Shenandoah Park is one of the most important gathering places for families in our neighborhood. Our children deserve a place where they can play, explore and enjoy being outdoors — while parents can feel confident that their safety has been thoughtfully considered.

We are asking the City of Miami to conduct a comprehensive safety review of the large tower and slide structure at Shenandoah Park and to begin the process of replacing it with a safe, environmentally sustainable splash pad and water-play area designed for Miami’s climate.

Families in our community have raised concerns about injuries associated with the playground, including reports of falls, broken bones and burns. We are asking the City to review and publicly disclose documented injuries, emergency responses, complaints and other incidents associated with the structure since the playground opened.

These concerns have taken on new urgency following the September 25, 2026 incident in which a child was found unresponsive at Shenandoah Park and transported to Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition. Investigators were subsequently seen examining the playground and slide area.

We recognize that authorities have not established that the slide caused this incident, and we do not want to speculate about what happened. But an incident this serious, combined with concerns already expressed by families who use the playground, warrants a thorough and transparent safety review.

We’re asking the City of Miami to:

Immediately conduct an independent safety assessment of the tower and slide structure and restrict access to the structure while that assessment is completed.
Review and publicly report documented incidents involving injuries, emergency medical responses, complaints or safety concerns associated with the playground since it opened.
Engage Shenandoah residents and parents in determining what should replace the structure.
Evaluate replacing the tower slide with an environmentally sustainable, zero-depth splash pad and nature-based water-play area incorporating shade, slip-resistant surfaces, accessible play features, native landscaping and a water-recirculation/treatment system that minimizes water consumption.
Miami-Dade is already building this type of park.

This isn’t an unrealistic proposal.

Miami-Dade County has already developed the model we are asking the City of Miami to consider.

At North Trail Park, Miami-Dade Parks is developing a nature-based playground alongside a fenced splash pad that recirculates its water to conserve resources. The County describes the project as using sustainable design to promote conservation and environmental stewardship. 

Miami-Dade’s broader nature-based playground program similarly emphasizes connecting children’s recreation with environmental sustainability. 

And this approach is increasingly being adopted elsewhere in our community. The City of Miami’s conceptual master plan for Margaret Pace Park also includes a new playground and separate splash pad designed as an interactive water-play environment. 

We believe Shenandoah can do the same — and potentially do it even better.

Imagine a shaded, accessible splash area where young children can safely cool down during Miami’s hottest months, surrounded by native landscaping and nature-based play, while a recirculating water system reduces unnecessary water consumption.

Rather than simply removing something from our park, this is an opportunity to replace it with something better.

Something safer.

Something sustainable.

And something designed specifically for the families and climate of our Shenandoah community.

If you live in Shenandoah, use Shenandoah Park, or simply believe Miami’s children deserve safe and thoughtfully designed public spaces, please sign this petition and ask the City of Miami to work with our community on a safer future for Shenandoah Park.