Brickell needs an official dog park.  A large number of residents have dogs and this number is growing fast.   Without doubt, we need at least one (or two) dog parks, walking distance, so dog owners can take their mascots to a public space where dogs can interact off- leash and be able to play + run free.  Brickell deserves a park like Blanche Park in Coconut Grove, the Village Green Dog Park in Key Biscayne, and Maurice Ferre Bayfront Dog Parks in Downtown Miami.  It’s embarrassing Brickell doesn’t have anything to match. 

The green lawn space with a walk path and trees, water fountains and benches would beautify the area and help keep Brickell streets clean and dog poop free.

A year ago, there was talk of creating one in the Underline or in Southside Park, but NO similar dog park exists to date in Brickell. Today, South Side Park is just a construction site full of noise, debris and no safety enclosure to protect those in the public park. The existing gates are chained open so they cannot be closed to keep children or pets safe.  There is barely any scaffolding or protection barrier, making the existing playground unsafe for children (as well as adults and pets)  The water fountain is broken and there is no water hose available to rinse. Basically, Miami is not doing a good job to protect or take care of this park. 

As Brickell continues to grow, Miami city officials must also provide basic amenities and that needs to include dog parks.  Right now we can only take our dogs to the Icon lawn and Southside Park, yet these are not officially dog parks and they are not allowed to run off leash.

I am not excluding the need for playgrounds for children either. This is also important.  As previously mentioned, Southside Park is currently in terrible state because of the adjacent construction that started a year ago.  The construction of the new building will take years to complete and, in the meantime, there’s a potential risk of falling material debris… there is insufficient scaffolding or protective barrier for pedestrians, pets, cars and surrounding buildings ( including the historic schoolhouse that is projected to end up in the back-of-house alley of the new high-rise).

Once the new building is complete, Southside Park will barely have sunlight since the skyscraper building will cast a huge shadow on the park, the playground, the schoolhouse and the neighborhood. The new development project also eliminates the existing green lawn that this city is so desperately lacking. There is no “Central Park”.

Brickell residents pay taxes and contribute to the neighborhood in many ways - Miami city officials and developers need to step up to provide what we need or get out and make room for those who will.

In summary - Brickell should have safe, clean children playgrounds and dog parks with sun, water, trees and grass that are walking distance!!!  Including parking spaces to accommodate those who may have to drive there.

If you agree, please sign this petition, share this petition and become part of the solution. 
Thanks in advance.