MIAMI — Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces in partnership with The Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) is excited to announce a new public engagement survey now giving residents the opportunity to participate in the development of a countywide “Waterfront Recreation Access Plan” (WRAP). The intent of the WRAP is to develop a community-informed strategic plan to improve public access to the county’s waterways, while protecting the marine environment and waterfront businesses, increasing recreational and eco-tourism opportunities, implementing adaptations for climate change, and expanding connectivity to the bay.
Miami-Dade County Parks and The Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) recognize the importance of an environmentally sound, resilient, economically competitive, and accessible waterfront. The Parks Department and FIND will be collaborating with an interdisciplinary team of professionals, including planners, environmental engineers, and economists, representing multiple federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as key stakeholder groups who will assist with the development of the plan.
The WRAP is part of the implementation of the Miami-Dade County Parks and Open Space Master Plan, unanimously adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in 2008. This comprehensive plan includes the development of an interconnected system of blueways that provide wildlife habitat, scenic vistas, and recreation and transportation opportunities, including connections to the county’s inland canal and lake systems to encourage different water experiences and reduce impacts on Biscayne Bay.
Miami-Dade County Parks Director Maria I. Nardi remarked, “Recreational water experiences that include facilities and programs for shoreline fishing, walking, swimming, paddle boarding, boating, sailing, canoeing and kayaking have been a priority and focus of Miami-Dade Parks for the past 90 years. We look forward to working with the community to identify new opportunities for improved access while keeping marine conservation clearly in focus.”
Florida Inland Navigation District Commissioner T. Spencer Crowley shared, “People are encouraged to responsibly use, enjoy and protect these unique natural resources. Public input is a vital component in the development of this plan, as it allows us to better serve the needs of residents and the community.”
The significance of an accessible waterfront was considered when Miami-Dade County adopted its master plan in 2008, a vision for a healthy, livable and prosperous community Essential components in preserving Miami-Dade’s natural beauty and way of life include recreational waterfront access through parks and public spaces, a resilient marine-related economy, and environmental protections, including green infrastructure to mitigate the effects of rising sea levels. However, there is not an existing and unifying strategic plan for our waterways. The WRAP initiative will fulfill this need.
To provide your input for WRAP, please visit the survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/wrapsurvey2020
The survey will be online for the remainder of August through September 20, 2020.
Future public outreach efforts are planned, including online community input surveys and public meetings via Zoom.
