As a passionate soccer player with dreams of going professional, Pelican Park in Sunny Isles Beach, FL, is like a second home to me. It's where I practice and hone my skills every day after school and on weekdays. However, there's an ongoing issue that's been frustrating for me and many others in our community. Despite being labeled as a public park, Pelican Park often closes its doors to local citizens, particularly on weekdays, because it's rented out to private groups. This is not just about me—it's about all the kids who seek a place to play, practice, and grow in their chosen sports.

Pelican Park is a vital community resource. It's more than just a field—it's a space for recreation, skill development, and community bonding. On any given weekday, children from all over Sunny Isles Beach flock to the park to engage in various sports activities. This public park provides an essential outlet for physical activity, which is crucial for the well-being of our youth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular physical activity for children improves mental health, enhances performance in school, and reduces stress and anxiety.

Unfortunately, the park's potential is undermined whenever it is reserved for private entities. This practice limits access to taxpayers who support these public spaces, reducing the opportunities for our youth to practice and enjoy sports. Public parks should prioritize the needs of the local community and ensure they remain accessible and open to everyone.

Sunny Isles Beach deserves better. The city needs to create a balanced schedule that allows community members to enjoy the park more freely without excessive closures due to private rentals. This could include restricting private bookings to a fixed number of days per month or guaranteeing that certain fields are always available for public use during peak hours. This would ensure everyone, especially aspiring athletes like me, has the chance to practice and play.

Please join me in calling on the Sunny Isles Beach city officials to reassess the rental policy for Pelican Park, prioritizing local children and community members. Together, we can ensure that our public parks truly serve the public and foster the dreams and health of our community. Sign this petition to make Pelican Park accessible to all and protect the future of our local youth athletes!