Pivoting parks: Miami’s 2020 in pictures
Public spaces became increasingly important during an unprecedented year
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Reimagining the Civic Commons cities found unique and safe ways to encourage the use of public spaces at a time when members of their communities needed connection more than ever. Today we take a look at Miami, Fla. eighth in a series of photo essays celebrating public space efforts in cities across the country.
To address years of neglect and underfunding, a network of Miami leaders is focusing on advocacy to promote high-quality, equitable public spaces. By engaging residents in advocacy and developing shared policy priorities, the civic commons team is working to increase local investment in parks and recreation to meet the needs of diverse communities.
Reimagined recreation
Early on in the pandemic, parks in Miami were closed. As those parks reopened, visitors still couldn’t play table games, have picnics, nor gather in groups of 10 or more. People were also not allowed to use bike racks, playgrounds, exercise equipment, dog parks, recreation buildings, picnic shelters, gyms, campgrounds, skate parks, splash pads, swimming pools, and concessions.
The extended closure of dog parks meant a lot more sightings of people with their furry friends in different public spaces across the city. Once parks reopened, residents got creative, even employing them as a virtual reality studio. And with many restaurants remaining closed for much of the year, residents found another way to dine outdoors — “al fresco” dining in the city’s greenspaces.
Public space is critical for public health
“Miami-Dade County has been the epicenter of the novel coronavirus in Florida, its 230,000-plus COVID-19 cases accounting for more than one-fifth of the state’s one million tally.” — Devoun Cetoute, The Miami Herald
Leveraging parks for public health, Tropical Park, one of Miami-Dade County’s most beloved outdoor spaces, was retooled as a drive-thru COVID testing site. Residents flocked to the site both after county-wide testing closures due to November tropical storm Eta, and ahead of and after the Thanksgiving holiday.
“We will motivate our community to enjoy our beautiful parks and our outdoor spaces during the holidays.” — Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami CBS
Local leaders embraced parks as places to safely recreate and connect as waves of families enjoyed the city’s open spaces. In launching the “We Can, We Will” campaign, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava recognized the increasing role of parks and public spaces in promoting public health. The campaign is a collaborative effort by Miami-Dade County, city mayors, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, businesses, health and community leaders to share positive messages about key behaviors, including spending time outside in parks, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially over the holiday season.
Increased advocacy for parks
The Miami-Dade County parks system estimates $13 million in staffing needs alone, at a time when open spaces are most in need across the region. Movements like defund the police highlighted the large funding inequities for social service including public open space. While advocacy looked different this year — with public meetings held online — even from home, advocacy for our parks remains a top priority for Miamians.
Next up: Detroit.
Reimagining the Civic Commons is a collaboration of The JPB Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, William Penn Foundation, and local partners.
