th Street. The park is popular with residents, tourists, and eventgoers, and features large passive areas, a playground for ages 2-12, public restrooms, paved paths, sand volleyball courts, a fitness area, and Muscle Beach South Beach.
On November 6, 2018, Miami Beach residents approved a ballot measure, which authorized the issuance of a general obligation bond (G.O. Bond) to fund certain projects. Among them are the Lummus Park Revitalization and Ocean Drive Improvement projects.
On July 31, 2019 the City Commission, via Resolution 2019-30914, subsequent to the issuance of a Request for Qualifications awarded a contract for a land use, mobility and economic development study of the entertainment district to Zyscovich, Inc. (Zyscovich). The study, encompassing the area from Washington Avenue to Ocean Drive and 5th Street to 17th Street, shall provide land use and mobility recommendations for each of the three major corridors. The recommendations from the study, as adopted by the City Commission, will form the basis for a more detailed concept and design plans for Washington Avenue and Ocean Drive.
On September 16, 2020 the City Commission, via Resolution 2020-31396, subsequent to the issuance of a Request for Qualifications awarded a contract for Architectural and Engineering Design Services for Lummus Park Master Plan to Calvin, Giordano and Associates, Inc. (CGA). This agreement shall serve to develop and design a master plan for Lummus Park that provides a cohesive long-term vision which addresses the immediate needs identified in the general obligation bond project description and additional enhancements to be developed during visioning process with residents, Administration, elected officials, and other stakeholders. Different options for implementation and funding will be developed during this process.
Both of the above listed contracts are currently active and ongoing.
The Lummus Park master plan, currently in development by CGA, will include the immediate needs of the park such as landscaping beautification and new trees; a new crushed-shell walkway with wayfinding signage; and the expansion and upgrade of the park irrigation system.
On May 21, 2021, Zyscovich presented the Vision Plan for the Art Deco Cultural District (ADCD) to the Mayor’s ADCD Panel for discussion and review. The vision plan, while dedicated to a much broader area, also addressed how the ADCD will interact with Lummus Park, and how the park will support the vision for the revitalization of Ocean Drive.
A capital budget request in the amount of $750,000 has been submitted by the Parks & Recreation Department for the replacement of the Lummus Park playground (located between 12th and 13th street) and is currently programmed for Fiscal Year 2023.
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| | | | | | | | CONCLUSION:
| | Given the highly interactive nature of these plans and the fact that funding of the playground is requested for FY 22-23, the Administration recommends the discussion of investing in a new playground should be taken up concurrently with the Zyscovich’s Vision Plan and CGA master plan when they are sufficiently developed within the next 6 months. |
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| | | | | | | | Applicable Area
| | South Beach |
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| | | | | | | | | Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item, pursuant to City Code Section 2-14? | | Does this item utilize G.O. Bond Funds? | | | Yes | | Yes | |
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