Designers propose a Park District for Miami Beach’s West Lots; committee refers master plan to commission

Design consultants working with the Miami Beach Parks Department told the Land Use & Sustainability Committee on April 1 that eight parcels between 79th and 87th streets could be tied into a single Park District to strengthen connections to North Shore Open Space Park.

John Rebar, director of Parks, Facilities, Fleet & Beaches, said the parcels currently include parking, a skate park, ad hoc uses and some open green space and that the city asked Miller (the consultant) to prepare a conceptual master plan rather than piecemeal fixes. The consultant presented an inventory analysis and recommended tying east–west corridors, improving canopy and pedestrian connections, and preparing 2–3 conceptual options for community review.

The committee discussed programming options—green space, parking management, social spaces, fitness (outdoor exercise/pump track), and a potential farmers market—and the importance of a community charrette. Commissioners noted about $5 million in GO bond seed money for the West Lots and additional potential CRA and grant funds for design and initial implementation. Commissioner Bhatt recommended a neighborhood‑focused engagement and suggested keeping programming discussion with the neighborhoods committee while retaining land‑use oversight in land use.

Committee members moved to send a recommendation to the full commission to initiate a conceptual master plan and to have staff follow a public engagement process (charrettes and 2–3 conceptual options); programming and final design will be coordinated with neighborhoods and parks staff.