South Pointe Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South Pointe Park |
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Promenade along Government Cut at South Pointe
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| Type | Municipal |
| Location | South Beach, Miami, Florida, United States |
| Area | 17 acres (6.9 ha) |
| Created | 1979 |
| Operated by | Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation Department |
| Status | Open all year |
South Pointe Park, also known as South Pointe, is a wonderful 17-acre park located in Miami Beach, Florida. You can find it at the very southern tip of the South Beach neighborhood. This park is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy amazing views of the ocean, nearby islands, and the city skyline. It's a popular spot for both people who live there and visitors.
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Park History: How South Pointe Park Began
From Government Land to Public Park
The land where South Pointe Park now stands was given to Miami Beach in 1979. This gift came from the Federal Government, which is the main government for the whole country. Before it became a park, the area was used for police horse stables and offices. It also helped harbor pilots who guide ships into the Port of Miami.
In 1984, all the old buildings were removed. This cleared the way to start building the park. The federal government helped pay for half of the construction costs.
Opening Day and Early Features
South Pointe Park officially opened its doors on October 25, 1985. It became the nineteenth public park in Miami Beach. Building the park cost about $3.6 million back then.
When it first opened, the park had many cool features. There was an amphitheater for shows and two wooden towers for observation. You could also find picnic areas and fitness courses. A long, 522-foot wooden boardwalk stretched over Miami Beach's last natural sand dune.
Making the Park Safe and Fun
During the planning stages, city officials wanted to make sure the park was a safe place. They hoped it would not attract people who might cause problems. To help with this, they planned for many festivals and events to happen there. The park was an important part of a bigger plan in the 1980s. This plan aimed to improve the entire South Pointe area, which was a bit run down at the time.
Modern Upgrades and Redesign
Plans for renovating the park first appeared in the city's 1995 master plan. However, a big renovation project didn't start until much later. This major upgrade cost $22.5 million and took 20 months to complete. It was finally finished in March 2009.
The redesign was handled by Hargreaves Associates, a company from New York City. They were hired to give the park a fresh new look. New features added during this renovation included wide, 20-foot walkways. These paths were lined with beautiful Florida limestone. A fun, ocean-themed playground for children was also added.
Park Amenities: What Can You Do at South Pointe?
South Pointe Park offers many great things to see and do. You can find a restaurant and a frozen yogurt stand for snacks. There's a special area just for kids to play. If you have a furry friend, there's also a dedicated dog park. After a swim, you can use the outdoor showers.
The park is located at the very southernmost point of South Beach. It borders Government Cut to the south. This is a waterway that connects the ocean to the Port of Miami. From the park, you can enjoy amazing panoramic views. You can see Biscayne Bay, Fisher Island, Downtown Miami, and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
See also
In Spanish: South Pointe Park para niños
