We support improving and enhancing our Miami-Dade County Parks through increased funding in the county budget by at least 10% this coming budget cycle. Protecting our parks, green public spaces, and environmentally endangered lands are a fundamental part of quality of life for our residents, supporting a healthy, active lifestyle for all age groups and interests, promoting relaxation, recreation and play, appreciation for our beautiful natural environment, and community. Parks build community, provide invaluable programming for youth, create a sense of attachment for residents and stimulate economic development through higher property values, job creation, tourism, healthcare savings, clean water and clean air.
During recent difficult budget times, Miami-Dade County has suffered dramatic cuts to parks budgets for operations and maintenance. If not reversed, this neglect will erode our parks from community assets to neighborhood blights.
With some additional funding for urgently needed repairs, we could start to restore our parks to the community gathering places for our kids, our elders, and our families that we expect from our County.