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Growth in South Florida is varied
by: ????
May 23, 2006
The growth in South Florida is varied in its scope and intent. After more than a decade of planning and two years of construction, the long-awaited, much-anticipated Miramar Regional Park is open. ''It's going to be really cool . . . a shining star for Miramar and a feather in the city's cap,'' resident Carl Lanke said.
The 173-acre expanse at 16801 Miramar Pkwy. features a first phase with 39 acres for sports and activities and areas for relaxing. Terry Griffin, Miramar's acting Community Services director, said the active area includes two cricket pitches, four combo football/soccer fields, two large covered and gated playground areas, a sand volleyball court and two basketball courts.
Other amenities are four large Mediterranean-style concrete pavilions. The largest one can accommodate as many as 300 people, seated. Another is situated near the playing fields and is equipped with concession and kitchen facilities, three restroom areas, water fountains, 50 wrought-iron picnic tables and benches.
''People have been looking forward to the park for so long that we're getting slammed with phone calls for reservations. It's been just fantastic,'' Park Supervisor Gayle Gulotta said.
Already, a youth soccer tournament for 150 teams will be held there today. On June 18, Broward Caribbean Carnival will host a launch event complete with costumed revelers, steel bands and a midway of vendors. Yoga classes and a free summer reading program are also on the horizon.
Adjacent to 37 acres of wetland, a quiet area boasts a interactive view designed by artists Mags Harries and Lajos Heder and sponsored by the Broward Cultural Division's Art in Public Places program.
The naturescape consists of majestic coral rock boulders excavated from the land then carved to create seating spaces, a preserved wetland area with fishing stations and an elevated grassy natural amphitheater, called an Earth Bowl, which will overlook a floating gazebo in waters stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish. Surrounding the installation are two circular pathways dotted with fossil-like imprints of plants, animals, shells and butterflies.
''The art area is perfect for sitting and thinking,'' Griffin said.
The land was originally owned by Broward County and earmarked to become home to the Broward County Fair. After meeting vehement resistance for the plan, the county sold the land to Miramar in 2002 and chipped in $15.9 million to build a regional park. Another $400,000 came from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Griffin said phase two, scheduled for construction this summer, will add a water attraction with a competition pool, diving area, splash playground, bathhouse and concession building to the park.
It's refreshing to realize that in South Florida, the definition of "development" includes green space and quality of life improvements rather than just high rises and steel. In South Florida, you can rest assured that every aspect of living gets equal respect in terms of importance. It's truly an area to live, work, play and relax in the most gorgeous setting available.
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