Chapman Field Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chapman Field Park |
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|---|---|
| Type | Municipal |
| Location | 13601 Old Cutler Road Miami, Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States |
| Area | 483 acres (1.95 km2) 51 acres (0.21 km2), land |
| Created | 1949 |
| Operated by | Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation Department |
| Website | Chapman Field Park |
Chapman Field Park is a large park in Miami-Dade County, Florida. It covers about 483-acre (1.95 km2) of land. You can find it in the southern part of Coral Gables, Florida on Old Cutler Road.
Most of the park, about 432 acres (1.75 km2), is made up of natural areas. These include mangrove forests and saltwater estuaries. The rest, about 51 acres (21 ha), has been developed for people to enjoy.
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What is Chapman Field Park?
Chapman Field Park is a big green space in a busy area. It offers a mix of natural beauty and places for activities. The park is managed by the Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation Department. It's a great spot for nature lovers and those looking for outdoor fun.
A Look Back: The Park's History
The land where Chapman Field Park now sits has a long and interesting past. It wasn't always a park. Over the years, it has served many different purposes.
From Airfield to Garden
During World War I, this property was first used by the army. It was an airfield where planes could take off and land. After the war, the land was no longer needed by the military.
In 1923, the United States Department of Agriculture started using part of the land. They turned about 160 acres (0.65 km2) into a special garden. This garden was used to introduce new plants to the area.
How the Park Grew
By 1940, local leaders in Miami-Dade County wanted to get some of this land. They saw its potential for public use. In 1947, more land was added to the plant garden.
Then, in 1949, the land was again declared "surplus" by the War Department. This meant the military didn't need it anymore. The University of Miami bought 150 acres (0.61 km2) for a marine science school. Miami-Dade County bought the remaining 483 acres (1.95 km2) to create the park we know today.
For many years, not much was done to develop the park. But in 1972, money became available for improvements. This led to the building of three baseball fields with lights. The county still has plans to make the park even better in the future.
What Can You Do There?
Chapman Field Park offers a few ways to enjoy the outdoors. It's a place where you can connect with nature.
The park used to have three baseball fields. These fields were used by local youth leagues. However, the baseball and softball fields, along with batting cages, were closed in 2014. This was due to environmental safety concerns. These areas are now overgrown.
Even though the baseball fields are closed, there's still a way to explore the water. The park has a ramp for canoes and kayaks. This ramp is still open and easy to access. It's a great way to paddle through the nearby waterways.
