The city has approved a $1.1 million purchase of two Plaza Street lots to create a passive neighborhood park, adding green space to a rapidly changing corner of the West Grove.
The Miami City Commission has approved the purchase of two residential lots in the West Grove to create the neighborhood’s newest park.
The adjacent lots — 3501 and 3503 Plaza Street — will be purchased from Stirrup Properties Inc. for $1.1 million using money from the city’s Public Benefits Trust Fund and the Parks and Open Space Trust Fund. The decision was finalized at the Nov. 20 City Commission meeting.
“Creating parks and green spaces is a priority for our office and the city,” Miami District 2 Commissioner Damian Pardo told the Spotlight. “The owner of these parcels was willing to sell them at below-market value to support the creation of more neighborhood green space.”
The undeveloped property, running along Plaza Street from William Avenue to Charles Avenue, includes several hardwoods and low shrubs.
While details for improvements and amenities are still pending, the park is expected to remain a passive green space, rather than one devoted to recreation.
Design specifics, cost, a timeline for improvements — and a name — will be announced at a later date after city officials seek input from residents and other community stakeholders, Pardo said.
The city’s Parks and Recreation Department did not respond to requests for comment.
Nearby resident Don Kerr is thrilled to see the city investment in his neighborhood.
“I think it’s great for the neighborhood,” he said. “The more green space the better.”
The new park will be the first addition to the city’s parks inventory in West Grove since Thelma Gibson Heritage Garden — a right-of-way between Frow Avenue and Percival Avenue converted to pedestrian corridor and passive green space about a decade ago.
West Grove’s three other parks include Armbrister Park and Elizabeth Virrick Park — both geared toward sports and recreation — and the passive Billy Rolle Mini Park on Grand Avenue
Pardo said the parcel’s availability — at a reasonable price — weighed heavily in the city’s decision to acquire the land, especially in light of nearby affordable housing initiatives that will add residents to the fast-changing area.
“Creating this type of amenity goes hand in hand with the kind of investment that better enhances neighborhoods in our district,” Pardo said.
