south pointe park layout

FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FL JULY 2005

IMPROVING SOUTH POINTE PARK BODR basis of design report0HARGREAVES ASSOCIATES WITH SAVINO & MILLER, WILLIAM LANE ARCHITECT



Acknowledgements

Mayor David DermerCommissioner Matti Herrera BowerCommissioner Simon CruzCommissioner Luis R. Garcia, Jr.Commissioner Saul GrossCommissioner Jose SmithCommissioner Richard Steinberg

Jorge M. Gonzalez, City ManagerTim Hemstreet, Assistant City Manager

City of Miami Beach Departments:Capital Improvements Projects Office

Jorge Chartrand Kristin McKewRonnie SingerDiana TrettinNury Menicucci

Parks and RecreationKevin SmithDale Bryant

Ocean RescueVincent Andreano

Planning and ZoningJorge GomezWilliam H. CaryThomas MooneyRubin CaldwellMichael Belush

And the hundreds of community members who participated in the planning process.



Executive Summary 5

1.0 What are the planning tasks? 9Purpose, scope & teamBoundariesPlanning process

2.0 What makes up the place? 15Existing spaces & facilitiesPeople & park users

3.0 How does the place work? 21VisitationChanges over time

4.0 Does the place work well? 29Park user satisfactionPark differentiationLayout issues

5.0 How might the place be changed? 35Layout strategy10 Improvement projectsEvolution of layoutsVariable funded layouts

6.0 What impacts might the changes cause? 81Positive impacts - improved systems

people & pet interactionservicing & safety accesscomfort & conveniencessignage, interpretation & artplanting & habitatenergy & lighting

Negative impacts - mitigation

7.0 Which changes should be made? 89Recommended improvementsImplementation strategy

Funding Compliance & ApprovalsSchedule

Appendices 93Appendix A Meeting MinutesAppendix B Budget Opinion of Cost Appendix C: Pavilion Plans, Sections and Detailed Program



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

improvements that enrich & enliven an amazing place

a unified park, with exciting places for play, relaxation, and discovery

improved circulation, parking, and infrastructure for a safer, better functioning park

celebrates the natural features of the ocean, government cut, and biscayne bay

strengthens connections to adjacent neighborhoods, pathways, and streets



South Pointe Park Improvements: a memorable, comfortable park experience.More than ever, parks serve an important role in cities, providing places for leisure, gathering, recreation, and entertainment, catering to visitors and local community alike. Parks stabilize neighborhoods and encourage private sector investment. Done well, parks provide a positive community focal point that responds to the culture, climate and place in a beautiful, well crafted manner.

South Pointe Park‘s location and surrounding neighborhood sets it up to be one of Miami Beach’s premiere parks. Its location at the southern most tip of Miami Beach allows users to see the region in three ways- the Atlantic Ocean to the East, Government Cut and Fisher Island to the South, and Biscayne Bay and the Port of Miami to the West. These provide wide horizons for viewing sunrises and sunsets, watching huge cruise and cargo ships passing by, and observing the tidal relationship between the Bay and the Ocean. The adjacent neighborhood is lively and growing, making South Pointe Park a daily destination for hundreds. Regional users visit for picnicking, views, and its adjacency to some of the best surfing beaches in Miami Beach.

After the initial park was created following the Federal land transfer in 1985, South Pointe Park has had few improvements in design and infrastructure. Currently, picnic buildings are crumbing, planting areas have become overgrown, and lighting is not consistently working. These isolated issues brought to attention the overarching need to upgrade the park as a whole: a transformation to meet modern park needs and create an exciting, beautiful destination for neighbors and visitors alike.

Since the City’s Parks Bond Master Plan was issued in 1995, there have been various efforts to consider and plan improvements to South Pointe Park. Because of ongoing dramatic land use and demographic changes in the immediate area around the Park, the planning of these improvements has been delayed until now. The recent agreement between the City and the private landowner adjacent to the Park provides the transfer of approximately two acres to the Park. With these two items determined, the City saw this as the optimal point to begin designing the South Pointe Park Improvement Project.

Planning efforts first focused on solving some of the existing core physical problems and understanding the Park’s history and role in Miami Beach. Next, options were created with community involvement and input that showcased the best of the Park’s assets and unify the Park’s spaces. Lastly, some detailed Park concerns that emerged further along in the design process were solved. In all, the improvements suggested in the Recommended Plan for South Pointe Park achieved overwhelming consensus with the community. Additionally, there is great excitement from the community to implement this plan quickly.



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

improvements to showcase an amazing place

Location of South Pointe Park, Miami Beach, Florida



Planning PrinciplesThe existing configuration and lack of program depress the park experience at South Pointe Park. The Park has a natural, relaxed feeling, but also lacks detail and richness that make the park a memorable experience. Facilities are aged and non-functioning. Principles were developed early to frame Park planning options. These are:

1. Park’s edges shall respond to beach, bay and neighborhood frontages

2. Connect Park walks with off-site walks3. Integrate the Alaska Parcel into the new Park design4. Keep, but enhance, lawn areas for passive uses5. Remove barriers in the Park that separate it into three

sub areas and limit sight lines6. Create a mid Park walk for enhanced pedestrian access

and patrol7. Upgrade “Cut Walk” to enhance the experience and

relieve congestion8. Consolidate new building program to one well designed

Park pavilion9. Add missing program to diversify Park users and

experiences such as a playground10.Mitigate the negative effects of the current parking,

without adding more cars11.Address the future of the fishing pier and its relationship

to the Park

Ten Improvement ProjectsWorking with these principles, 10 improvement projects and a Recommended Plan were created. These improvement projects are the spaces, frameworks and features that together will make a unified, fully integrated park from the park boundaries and to the adjacent neighborhoods.Spaces1. Bay Inlet: enhances the connection to Biscayne Bay2. Palm Lawns: open lawns for passive, informal uses3. Tropical Garden Lots: uses garden areas to screen and

reorganize parking lots4. Dune Fields: lawn and native planted landforms Framework and Features5. Mid Park Walks: activates the center of the park6. Cut Walk: accentuates the dramatic park edge7. Park Pavilion: creates a new community amenity8. Playground: unique, regionally derived play experiences9. Washington Avenue Entry: an inviting gateway10. Fishing Pier: elements of pier remain for continued access

Project Cost, Schedule, and Next StepsThe Recommended Plan is estimated to cost $10.2 million, which is about $2.2 million more than the current budget. A cost estimate is detailed in the appendix of this report. A detailed project schedule and next steps is provided in Section 7 of this report. Briefly, the next steps are:

Action: Approximate time to complete:1. Obtain additional funding: not known2. Additional agency approval: not known 3. Design documentation: eight months4. Construction: twelve months



WHAT ARE THE PLANNING TASKS?

to improve parks because we believe parks improve us

1.0

IMPROVE

mejore

PEOPLE

gente

PARKS

parques

IMPROVE

mejore

“We are committed to fulfilling the recreational, cultural and leisure interests of all that live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community”

City of Miami Beach Parks & Recreation Mission



Purpose & ScopeThe City and community had desired to improve the Park for over a decade, however, rapid change in surrounding neighborhood necessitated postponing. In the meantime, the Park’s facilities and infrastructure are outdated or in need of essential repairs. However, the Park’s popularity with daily users and visitors has not waned. This planning study is the chance to change and bring the Park into the future.

The purpose of this phase of work was to develop a concept plan that met the City’s function requirements, addressed community input, and stayed within the established schedule and cost parameters, vision, program and cost for South Pointe Park.

The planning phase of the project included the following major tasks: 1) Project kickoff meeting; 2) Visioning session with the City to clarify project goals and confirm Project Budget; 3)Site Reconnaissance Visit and Development of Design Concept Alternatives; 4) two Community Design Workshops to provide residents the opportunity to participate in the planning process; and 5) the preparation and presentation of a Basis of Design Report (BODR) for approval by the Mayor and City Commission.

Planning Team: Community, City, and ConsultantsThe City selected from short listed firms the landscape architecture firm Hargreaves Associates in December 2004 to lead the planning efforts for South Pointe Park Improvements. Savino Miller Design Studio and William Lane Architects assisted in landscape architecture and architecture development, respectively. The Consultant team worked closely with the City and the community. Two Community Design Workshops were held with the community, which were very effective at shaping the plan. Turnout was exceptional with over 60 attendees at both meetings. In addition, there were multiple meetings with city agencies such as Capital Improvement Projects Office (client), Parks and Recreation, Planning and Zoning, and Ocean Rescue.

BoundariesThe study area is:• Existing South Pointe Park (approximately 17 acres)• The new “Alaska” parcel (approximately 2 acres) to be

transferred to the City as a part of the Apogee Project agreement with the Related Group. This also includes the small boat basin located on Government Cut.

• The existing pier, where the Consultant team was to make a recommendation for the improvements to the pier although it is outside the Park boundaries. Further design of the pier would occur as a separate project.

• Connections between the Park and adjacent pedestrian and street corridors like Ocean Drive and Washington Avenue



1.0

run off, erosionwaste, pests, weeds

compaction

biomass

value & experience

place boundary

pollutioncongestion

graffiti, litter

noise dog wastevandalismanti-social behavior

management


approach parks as ecological, social & economic interactive systems

funds

energy

mat

eria

ls

info

rmat

ion

sun

waves

moon

rain

spaces within

communities

public gov biz

revenue

inputs

outputs

911 $

$

visitors

materials & facilities

Pliving resources

what parts make up the place?

what processes are at work?

does the place work well?

how might it be changed?

what impacts might the changes cause?

which changes should be to made?



Planning Process Approach: understand issues of outputs and inputsWell designed and integrated parks can be the civic and cultural focus of a community. Beneficial park outputs are both physical and psychological, and affect to people and other living creatures that visit the park. Parks can provide a piece of nature and cool respite for people and essential habitat for birds, small mammals and reptiles, and insects. Parks are also common ground for civic gatherings, protests, celebrations, and sports activities. As more people live in multi-family housing and high rise developments, parks are needed outdoor space for relaxation, escape, and exercise. When programmed accordingly, parks can also provide concession services to visitors, which provide a revenue stream to a city.

In its negative aspect, park’s outputs are the litter, waste, traffic, and crime that come with popular civic places. Unfortunately, park design cannot solve all social problems, but can minimize or deter negative outputs. For example, open sight lines and generously sized paths can both provide a comfortable pedestrian experience and support police cars for occasional patrolling.

All of this comes with an economic cost, another negative output. Park development costs depend on design goals to be met and budget allowances. Ongoing maintenance and services after park design is essential for a park’s success,

and more difficult to quantify. In order to receive the maximum investment in park design and improvements, park maintenance and other public service budgets should correlate to reach the maximum quality standard achievable.

Park systems also have inputs that effect its use and appearance. Perhaps most obvious are the physical inputs-the sun, land, trees, rain, and wind which shape the unique characteristics of the place. These tend to be the building blocks for park design.

Parks are also a place for people to work, whether vendors, maintenance personnel, or police. These people input quality of appearance, safety and service in parks.

Finally, one of the most important inputs to parks are the people who use them. The most successful, vibrant parks are used by a diversity of people at all times of day.

Why do we study park outputs and inputs? To prioritize the needs of this specific place, conditions, and people. For South Pointe Park, there were several issues that emerged during the planning process that helped the Consultant team understand and balance the input and output factors. These are discussed more specifically in the 10 Improvement Projects Section of this Report.




continuous planning & design study1.0

JJMAMF

final BODR report

draft BODR report

community design

workshop 2

community design

workshop 1

visioning concepts

kick off site visit

studyre

view

act

adap

t

times change

changes in information, perceptions, technology, funding, standards, boundaries etc

what parts make up the place?

what processes are at work?

does the place work well?

how might it be changed?

what impacts might the changes cause?

which changes should be to made?



Planning Process Steps & SchedulePark planning is a collaborative process that starts and finishes with a unifying purpose- that by working together we can improve our environment. A core philosophy for work on South Pointe Park is that it is rooted in the specificities of this site, community, program, and users.

A project network of interdependent relationships was fostered between the city, community members, design team, city leaders, and approving agencies.

As the design decisions were understood and clarified along the process, collaboration ‘looped’ to involve and seek feedback of people at key steps.

Key Project Dates: PurposeDecember Project Kickoff Meeting

March 10 City Visioning SessionConsultant Team presented analysis and three options to City

April 7 Community Design Workshop 1Consultant Team presented analysis, three options, and a recommended scheme to Community. Discussion followed.

June 2 Community Design Workshop 2Consultant Team presented refined Recommended Scheme to community based on input at CDW 1. Discussion followed.

July 11 General Obligation Bond Oversight Meeting

July 27 City Commission MeetingConsideration of Final BODR



2.017 acres existing

2 acres added

public parking- 115 spaces

restaurant

restaurant parking-105 spaces

maintenance storage

restrooms

shared walk & bikeway

shelters

beach boardwalk

fishing pier

WHAT PARTS MAKE UP THE PLACE?

existing spaces & facilities

P

P

beach

duneshelter grove

lawn

lawn

boatbasin

jetty

continuum

portofino

murano

pier

government cut

fisher island

biscayne st.

was

hing

ton

av.

apogee

additional public park

existing public park

P



Existing Spaces and Facilities South Point Park’s location and views are simply unparalleled in the region. However, many of its physical elements are in need of replacement or enhancement. The elements existing in the Park are:• Parking. Out of approximately 220 spaces, 105 spaces

are devoted to restaurant use. Parking needs are met during the week, but at weekends when need is high, users often Park on nearby streets and utilize the park for beach access.

• Restaurant. The Restaurant is a popular destination with outdoor seating provided south of the building. The restaurant has a lease with the City until 2025.

• Maintenance building. This facility is unattractive, in poor condition, and splits the Park. It provides a small classroom and storage for Parks & Recreation and Ocean Rescue.

• Restrooms. This facility is in poor condition, isolated and does not provide adequately accessible facilities.

• Shared walk and bikeway. At 12 feet wide, the walk becomes congested at times. For comparison, the Beach Walk is approximately 20 feet wide.

• Shelters. Many of the picnic shelters are in poor condition. They are not used frequently and are seen as attracting homeless population to the Park.

• Beach Boardwalk. The elevated, wooden boardwalk is a barrier to the beach from the park. It is also not connected to adjacent walks. This is also seen as attracting homeless to the Park as it provides covered shelter beneath.

• Fishing Pier. Closed to public access because of structural deterioration, the pier is one the few remaining in the area.



2.0

City Population by Residence (1)

city resident - fulltime

0% city resident - seasonal

0%out of city resident

staying nights23%

out of city resident on day trip

77%

City Residents by Race (8)

white27%

other hispanic or latino18%

puerto rican3%

american Indian/alaska native

0%

black or african american

3%

asian1%

hispanic or latino(of any race)

34%

cuban13%

mexican1%

cruise ship passengers are the largest “user”group

residents & visitors are increasingly cosmopolitan

city residents are swamped by visitors

sustainable tourism & sustainable communities

WHAT PARTS MAKE UP THE PLACE?

people : demographics

people from cars (7)

0%

people from cruise ships

(6)76%

people in park

recreation (3)

16%

people from restaurant

(4)3%

people from towers (5)

5%

1. City of Miami Beach Market Study 20022. opinion of how many people in the world see an image 3. estimate 420,000 people / yr4. estimate 250 people/day5. 30% of units in portofino, continuum, murano /day from (1)6. 50% of Port of Miami 2003 passengers7. estimate 35 cars/day at Washington Ave. terminus8. US Census 2000



People: Demographics in the Park.Residents. Miami Beach is home to a culturally, racially and demographically diverse population. Day to day Park use reflects this richness in its broad diversity of users. It is also used for other specific cultural purposes. For example, the Parkis a popular location for quinceaneras photographs.

Visitors. Miami Beach is also one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Because of the Park’s location at the southern end of Miami Beach, day to day use by tourists is not as popular as other places in Miami Beach. But the view of the Park from cruise ships makes those passengers the largest Park user group.



2.0 WHAT PARTS MAKE UP THE PLACE?

people : in park user profiles

Who lives here?

transients

Who works here?

restaurant staff

city staff

film crews

Who plays here?

locals & visitors

dog owners

diners

Who learns here?

locals kids summer camp



People: Park User ProfilesMost South Point Park users are using the Park in expected ways- relaxing on the lawn, walking along Government Cut, running or biking through as a part of a longer route, and passing through on the way to the beach. There are other user groups to consider in planning park improvements:

Transients. The picnic shelters, boardwalk and large mound are isolated and protected for lodging by homeless. While Park design cannot solve social issues like these, it can deter excessive use by homeless through physical changes and design.

Workers. The Park is a place of work for many people. As such, it needs to provide adequate circulation and facilities sothat their use does not detract from overall Park experience.

Day to Day Park Users. People come to the Park alone, with family or friends, and with their pets. This is the largest usergroup whose needs are the primary focus of improvement projects here.

Children. Parks and Recreation uses a room in the existing maintenance building for a popular summer fishing camp. This is a terrific way to engage and teach children about the environment and this place. Along with the classroom, the Park could expand its outreach to children vis-à-vis playgrounds, habitat oriented landscapes, and informal play areas.



3.0 WHAT PROCESSES ARE AT WORK?

visitation : activities

walking to beach is mostly a weekend & holiday activity

other activities are both weekend & weekday

the park is very social-over 90% of people are with other people or pets

missing activities & programs (eg. kids play, small events)

viewing ships & quinceaneras is unique

South Pointe Park user activities rank (3) Biscayne Bay resident user activates rank (2)

Walking to Beach 1 Viewing the Bay while walking, dining 1Walking the Cut 2 Swimming 2Eating out / dining out 3 Fishing 3Bicycling 4 Boating for pleasure / partying 4Walking with dog 5 Sailing 5Walking with stroller 6 Picnicking on Bay 6Sitting & viewing ships 7 Snorkeling 7Jogging/running 8 Scuba diving 8Blading 9 Sunset cruise 9Blading with dog 10 Canoeing / Kayaking 10Quinceaneras 11 Windsurfing 11Sitting & reading 12 Personal watercraft boating 12Sleeping in shade 12Personal watercraft boating 12Cooking out 12Skateboarding 12Picnicking 12Photography 12Fishing 12Swimming (not permitted) 12Segwaying 12

(2) Intercept survey of residents winter 2004, Biscayne Bay Economic Study Task 2 Report (3) Observations president's day weekend 2005



Visitation: activities. With its inherent beauty, and the frequency of warm, sunny weather, simply being at South Pointe Park is an enjoyable activity. Many of the activities that occur at South Pointe Parkare informal, passive uses. Expectedly, visitation peaks on weekends. Still, Miami Beach residents are physically active and many Park users come to the Park for daily exercise.

Viewing the passing ships is an activity unique to this Park. Unlike the beach area, from here one can view close-up the huge cargo ships, passenger ships and smaller motor craft passing by.

Government Cut’s currents are too swift for access directly into the water. Therefore water sports here such as swimming, kayaking and surfing are unsafe and discouraged.




visitation : yearly patterns

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

35000

40000

45000

50000

J F M A M J J A S O N D

events

weekend

weekday

over 400,000 visits /yr

peak season J F M A

weekend far exceeds weekday use

no event spikes

spring break spike

visitation will increase



Visitation: yearly patternsPeak use of the Park is in late winter and spring, when Miami Beach has a larger population of residents and visitors, and theweather is cooler.

There are few civic events held here. Of those occurring here, they tend to be small in size and do not effect overall visitation numbers.

During the planning process, a questionnaire issued at Community Design Workshop #1 showed that: • Residents visit the Park more than 100 days/ year• Used all seasons/ all times of day- afternoon, spring most

popular• Most come with a companion- spouse, friend or children• Most spend 1 hour or less in the Park

Daily and weekly patterns are diagrammed on the following two pages.




visitation : weekday patterns

early a.m. walking & running

service deliveries & maintenance crews

morning dog walking

restaurant lunching

lunch time visits

afternoon dog walking

afternoon running

sunset photography

fishing

restaurant dining

park closes

beach

duneshelter grove

lawn

lawn

bay

jetty

continuum

portofino

murano

pier

government cut

fisher island

biscayne st

was

hing

ton

av.

apogee

P

P

P



Weekday

beach

duneshelter grove

lawn

lawn

bay

jetty

continuum

portofino

murano

pier

government cut

fisher island

biscayne stw

ashi

ngto

n av

.apogee

P

PP

P

visitation: weekend patterns

parking control

early beach parking

parking in offsite and walking through park to beach

leaving beach to use restroom & shower

walking back from beach to parked cars




change over time

Pre 1900’s

Ocean beach dunes

Mangrove bay inlets

1902 Government Cut dredging to 18’project authorized by Federal Government

1905 Government Cut opened by Miami Mayor Sewell

1907 Southern jetty

1914 first streets laid out

1915 Town of Miami Beach incorporated

Photograph Source: Historical Museum of Southern Florida



Historic DevelopmentBefore development began in the mid 1910’s, Miami Beach was a wild subtropical barrier island with dunes and scrub forests to the east, and mangrove forests along Biscayne Bay. As Miami Beach rapidly developed to a resort and winter home haven, those wild landscapes are gone from almost all of Miami Beach.

The desire to expand the Port of Miami meant the creation and subsequent widening and dredging of Government Cut. This created South Pointe Park’s southern edge. For decades, the land that is today’s South Pointe Park was used by the Federal Government until its transfer in 1985 to the City of Miami Beach for public use.

Since the transfer, Park improvements have been incremental and satisfied Park needs for many years. However, the last decade has seen a residential increase surrounding the Park and an increase in Park use. Park facilities are worn, utilities are outdated, and basic Park amenities such as benches and trashcans are limited.

1926 Hurricane damage

1925 Government Cut dredged to 25’

1927 Million Dollar Pier & Kennel Club




1972 ‘Mardi Gras’ runs aground

1985 Federal Government transfers land to City of Miami Beach for public use


Biscayne Bay Pilots move base

1992 Andrew damage

2005 Government Cut Centennial



4.0 DOES THE PLACE WORK WELL?

park user satisfaction

Overall Rank Indicator of Low Value 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Indicator of High Value

recreational opportunites no appropriate activities 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 plenty of appropriate activites

sense of community pride neglect, no community events 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 pride, community events

feeling of relaxation & escape tense 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 relaxed

feeling of happiness & fun dull & boring 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 enjoyable, fun

recreational opportunities not enough 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 plenty

experience of nature lack of nature, pollution, no interpretation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 plenty of nature, unpolluted, interpretation

park design quality obsolete, no cultural significance 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 well designed, culturally significant

suitability for children & youth child unfriendly 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 child friendly

maintenance poorly maintained, dirty, disrepair 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 well maintained, clean

planting & greeenness sparse , unhealthy, over-developed 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 diverse, healthy, green spaces

crowdedness cramped, over-booked, traffic congestion 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 spacious, openess

freedom commercialized, exclusive, restrictive 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 free, inclusive, unconstrained

attractiveness ugly 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 beautiful

friendliness unfriendly & anti-social 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 friendly & social

accessibility inaccessible, inconvenient, no transit 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 accessible, convenient, transit link

other visitor's care litter, graffiti, dog poop, vandalism, noise 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 users care, clean, quite, peaceful

protection of public resource encroaching development 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 resources protected

facilities no / closed facilities, lack of shade/shelter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 adequate facilities

management & enforcement no staff, no info, unhelpful, slow 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 staff presence, helpful, quick, info & signs

health & safety hazardous facilities, accidents, injuries 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 safe facilities

crime & safety threatening day/night, reported crime 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 safe day & night

adapted from CABE Space Manifesto for Better Public Spaces 2004 ranked park issues



Park User Satisfaction.At Community Design Workshop #1, a questionnaire asked participants to share their views on the Park’s experience. The results showed that:

Most agreed that the Park has/is:

• feeling of relaxation & escape• feeling of happy and fun• convenient access• safe and healthy• lacks activities

There was a wider range of response on the following issues:

• recreational opportunities- are there enough?• cultural significance/ quality- is it being expressed well? • maintenance quality- is the park clean? • attractiveness- does the park look good? • management & enforcement- are measures being provided

that deter negative activities?



4.0 DOES THE PLACE WORK WELL?

local large park differentiation

flamingo

-is rec. park

-is neighborhood

-is more “active”

lummus

-is tourist show park

-is beach

-is “fun”

south pointe

-is more “passive”

-is beach to bay / ships

-is “refreshing”

f

l

s

higher use

per acre

lower use

per acre

more cultural

more natural

f

l s

sports complex

botanic garden

plaza

central park

pocket parkurban wild

national park



Local Large Park DifferentiationAt 17 acres, South Pointe Park is a one of the larger parks in Miami Beach, and should provide a unique park experience to add diversity to Miami Beach’s park network. Flamingo Park is a large neighborhood park that holds many of Miami Beach’s active sport users such as ball parks, sports fields and community swimming pool. Lummus Park parallels the beach and is located near many of the tourist oriented land uses. It is the park that hosts beach oriented or civic events.

With this understanding, South Pointe Park could be the ‘relaxing, refreshing’ Park of Miami Beach. Because of its location at the water and orientation to warm breezes and sun, it could also be more environmentally based.



4.01.park addition long term

2.under used path

3.boat basin unstable

4.low rise neighbors

5.dog off leashing

6.barriers

7.berm camp

8.shelter area underused

9.jetty is used

10.pier unsound

11.worn out facilities

12.missing program/ facilities

DOES THE PLACE WORK WELL?

layout issues

beach

dune

bay

jetty

continuum

portofino

murano

pier

government cut

fisher island

biscayne st.

was

hing

ton

av.

apogee

1

2

3

45 6

6

67

8

910

11



Layout IssuesKey layout issues shaped planning efforts: 1. Park addition long term. The Park will have an additional

two acres added to it under the Apogee agreement. 2. Under-used path. Ocean Drive access between Portifino

and Continuum is not visible and under used.3. Boat basin unstable. This will be rebuilt by the Apogee

developers with its current configuration remaining. 4. Low rise neighbors. These neighbors are effected by noise

and undesirable late night activity in the Park. 5. Dog off leashing. A popular gathering place for dogs and

their owners, but lack of dog waste trash bags and receptacles has effected the cleanliness of the Park.

6. Barriers. The existing maintenance building and berm divide the Park into three parts and limit sight lines.

7. Berm camp. The large landform and thick vegetation is an area for homeless to camp.

8. Shelter area underused. Shelters are far away from parking, views, and activities which limit their use.

9. Jetty is used. Although dangerous, the jetty attracts people to walk out to the ocean.

10. Pier unsound. Fencing and a gate prevents access to the pier which needs structural stabilization.

11. Worn out facilities. Restrooms are unattractive and isolated from activity areas.

12. Missing program/ facilities. Positive, attractions should be located in the middle of the Park to activate the space.



5.0 HOW MIGHT IT BE CHANGED?

layout strategy: planning principles

1. respond to frontages

2. connect walks

3. phased add on

4. leave some lawns

5. remove barriers

6. mid park walk & patrol

7. upgrade “cut” walk

8. consolidate new building program

9. add missing program

10. mitigate current parking (no extra)

11. address pier

beach

dune

bay

jetty

continuum

portofino

murano

pier

government cut

fisher island

biscayne st

was

hing

ton

av.

apogee

“beach”

“bay”

“cut”

“residential”2

2

210

11

4

6

798

35

5

5

1

1

1



Layout Strategy: Planning PrinciplesThe adjacent diagram shows the principles for Park planning concepts. 1. Respond to frontages. The frontages to Biscayne Bay,

Atlantic Ocean, and Government Cut makes this Park unique and special and should be acknowledged.

2. Connect walks. The connections between Washington Ave, Ocean Drive, Bay Walk and Beach Walk should be strengthened.

3. Phased add on. Include Alaska parcel in a seamless way to existing Park places.

4. Leave some lawns. Lawns are popular for passive uses and should remain.

5. Remove barriers. The existing maintenance building and berm should be removed to open up and unify the Park.

6. Mid park walk & patrol. Access to the Park’s center is limited today and should be provided for access by people and patrolling.

7. Upgrade “cut” walk. The experience at Government Cut is the most exciting in the Park and should be celebrated in a more inviting, unique manner.

8. Consolidate new building program. A new building should re-image the building uses so it can be seen as a community-wide amenity.

9. Add missing program. Playgrounds, diversified plantings, community rooms, and plazas should expand the uses and users in this area of the Park.

10. Mitigate current parking (no extra). The parking should be reorganized to minimize its visual and circulation impacts.

11. Address pier. Park modifications should allow for future use of the pier.



5.0Spaces

1.bay inlet

2.palm lawns

3.tropical garden lots

4. dune fields

Frameworks & Features

5.mid park walks

6.cut walk

7.park pavilion

8.playground

9.washington av.

10.pier

HOW MIGHT IT BE CHANGED?

10 improvement projects

beach

dune

bay

jetty

continuum

portofino

murano

pier

government cut

fisher island

biscayne st

was

hing

ton

av.

apogee

10

B

6

9

5

1

23

8 74

6

5

5

2



10 Improvement Projects10 improvement projects are the spaces, frameworks and features that together will make a unified, fully integrated Park within Park boundaries and to the adjacent neighborhoods.

Spaces1. Bay Inlet: Alaska parcel addition affords the opportunity to

create stronger conceptual and physical orientation to Biscayne Bay.

2. Palm Lawns: Wide-open, flat lawns dotted with palm trees will provide shade and indicate that large events would not occur here.

3. Tropical Garden Lots: Garden areas will screen and reorganize parking lots.

4. Dune Fields: a landscape here should connect conceptually and visually to the adjacent beach.

Framework and Features5. Mid Park Walks: an attractive path will draw users to the

center of the Park and ease in patrolling. 6. Cut Walk: improvements here will accentuate the beauty

and strength of Government Cut.7. Park Pavilion: a new building will consolidate building

program needs and create a new community ‘center.’8. Playground: located as a companion to the Park pavilion,

this will attract positive activity to the center of the Park. 9. Washington Avenue Entry: this will celebrate the entry to

the Park and ‘end’ of Washington Avenue in Miami Beach.10. Fishing Pier: Park improvements will allow for

modifications to pier should the City choose to in the future.




10 Improvement Projects – Cut walk

Section : stepped walk

2000 feet long raised promenade & seat wall

one of the best walks around

emphasis on the strength of government cut

wide path for pedestrians and wheeled activities

special “beacon” lighting

regional materials

variable degree of shade along length



Improvements: A Totally Unique Walk ExperienceThe intention of the Cut Walk is to emphasize one of South Pointe Park’s greatest experiences: viewing the water and watching passing ships from the dramatic edge of Government Cut. By elevating the walk just 18,” a user would have a sense of prospect, separate walkers from wheeled users and create an informal seat wall along its entire 2000 foot length. It should be the Park’s signature experience relative to all other Park improvements in material, detail, and scale.

Potential Program• 2000’ long; 20’ wide elevated pathway (12’ for wheeled

recreation and service vehicles)• Maximum 18” high seat wall• Benches, trash receptacles • Trees and lawn areas • ADA accessible with sloping walks• Special Light Beacons, lighting• New Irrigation system

Potential MaterialsMaterials should be upgraded and richer to South Pointe Park’s other materials. These should reflect the regional pallet and bedurable and well detailed. Hardscape materials could be Florida Limestone or other stone, colored concrete imbedded with sea shells, or precast concrete pavers similar to the BeachWalk. Furnishings should be comfortable, durable, and able to withstand salt- i.e. appropriate metal and/or wood. It could be a variation of the other Park furnishings because of its intentionto be a special feature. Lighting should be durable and innocuous so that the Beacon lighting is featured. Plant materials should be salt and wind tolerant.




10 improvement Projects – Cut walk

existing proposed

appropriate width

special lighting

sidewalk table congestion



Issues AddressedThere were several specific issues at the existing walk that have been resolved with the Cut Walk design. These are:

Appropriate WidthLike the Beach Walk, it is anticipated that the Cut Walk will be a popular destination for Park users utilizing different modes of travel- walking, jogging, rollerblading, and biking. To minimize potential conflicts, the Cut Walk should be widened from its current 12 feet to the standard of the Beach Walk of 20 feet. Additionally, a path should be placed at the bottom of the grade separation to allow those walking at a more leisurely pace to step aside at their choosing.

Special LightingSpecial light beacons could provide ambient light and may express environmental conditions such as wind, temperature or moon phases in subtle changes in color and brightness. It should be sized to respect the scale of the Cut Walk and be seen from passing cruise ships passing. Beacons should occur at about 100’ spacing, should be about 12 feet high and should be made of durable, modern materials like stainless steel and vandal proof glass. It should look attractive in daytime and nighttime. It should also have shields to protect it within the turtle nesting area.

Sidewalk Table CongestionAs the popularity of the restaurant in the Park has increased, so too has the need for outdoor seating. Consequently, restaurant seating frequently encroaches on the existing sidewalk, constricting pedestrian traffic. To resolve this conflict at the future Cut Walk, two options would locate the outdoor seating so that it would not interface directly with the Cut Walk. One option has a seating area south and parallel to the Cut Walk. This would be a crushed coquina or paved area in which the tables and chairs would need to be removed and stored every night. The second option is a new dining deck located to the east of the restaurant. It is possible that this area could be designed and detailed to allow tables and chairs to remain at night.

These options could be implemented individually or as a pair, depending on the negotiations between the Lessee and the City.




10 Improvement Projects – Bay Inlet

orient to the biscayne bay- views to port, sunset and water

paved pathway adjacent to edge of seawall-walking, biking, fishing

tidal pool for wading

existing ‘beach’ to remain

lush landscape buffer next to new development

ample places to sit

boat basin converted for fishing



Improvements: Enrich the Bay experienceOne of the most compelling notions of South Pointe Park is its orientation to three different directions- the beach, Government Cut and Biscayne Bay. With the addition of the Alaska Parcel, there is a tremendous opportunity to truly celebrate and better connect to Biscayne Bay.

Along with being a great walk that connects to the existing Bay Walk to the west and the Cut Walk, the Bay Inlet could have other four components- the palm lawn, inlet, tidal pool, and landscape garden. The palm lawn should be an extension of the existing palm lawn to the east, which would serve to unify the Park across Washington Avenue. As it was found that the boat basin is impractical for boating activities, the boat basin could be utilized for fishing, should be rebuilt as a part of the Apogee project agreement, and remain in its current configuration. A 20 foot wide walk could face the inlet, which is consistent with the Cut Walk width. While the coral beach should remain here, the swift waters of Government Cut prevent water activities. The tidal pool could support safe water activities like wading and paddling. The tropical garden could be adjacent to the Apogee development, and would also be created with funding from the Apogee agreement. It should have a lawn berm flush to the building, shade trees and planting beds. This would be serve both to add beauty and richness to this area, and provide a buffer from the nearby walk. The Cut Walk should end here with a seat step that would allow users to enter into the tidal pool.

Potential Program• Benches and seating for prime sunset watching • Seat steps at the tidal pool• Park entry elements- drinking fountain, informational

signage, Trash receptacles/ dog trash bag dispenser• Formal and informal tree plantings• Lawns and tropical gardens• Additional trash receptacles at boat basin for fishing litter• Pedestrian lighting• New Irrigation system

Potential MaterialsMaterials here will be consistent with the other standard materials and furnishings in the Park. Hardscape should be concrete for main walks, crushed coquina for porous paving surfaces. Furnishings should be comfortable, durable, and able to withstand salt- i.e. appropriate metal and/or wood. Lightingshould be durable and innocuous. Plant materials should be salt and wind tolerant.




10 Improvement Projects – Bay Inlet

boat basin

creating an inlet

existing proposed



5.0

1

Creating an InletThe nearby coral beach is one of the few places to directly access the water in the Park. However, Government Cut’s currents are swift and passing ships’ wave action is strong. A tidal pool could be created that could accommodate safe water play. Accessible from all four sides, a gentle slope could occur on the north side, and a seat step could provide access from the south. The surface could be crushed coquina; its subsurface and edges could be reinforced to accept tidal action.

Issues AddressedTwo issues at the Bay Inlet that have been resolved with the planning intensions. These are:

Boat BasinThe existing boat basin is in need of repair and is an awkward size for handling multiple boats. Also, because of the wave action of passing ships, it is impractical for many activities like boating or swimming. Still, it was found to have coral on its walls, and could provide additional habitat for other fish. Therefore, its current configuration should remain if it is rebuilt for structural stability. Edges of this feature, then, should beenhanced to encourage fishing activities. Seating, additional trash receptacles and a water fountain would provide comfortable amenities for activities here.




10 Improvement Projects – Palm Lawn

generous open lawns for passive use and informal games

palm trees provide shade but allow for good sight lines through park

new irrigation system for a healthier lawn

no permanent stage or amphitheater



5.0Potential MaterialsMaterials here should be consistent with other standard materials and furnishings in the Park. Hardscape should be concrete for main walks. Furnishings should be comfortable, durable, and able to withstand salt- i.e. appropriate metal and/or wood. Lighting should be durable and innocuous. Plant materials should be salt and wind tolerant. A diversity of palm trees will be planted here to augment the species that exist.

Improvements: Gracious lawn spaces to be enhancedSouth Pointe Park has existing open lawn areas that are well used and loved. The Improvements project here should enhance the best of the lawn areas by adding a new irrigation system, adding palm trees for shade and space definition, and overseeding for a more lush lawn. This area would offer a quite respite from other areas which may receive more intensive use.

Potential Program• Pathways for direct access to other areas• Open lawn areas• Informal palm tree plantings• Trash receptacles/ dog trash bag dispenser• Formal and informal tree plantings• Pedestrian lighting• New Irrigation system




10 Improvement Projects – Tropical garden lots

entirely new landscape experience here

reconfigure and mitigate parking lots

tropical garden ‘rooms’buffer parking

strong connection to ocean drive

parking count: 214

P



5.0Potential Program• Parking

Public spaces: 109 spacesRestaurant lease: 105 spaces

• Benches and seating • Park entry elements at Ocean Drive- drinking fountain,

informational signage, Trash receptacles/ dog waste bag dispenser

• Formal and informal tree plantings• Tropical gardens and lawns• Gates at parking entry• Pedestrian lighting• New Irrigation system

Potential MaterialsMaterials here should be consistent with other standard materials and furnishings in the Park. Hardscape should be concrete for main walks. Furnishings should be comfortable, durable, and able to withstand salt- i.e. appropriate metal and/or wood. Lighting should be durable and innocuous. Plant materials should be salt and wind tolerant.

Improvements: Colorful gardens mask parking Parking at South Pointe park is convenient for daily Park users who cannot walk to the Park. An additional 105 spaces are required by the restaurant lease. The parking configuration willbe modified and the quantity of parking spaces lessened by about 30 spaces to mitigate noise and illicit activities that occur in the eastern portion of the parking lot. Parking to the east will be designated for handicap and playground users.

To soften the parking edges and create an entirely new Park experience, tropical gardens will be added to the south. Parking lots will be augmented with shade trees for continuity of the tropical garden experience and break up the expanse of parking. This is primarily a garden for viewing and respite. In low wind areas, tropical garden areas could also be used for traditional community gardens tended by residents.

On the eastern edge of the parking lot, a generous pedestrian allée with lawn panel, shade trees and benches will connect to and reflect the streetscape of Ocean Drive. 100 lineal feet of the cost for these improvements will be funded by Continuum as per their Development Order.




10 Improvement Projects – Tropical Garden Lots

beach goers shortcutting

after hours parking lot use a disturbance

operations

existing proposed

Existing Eastern Parking lot

Continuum

Potential gate location

Removed parking area

New Pathways



5.0

1

Issues AddressedThree issues were a focus of study:

Beach goers shortcuttingThe parking lot is currently used as an access route to the beach. This can be an unsafe condition with vehicular traffic. New pathways should be provided to encourage a route that is out of the parking lot.

After hours parking lot disturbancesThe Eastern portion of the existing parking lot is removed from the street. Its isolation attracts illicit and noisy activities, which can be a disturbance to adjacent condominium owners. The parking lot should be removed here to eliminate this congregation area. This parking could be replaced in new parking areas to the west. A gate could also be provided at the entry way to be closed at night after the restaurant is closed.

OperationsParking near the beach is a premium in Miami Beach. At South Pointe Park, the need for parking is exasperated on the weekends, when people flock to the beach. Frustration can occur on the part of the users wanting parking when they see available parking spaces that they cannot use because of the restaurant parking allowances. Weekend parking management should clarify parking rules and availability so that frustrations are minimized.




10 Improvement Projects – Dune Fields

dunes recreate historic dune landscape

sculpted lawn dunes-places for viewing, playing and lounging

diverse plantings in dune encourage fuller range of birds and insects

scaled to be seen from passing cruise ships



Improvements: There are two dune types proposed here. Native Dunes and Lawn Dunes. Each would complement the other and provide interesting new landscape typology here.

Native DunesIn true native plant areas in the Miami region, dune plantings mingle with scrub plants to form a rich mosaic of beach flora. This exists somewhat in Miami Beach at the linear dune that parallels the Atlantic Ocean. A greater species and landform diversity could be achieved at South Pointe Park with the creation of the native dune fields. Here, undulating landforms could represent the shifting pattern of native dunes, revealing the ecological processes in a manner appropriate for a manmade park.

Great care should be made include a diversity of the 200 plant species possible in a true coastal dune. Over 200 species of migrating birds, 50 species of butterflies, lizards, and snails can be found in healthy dunes. It is hoped that this landscape would draw these creatures to South Pointe Park.

Potential Program• Crushed coquina (coral shells) pathways• Native dune plantings• Temporary Irrigation system until landscape is established• Interpretive/ educational signage

Potential MaterialsBecause of the ecological sensitivity of this area, walks shouldbe constructed of crushed coquina. There should be no lighting due to the turtle nesting nearby. Benches should be minimal for the least noise pollution.



Potential Program• Pathways for direct access to other areas• Undulating lawn areas• Informal tree plantings• Park entry elements at Beach Walk- drinking fountain,


• Pedestrian lighting at north walk only• New Irrigation system

Potential MaterialsThe artfulness of the lawn dunes is in its simplicity. Concrete pathways should be only provided where traffic is high and at the Garage building entrance. Benches should be minimized in lieu of seating on the dunes themselves.

Improvements: Lawn DunesThe lawn dunes should be sculpted landforms similar in scale to the native dunes, but planted with traditional turf grasses. As ‘green’ dunes, these would be an unusual contrast to the native dune; a companion dune that calls attention to the forms and patterns of both.

The pattern of lawn dunes should create intimate pockets of flatter lawn areas ideal for picnics and lounging alone or with small groups. Kids would find running and playing on the sculpted lawns irresistible, perhaps even making up their own games. Shade and Palm trees could make this an ideal place for picnicking and relaxing.





lack of ecological diversity

aged, underutilized picnic area

existing proposed



5.0

1

Issues AddressedThere were two issues that were resolved in planning- one that is a Park-wide issue and one site specific. These are:

Lack of ecological diversityCurrently the Park has virtually no plant diversity to support habitat for wildlife. As habitat shrinks with human encroachment, there is a growing need to reestablish landscapes that are able to attract birds, insects, lizards and snails. Research has shown that even small landscapes can attract wildlife as a ‘stop over’ to larger habitat areas. At South Pointe Park, the native dune landscape, at 1.7 acres, would be attractive to the nearby wildlife.

Aged, underutilized picnic areaThe current picnic area is isolated and aged, making it an unattractive area. It needs to be reconfigured to an open, inviting space. The lawn dunes will be a fresh landscape with ample shade for picnicking and relaxing.




10 Improvement Projects – Mid Park Walks

attracting people to the center of the park

opening up the interior for safety, comfort

grand scaled “serpentine”walk is one of a kind experience

meandering links bay walk to beach walk



5.0Improvements: An incomparable pathway that activates the center of the Park. By removing the existing maintenance building and large berm, the Park is free of barriers and can connect the beach to the bay via an undulating mid-Park walk. The walk would at Park grade for most of its length. To make the walk more attractive for parking lot users headed to and from the beach, however, the walk could gradually incline atop a large, 13 foot high ‘Serpentine’ landform. Because of its unique experience, this feature would likely be an attraction in itself. To open up access between the playground and lawn dunes, a slice of the Serpentine form should be removed and connect at the top elevation with a bridge. This could also be a good location for a large seat wall for seating and access down to park grade.

The mid Park walk’s primary purpose is to facilitate pedestrian traffic, but the Serpentine form could be unlike any other experience in a park: a fun way to get from the middle of the Park to the beach, a lofty platform for the best views of the ocean, and an informal seating area along its gentle, curving side slopes.

Potential Program• Undulating walk that changes elevation to form a large

landform• Benches and seating in flat grade areas• Seat wall/access from top of landform to pavilion area• Trash receptacles/ dog waste bag dispenser• Lawn areas• Pedestrian lighting• New Irrigation system

Potential MaterialsMaterials here should be consistent with other standard materials and furnishings in the Park. Hardscape should be concrete for main walks. Furnishings should be comfortable, durable, and able to withstand salt- i.e. appropriate metal and/or wood. Lighting should be durable and innocuous. Plant materials should be salt and wind tolerant.




10 Improvement Projects – Mid Park Walk

barriers divided park

provide good sight lines from park interior

existing proposed



5.0

1

Issues AddressedTwo issues at the Mid-park walks that have been resolved with the planning intentions. These are:

Barriers divided ParkThe existing maintenance building, berm and boardwalk create barriers that divided the Park. These should be removed and replaced with the mid Park walk which activates the Park’s interior.

Provide good sightlines from interiorThese same barriers limited cross-park views, which makes it difficult for patrolling and uneasy for users. Because of thewide width of the Park, particularly at the east end where there is no parking, an elevated walk would enhance views to the Park edges.




10 Improvement Projects – Pavilion

responds to and knits with the park

safe-oriented and placed near activity area

uses make it a community focal point

fulfills Parks Department and Ocean Rescue needs



5.0Improvements: A new neighborhood center. The existing restroom, storage, and Ocean Rescue buildings at the Park are outdated and in poor quality. These spaces, and some additional programming, should be consolidated to create a Park pavilion that would add a positive activity center to the Park.

Located near the playground and bridge of the Serpentine landform, the Pavilion should be a friendly face to Park users. The simple ovular shape should nestle into the toe of the Serpent, while its roof could be accessed by bridge from the Serpentine walk. Inside, visitors could find restrooms, offices,and a meeting room for community events and meetings. A small concession stand would be a great amenity for cold food and drink and convenient park sundries such as sunscreen, newspapers, and sports equipment rentals. Nearby shade structures will be available for small outdoor events and picnicking.

The garage building should face the lawn dunes to the northeast. Because the garage could store vehicles, the building should located where pedestrians traffic flow would be least. The garage building should also integrated with the Serpentine, and its rooftop could also be open to provide views to the ocean beyond.

To further reimaging the buildings and public presence here, the Park and Recreation Department could have one full time employee here. Ocean Rescue could base their south district from this facility, and could have several staff here periodically through the day.

During the planning process, both Departments showed excitement about the public outreach that could occur here, particularly in the community meeting room. Here, rotating interpretive displays and children’s day camps could teach about Park and beach specific information such as native dune habitat, fishes in the bay inlet, or rip currents.

ProgramThe New Pavilion/ Garage program is:a. Community roomb. Concession Standc. Men’s and Women’s Restroomd. Parks and Recreation officee. Ocean Rescue officef. Mechanical/ storage roomsg. Vehicular storage (both Departments)h. Workshops (both Departments)i. Shade Structure




10 Improvement Projects – Pavilion



5.0

Potential MaterialsThe Pavilion should be consistent with the other materials at South Pointe Park. It should also be durable, and have detailing that is similar to that of other Park elements to maintain similar design language.

Detailed plans, sections and elevations of the Pavilion and garage are in the Appendix of this Report.




10 Improvement Projects – Playground

more than standard playground equipment

set within park framework, not ‘plopped’down

places for adults to observe comfortably

public art will celebrate environmental attributes here



5.0 Potential Program• Custom and ‘off the shelf’ playground equipment• Age oriented play areas- toddlers separate from grade

school age, for example• Sand play area• Splash pad/ small water features• A ‘sound’ element- wind pipes, chimes, or audio

system of recorded sounds• Benches/ seating for adults and children• Drinking fountain• Art integrated with play equipment• Formal palm plantings• Shade structures nearby• Trash receptacles• Pedestrian lighting

Potential MaterialsPlayground equipment materials will minimize heat absorption and be finished smoothly for the children’s primary safety. Below this equipment will be a rubberized material that is absorbent to accidental falls and withstands heat and repetitiveforce of children’s foot traffic.

Other materials here should be consistent with other standard materials and furnishings in the Park. Hardscape should be concrete for main walks. Furnishings should be comfortable, durable, and able to withstand salt- i.e. appropriate metal and/or wood. Lighting should be durable and innocuous. Plant materials should be salt and wind tolerant.

Improvements: A playground to spark imaginationPlaygrounds are as much an opportunity for children to have fun as they are to challenge their agility and strength, expand their imagination, and learn positive social behavior. Most ‘off the shelf’ playground equipment engages these to a certain degree, but as a regional park, the playground design here warrants something special and unique to Miami Beach. The playground should intermingle some ‘off the shelf’ products with custom pieces to make this a one of a kind playground. Shapes, sounds, color, and tactile experiences should be rich and engaging.

Thematically, the playground could use the Park’s natural features as a source- the wind for music pipes, water for splashing and cooling off, and sand for sculpting and digging.

This is the best potential location to engage local artists to further develop and refine these ideas to reflect local culture and knowledge.

The Serpent mound and benches throughout will provide ample comfortable seating for adults to safely observe their children while giving the children the space they need. Shade, restrooms, and concession will be a welcome addition for adults and children alike.




10 Improvement Projects – Playground

playgrounds can be too conventional

typical proposed



5.0

1

Issues Addressed:

Playgrounds can be too conventionalAmong other methods, children learn and develop from physical challenges and use of their imagination. Playgrounds these days are beyond the swing sets and slides staples of yesteryear. Many playgrounds are overtly themed- pirate ships, castles, rocket ships- that can seem limiting to playing to match the theme. Rather, play equipment could be more abstract that allow children versatility and openness for their imaginations. Playground elements can be physically challenging as well as being well designed.

Product examples are shown are the left.

Top: This arc element is a combination climber and slide, bridge and shadow play. The children ride on ‘dinosaurs,’climb on ‘sailing masts,’ and assent ‘mountain peaks.’Middle: This seems to grow out of the earth, and its smooth surface looks deceiving- it requires a considerable degree of courage and skill to master.Bottom left: This element moves around a lot without moving from the spot. A child could spin it alone or with others. Bottom right: This provides a wavy place upon which to stand and see beyond or lay back and relax. Many children can step aboard, and it becomes a vehicle for ‘space travel.’




10 Improvement Projects – Washington Avenue Entry

existing right of way converted to plaza space

ample seating and shade

best location for small community events like farmer’s markets and art shows

keeps existing fountain at end to mark end of Washington Avenue at Government Cut



5.0Improvements: A grand gateway to the ParkWashington Avenue is where all vehicular traffic and many pedestrians enter and as such, should be reconfigured to have a more gracious, welcoming presence at the street. The existing roadway could be removed and replaced with a formal plaza with punctuations of ornamental plant beds and an extension of the Washington Avenue tree plantings. Seating should be provided for people watching, reading, and resting.

This location would be the best for small scaled events, so paved areas should be provided to support tents and heavier foot traffic. The nearby parking would provide convenient access for such events.

Potential Program• Benches and seating • Park entry elements at Washington Ave- drinking fountain,


• Formal tree plantings• Gardens and lawns• Pedestrian lighting• New Irrigation system• A new gateway sign to replace the existing one

Potential MaterialsA hardscape pattern of special materials used elsewhere-stone, colored concrete imbedded with sea shells, or precast concrete pavers- would add richness and sense of quality to this space.

Other materials here should be consistent with other standard materials and furnishings in the Park. Hardscape should be concrete for main walks. Furnishings should be comfortable, durable, and able to withstand salt- i.e. appropriate metal and/or wood. Lighting should be durable and innocuous. Plant materials should be salt and wind tolerant.




10 Improvement Projects – Washington Avenue Entry

gateway enhancement needed to provide better sense of park entry

existing proposed



5.0

1

Issues Addressed:

Washington Avenue at South Pointe Park marks the southerly end of Miami Beach. While improvements were made recently with a streetscape and fountain, these could be integrated into a broadened entry landscape for a truly celebratory gateway.

The existing sign here should also be replaced to clarify the Park’s presence from the street.




10 Improvement Projects – The Pier

convert and reuse of pier balances use and cost

three fishing/ viewing platforms

demolished segments become sea bird roosts



5.0Recommendation: retrofit pier and open to publicAlthough not a part of the current park funding, the Consultant team was asked to review the existing closed pier and give an opinion as to its integration with the Park and vet it for community opinion. The pier is one of last remaining piers on the Atlantic Ocean side of Miami Beach. Located at the most southern end of Miami Beach, the pier is a crescendo of sorts, marking the end (or beginning) of Miami Beach. It is in very poor structural condition, needing about $2 million in repairs. It is even more costly to rebuild at $3.2 million. Demolishing the pier is the least expensive solution for $200,000. (City of Miami Beach South Pointe Pier Structural Observations Report, July 2004)

The Consultant team recommends that all three strategies are combines for a balanced use and cost solution. In this way, the large platforms will be repaired and updated with a raised platform for viewing and low guardrails for fishing. New bridge connections would be added to access the platforms. Old pier segments between the platforms would be demolished and reused for artificial reefs. Posts would remain for bird roosting. This combination of treatments would cost roughly $1.5 million and allow access to the piers once again.




evolution of layouts

1.

3.

2.



Evolution of layouts: Visioning Session through Community Design Workshop #1At the City Visioning Session in March, the Consultant team presented three plan view options of potential Park changes. Each adhered to the essential framework and 10 Improvement options, but had spatial and programmatic variations (drawings 1-3 opposite page). The Consultant team received direction and feedback from the City.

Next, a refined plan was developed for Community Design Workshop #1. This had two variations as well: one plan’s improvement budget was $8.8 million, and another had a budget of $13.3 (drawings 4-5, this page). The primary differences between the two were the significant redesign of the bay inlet, reconfiguration of the parking, and addition of the tropical gardens.

The community supported including the parking and tropical gardens in the Improvements. Additionally, the community suggested closing Washington Avenue for a gateway landscape.

4.

5.




variable funded layouts

Funded Plus $1.4M

$10.2 M total

200 cars

Includes Funded elements and:

- reconfigured parking

- tip of washington ave closure

Funded

$8.8 M total

175 cars

includes essential elements identified by community



Evolution of layouts: Community Design Workshop #2 to Recommended PlanThe plans were more specific and more similar for Community Design Workshop #2. Three plan options were presented: Funded, Funded Plus, and Funded Plus Plus.

Funded Plan demonstrates the improvements within the existing budget. Essential park modifications are possible, but the plan lacks a rich park experience. In addition to the basics, parking to the east was removed as requested by the community, but was not replaced anywhere, resulting in a net loss of public parking. Also, Washington Avenue closure could not be achieved in this budget.

Funded Plus included reconfiguration of the parking to achieve a parking count closer to what exists, a basic tropical garden lot planting, and tip of Washington Avenue closure. There is still a net loss of parking from existing (about 30 spaces), but the City and Community felt that was acceptable.

Funded Plus Plus added a significant improvement to the Bay Inlet area with a grand tidal pool and jetty extension. This also demonstrated a much richer, more lush tropical gardens and berms to further mitigate parking.

Feedback at Community Design Workshop #2 and the City led to an amalgamated plan that is the Recommended Plan shown in section 7.0 of this report.

Funded Plus Plus $4.5M

$13.3 M total

200 cars

Includes Funded Plus elements and:

-more developed inlet

-richer planting

-more berms



6.0 WHAT IMPACTS MIGHT THE CHANGES CAUSE?

positive impacts – improved systems

people & pet interaction

a dog integrated park; not segregated

dog waste bag dispensers dispersed through all of park for convenience & other park user enforcement



Improved Systems: A friendly place for People and DogsSouth Pointe Park today is a popular destination for dogs andtheir owners. It is highly social, generally positive activity for both, and one of the most popular uses in South Pointe Park today. At Community Design Workshop #2, the Community, the City and Consultant agreed on the following measures to maintain South Pointe Park’s ‘dog friendly’ reputation:• no fenced dog areas (dog parks)• more trash/bag receptacles up at major park entries • dog amenities like water fountains and wash off areas at

major park entries

Since that meeting, the Consultant and the City team suggested the following additional recommendations for the City’s consideration and review. Ultimately, the City is charged with final policy and physical improvement decisions here:• possibility of creating an off-leash area. The off-leash

areas could also include weekend only use of the beach area. All off-leash areas would be limited to certain times of day (mornings or evenings only- not both), would be contingent on turf condition, and could require a special permit from the City. A City designated monitor would help in enforcing dog waste clean up and management. Integrated physical barriers would be added to mark off leash area and provide seating for owners.

• dogs should be leashed at all times at all other park areas, including to and from off-leash areas and at dog amenities.

• dogs should not be allowed in the playground and tidal pool.

The table on the left lists some additional measures for consideration for incremental inclusion and trial as issues arise. With this balanced approach and incremental management steps, South Pointe Park will be a welcoming place for dog owners and non-dog owners alike. Not LawHigher maintenance

regimePet only sand pitsMitigate digging up of

park vegetation

Not LawDilute with auto irrigation in off leash area within 8 hoursHigher maintenance regime

Encourage urine in controlled areas at side of park entrances

Mitigate urine burn on vegetation

Security Contractor PatrolPolice Department Patrol & response

Park maintenance or contracted dog waste management service removes any excess waste

Dog Concessionaire enforces but has to remove any excess Signage & facilities for concerned citizens to point to and a Call number for management / enforcement.

Clear sign ageIntegrated bags & trash cans through out parkEncourage dog waste in controlled areas at side of park entrances

Ensure dog waste is removed and disposed

Police Department Patrol & response

Emergency activation of zoned irrigation sprinklers

Dog Concessionaire has repellent spray & can trigger zoned irrigation sprinklers

Area size is limited to enable effective voice control

Control aggressive behavior


Park staff video surveillance.

Dog Concessionaire supervisesSignage & facilities for concerned citizens to point to and a Call number for management / enforcement.

Clear signageArea size is limited to enable effective voice control Temporal edge repellent -scent and/or sound

Stay within boundary of permitted off-leash area



Signage & facilities for concerned citizens to point to and a Call number for management / enforcement.

Clear signage at park entries

Stay on leash typically



Signage & facilities for concerned citizens to point to and a Call number for management / enforcement.

Clear signageClear physical edgeArea repellent scent and/or soundGrated barrierHitching posts

Stay out of no pet areas )eg play & restrooms)

EnforcementManagementSupervisionOwner Self ControlGoals





servicing & safety access

paths sized generous for vehicular traffic

emergency access to all corners of park

comfort & conveniences

located at park entrances and center

benches & seat walls throughout

Vehicular Traffic

Police cruiser route

Emergency only route

Service/ Ocean Rescue and Parks Dept route

Comfort stations

Drinking fountain/ Trash

Restrooms

Concession stand

Beach Showers



Improved Systems: Comfort & ConveniencesIt’s the little conveniences that will make this Park a comfortable place to visit again and again.

At each Park entry from the City-side there should be water fountains and trash/ dog waste receptacles. Trash/ dog waste receptacles should be provided at major pedestrian crossings within the Park as well.

Park benches and seat walls should be placed amply throughout the Park, with more located at the Bay Inlet, Washington Avenue, Cut Walk, Playground and Ocean Drive walk entry.

The Pavilion would house a variety of amenities. There should be public bathrooms, beach showers, and water fountains. A small concession stand could sell cool snacks and drinks as well as park necessities like sunscreen, disposable cameras, and recreation equipment rentals.

An exciting addition to the Pavilion building would be a meeting room. This room could be booked for meetings by community clubs, small parties, or public meetings. It could also serve as a classroom space, with the ability to accommodate up to 35 children.

Beach Showers could be located near the beach in the eastern portion of the park. There should be at least two shower heads provided.

Improved Systems: Service & Safety Service and safety access are important for daily patrolling and maintenance; for Parks and Ocean Rescue employees going to work at the pavilion building; and for occasional emergency access responding to a specific need.

For daily use, vehicular routes should appear to be pedestrian areas first, not roads, but should accommodate proper paving support, vehicular turning radii, and access width.

Emergency access routes should have reinforced turf or reinforced pavements to support the weight of emergency vehicles. They should be designed with wide horizontal clearance and turning radii to allow turning movements of emergency vehicles.



6.06.0 WHAT IMPACTS MIGHT THE CHANGES CAUSE?


Signage, interpretation and artintegrate with park elements

utilize park’s physical assets in ecological/ sustainability expressions

durable, vandal resistantEnergy and lighting

lighting which is beyond functional. Can express processes/ events/ special areas

durable, vandal resistant

Informational signage

Interpretive opportunities

Integrated art

Gateway sign

Special Beacon lighting

Path lighting

Lighting area shields to protect Turtle nesting habitat

Solar Power



Improved Systems: Energy and LightingIn addition to providing an atmosphere of safely and accessibility, lighting contributes to the overall aesthetic character of the Park. In daylight, the impact of the fixtures is also important.

The lighting should clarify major pedestrian corridors. Ambient and accent lights should highlight special places in the Park. At other areas, minimum light levels would be provided to strengthen the legibility of main pedestrian routes. This would aid in nighttime patrolling of the Park. Site furnishings should be closely related to pedestrian lightings both in placement and materiality. These should be of similar materials and color to convey a consistent look. Lighting must have cut off shields to protect the beach where turtles nest from excessive light.

Special beacon lighting should celebrate the strength of the Government Cut. The lighting effect could be programmed to communicate real-time information about environmental conditions- for example, the phases of the moon or wind speed. This would need to be developed further with a technically adept lighting designer in design development.

With the ample sun and aspect afforded at the Park, the sun’s energy could be captured to reduce powering some of the Park’s electrical systems. For example, at the pavilion, solar panels could be used to heat hot water for the showers.

Improved Systems: Signage, Interpretation and Art Signage, interpretation and art is not only essential for wayfinding and information, it is an opportunity to teach about the specific environmental processes that will be here. These should be developed as an integrated system to convey a unified message and graphic quality. All signage and art materials should reflect the character of the other elements in the Park.

Signage should convey regulatory information about hours of operation, rules, and orientation maps. These would be located at major park entries. Signs should be easily read, provide the least amount of information necessary, and not detract from the open space character or contribute to visual clutter.

A new gateway sign should mark the entry to the Park at Washington Avenue. The design and materials of this element should be vehicular scaled, but allow the redesigned Washington Avenue plaza to truly mark the entry to South Pointe Park.

With the addition of new environmentally based, regionally specific program, interpretive signage could be added. This would inform visitors about the processes occurring at the native dunes, tidal pool, and playground.

An exciting art opportunity exists at the playground. This would be the best place to engage a local artist to create an imaginative, engaging and fun playground. It could be thematically based in the park’s natural processes- the sun, moon, wind, and water.





planting & habitat

broaden the planting pallet to reflect Florida’s rich plant mosaic

dune planting reestablishes a dune ecosystem

add more trees for additional shade and to clarify park spaces

keep popular lawn areas for passive uses

Washington Avenue

Palm Lawns

Native Dune

Lawn Dunes

Tropical Gardens



Improved Systems: Planting and HabitatWhile today’s South Pointe Park has a basic planting pallet, its large, established palm and shade trees are an asset during the warm months. These trees should remain or be relocated to help shape and define the spaces in the plan. There are five major planting areas, each of which should be augmented with a diversity of plant materials to add visual richness and variety and provide habitat.

Washington Avenue Entry should provide a continuous streetscape from the north. Plantings in the center of the plaza could be effusive and celebratory to acknowledge the arrival to the Park. The Palm Lawns should be augmented with additional species of palms and shade trees. Turfgrass here would withstand foot traffic and salty ocean winds. Native Dunes should be planted with a broad diversity of species to recreate a dune flora. They should not be planted with federally protected species that may impose unforeseen liabilities to the City. Lawn Dunes would also be planted with more shade trees and additional palm species. Planting at the Tropical garden lots could shade cars, screen the parking lot and be lively in its display of charismatic tropical species.

All of these planting areas must comply with Miami-Dade County Landscape Ordinance requirements.

The irrigation system should be replaced park-wide with modern irrigation technology that can be remotely activated and provides efficient water use in zoned areas.

WASHINGTON AVENUETREESGREEN BUTTONWOOD (Conocarpus erectus)SILVER BUTTONWOOD (Conocarpus erectus 'Sericeus')PITCH APPLE (Clusia Rosea)SEAGRAPE (Coccoloba uvifera)MADAGASCAR OLIVE (Noronhia emarginata)SEVEN YEAR APPLE (Casasia clusiifolia) MAHOGANY (Swietenia mahogani)PALMS

COCONUT PALM (Cocos nucifera 'Malayan')SABAL PALM (Sabal palmetto) THATCH PALM (Thrinax radiata)SILVER PALM (Coccothrinax argentata)CHINESE FAN PALM (Livistona spp.)BISMARKIA PALM (Bismarkia nobilis)MEDJOOL DATE PALM (Phoenix dactylifera ' Medjool) SHRUBSRED TIP COCOPLUM (Chrysobalanus icaco)MYRSINE (Rapanea punctata)BEACH CASSIA (Cassia bahamensis)GROUNDCOVERS, PERINNEALS AND GRASSES LANTANA GOLD (Kalanchoe)WHITE FOUNTAIN GRASS (Pennisetum vilosum)ALOE VERA (Aloe barbadensis)FLORIDA GAMMA GRASS (Tripsacum floridanum)INDIAN HAWTHORN (Raphiolepis indica)

PALM LAWNSTREESLIGNUM VITAE (Guiaicum sanctum)ORANGE GEIGER (Cordia sebestiana)PITCH APPLE (Clusia Rosea)SEAGRAPE (Coccoloba uvifera)PALMS COCONUT PALM (Cocos nucifera 'Malayan')SABAL PALM (Sabal palmetto) THATCH PALM (Thrinax radiata)SILVER PALM (Coccothrinax argentata)CHINESE FAN PALM (Livistona spp.)BISMARKIA PALM (Bismarkia nobilis)MEDJOOL DATE PALM (Phoenix dactylifera ' Medjool) GROUNDCOVERS SOD (PASPALUM SPP. - SALT-TOLERANT)

NATIVE DUNESTREESSEAGRAPE (Coccoloba uvifera) SHRUBSBAY CEDAR (Suriana maritima)SEA OXEYE DAISY (Borrichia arborescens)SEA LAVENDER (Tournefortia gnaphalodes)BEACH ELDER (Iva imbricata)BEACH BERRY (Scaevola plumieri)RED BAY (Persea borbonia)SEA MYRTLE (Baccharis halimifolia)WOODY GOLDENROD (Solidago pauciflosculosa)YAUPON (Ilex vomitoria)GROUNDCOVERS, PERINNEALS AND GRASSESSEA OATS (Uniola paniculata)INDIAN BLANKET FLOWER (Gaillardia pulchella)SAND CORDGRASS (Spartina bakeri)

PANIC GRASS (Panicum amarum)DUNE SUNFLOWER (Helianthus debilis)RAILROAD VINE (Ipomoea pes-caprae)AGAVE (Agave attenuata)PRICKLY PEAR (Opuntia punctata)SPANISH BAYONET (Yucca aloifolia)BEACH MORNING GLORY (Ipomea stolomifera)BEACH PEANUT (Okenia hypogaea)SEA PURSLANE (Sesuvium portulacastrum)BEACH BEAN (Canavalia rosea)GOPHER APPLE (Licania michauxii)

LAWN DUNESTREESORANGE GEIGER (Cordia sebestena)SEAGRAPE (Coccoloba uvifera)LIGNUM VITAE (Guaiacum sanctum)PALMSCOCONUT PALM (Cocos nucifera 'Malayan')SABAL PALM (Sabal palmetto) THATCH PALM (Thrinax radiata)SILVER PALM (Coccothrinax argentata)CHINESE FAN PALM (Livistona spp.)BISMARKIA PALM (Bismarkia nobilis)MEDJOOL DATE PALM (Phoenix dactylifera ' Medjool) GROUND COVERSSOD (PASPALUM SPP. - SALT-TOLERANT)

TROPICAL GARDEN LOTSTREESMADAGASCAR OLIVE (Noronhia emarginata)MAHOGANY (Swietenia mahogani)WILD TAMARIND (Lysiloma sabicu)SHORTLEAF FIG (Ficus citrifolia)PALMSCOCONUT PALM (Cocos nucifera 'Malayan')SABAL PALM (Sabal palmetto) THATCH PALM (Thrinax radiata)SILVER PALM (Coccothrinax argentata)CHINESE FAN PALM (Livistona spp.)BISMARKIA PALM (Bismarkia nobilis)MEDJOOL DATE PALM (Phoenix dactylifera ' Medjool) SHRUBSRED TIP COCOPLUM (Chrysobalanus icaco)NECKLACE POD (Sophora tomentosa)NATAL PLUM (Carissa macrocarpa)SCAEVOLA (Scaevola naupaka - native only)MACHO FERN (Nephrolepis falcate)GROUNDCOVERS, PERINNEALS AND GRASSESFLORIDA GAMMA GRASS (Tripsacum floridanum)COONTIE (Zamia floridana)CROWN OF THORNS (Euphorbia millii)EMERALD BLANKET (Carissa ' Emerald Blanket')CORD GRASSES (Spartina spp.)ALOE VERA (Aloe barbadensis)INDIAN HAWTHORN (Raphiolepis indica 'Pink')DWARF GOLD LANTANA (Lantana 'Gold')WHITE AFRICAN IRIS (Dietes vegeta)CARISSA ‘EMERALD BLANKET’ (Carissa grandiflora)FOUNTAIN GRASS (Pennisetum villosum)BOSTON FERN (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Plant List



7.0 WHICH CHANGES SHOULD BE MADE?

Recommended plan

a unified park, with exciting places for play, relaxation, and discovery

improved circulation, parking, and infrastructure for a safer, better functioning park

celebrates the natural features of the ocean, government cut, and biscayne bay

strengthens connections to adjacent neighborhoods, pathways, and streets

214 parking spaces



Improved Systems: A primary planning goal for South Pointe Park Improvements was to enrich and enliven the inherent features of South Pointe Park. Located at the most southerly tip of Miami Beach, the Park provides far reaching views to the Ocean, Government Cut and Biscayne Bay. Thus, the Park’s location and views were a basis of inspiration. Views into the Park were also important to consider, as the Park is the first image of the Miami region to cruise ship passengers. These, and other goals, have been successfully achieved in the Recommended Plan.

Existing barriers and degraded facilities should be removed, opening up the Park for one unified space. Sculptural landforms would provide places to walk, lounge and view the horizons. The program should be broadened to be fun and inclusive for all ages, abilities, races and safety considerations. Environmental qualities could be greatly enhanced to induce the atmospheric, oceanic and tidal action on this landscape. Connections to neighborhoods should be strengthened for better access to the Park.

Modifications are categorized into 10 Improvement Projects. Pragmatically, the 10 Improvement Projects would solve long overdue issues. Perhaps more importantly, however, the Improvement Projects could bring fun and relaxing spaces; beautiful and dramatic places; and expressive and compelling features.



7.0 WHICH CHANGES SHOULD BE MADE?

Implementation strategy

funding

compliance & approvals

schedule

Funding: Total project budget for South Pointe Park is currently $10.2 million. $5 million dollars of this was the result of the 2004 County G.O. Bond referendum. Of the total amount, the targeted construction budget is approximately $8.8 million including construction contingency and mobilization.

At the request of the City, the Consultant Team was asked to proceed with design refinement and approvals for the Recommended Plan. This scheme most satisfied the needs and desires of the community and City alike. The construction budget for this scheme is estimated at $10.2 million.

A detailed opinion of probable costs is in the appendix section.



Schedule: The project schedule is not known at this time. Listed below arethe steps that would be taken for implementation of South Pointe Park Improvements.

Action: 1. Obtain additional funding2. Additional agency approval 3. Design documentation:4. Bidding/ Award5. Construction6. Park Opens

Agency: Status1. General Obligation Bond Oversight Committee in progress2. Design Review Board Tentative Sept 20 meeting 3. Planning Board To begin following BODR approval4. City of Miami Beach Marine Authority To begin following BODR approval5. Department of the Interior To begin following BODR approval6. Dade Shoreline Review Board To begin following BODR approval7. Army Corps of Engineers To begin following BODR approval8. Department of Environmental Resources Management To begin following BODR approval9. Florida Department of Environmental Protection To begin following BODR approval

Compliance and Approvals There are several additional approvals that South Pointe Park Improvements will need to obtain. These processes should be engaged immediately following approval from the City Commission.



community design workshop #1 meeting notes

community design workshop #2 meeting notes

budget opinion of probable cost

pavilion plans, sections, and elevations

Community Design Workshop One7 April 05Attendance: Approximately 70Location: Murano at Portifino- Lower Spa 1000 South Pointe DriveHargreaves Associates led a presentation to receive feedback about South Pointe Park Improvement progress and initial ideas. The presentation showed physical, historical, and programmatic analysis, design process, three plan-view design options, one refined plan showing funded and unfunded projects and design ideas for these 10 improvement projects. A question and answer period followed. The list below is a summary of each comment from attendees. The response by the consultant or city representative, when offered, is in italics. Following this list is a summary of actions that the design team and city will be studying in response to this meeting.

1.What uses can occur in the Dunes?Park users will be able to walk through and observe the dunes. It will increase the natural features of the park of which there is little representation in Miami Beach.2. Can you affect the number of parking spaces? The restaurant lease requires dedicated parking. The rest are for public use, regional wide. We are not adding parking, but it is not wise to reduce the number. We will look into the operational issues to patrol or control more. 3. What is the project schedule?Planning will be complete by the end of July. Design development may take 8 months. Construction might take eighteen months. 4. How do you intend on managing dogs in the park? Will there be a dog run?We do not recommend a specific area for a dog run or park. Clean up should be enforced more stringently, for example, by issuing tickets. 5. The eastern parking lot is the location of many illicit problems. This plan does not address the needs of the adjacent property owners. The city needs to close the parking lot at night. This is an operational issue that the city needs to address. The long term solution would be to split the parking lot as shown on the unfunded plan. 6.There isn’t a focal point for the park. The focal point is the experience along the cut which the design suggests improving and adding artful light beacons. In addition, the serpent and dune are unusual focal points visible from cruise ships.7. How does the cut walk address the outdoor dining areas of the restaurant? Does it give more seating area to the restaurant? The design does not add any additional seating area to the restaurant. The design team will assure that there is a distinction between the public and private domain at this location. 8. The pier does not have railings and this is a safety issue.There are railings, but they are placed so that they are not visually obstructive. 9. Is there room for active recreational sports? These could occur in the space where the tropical gardens are should the community want them.10. Will making the park attractive attract more transients? 11. The dunes are a refreshing, radical thing. 12.Could there be more berms put in the back to screen the parking lot from the park?13. Washington Avenue still cuts the park in half. The landscape should read in front as you enter the park, like a ‘gateway.’

APPENDIX



14. Could the Tropical Gardens be used for community garden space? This is a good activity in other parks. 15. The playground needs to provide shade.There will be a combination of trees and shade structures to provide shade16. There are 83 public parking spaces here. These could be provided for at a new parking garage being constructed at 5th and Alton. It could serve the park with circulator busses. Parking must be provided to the restaurant until their lease expires. It is a city policy decision to remove the additional public parking spaces. The city will look into this. 17. We need to work a way to keep a fully accessible walk and restaurant café use. 18. There are dunes that occur along the entire length of beach, so why do we need more? Seems like a waste of space.We want to increase the biodiversity in the park, create a healthier ecosystem, attract more birds, insects and lizards. Children and adults can experience the ecosystem of south Florida in an environment that is controlled.19. A lot of natural areas are destroyed so I appreciate the biodiversity. Can we introduce more native species of South Florida?20. What costs so much in the second, unfunded phase?The reconfiguration of the parking lots and utilities21. Are there barbeque pits in this plan? A limited number would be associated with the pavilion building22.Is the boardwalk gone? Yes23. How can we keep people from walking on the dune?It might be similar to the system that occurs along the existing beach walk24.Would it be possible to build a pier over the jetty? It would be good to keep the pier accessYes, but it would be expensive. Pier access is possible still with some alterations. 25. Get rid of all parking26. The cut walk should separate bike and walk zones.We have suggested this on grade separation in the design27. Will there be a place to watch the sunset? Will the berm be high enough to watch the sunset?The Alaska parcel will be improved for watching the sunset. The tidal pool area in the unfunded phase will have additional seating. The berm will allow sight westerly. 28. Children enjoy the fountains. Can there be additional fountains? Yes, these could be apart of the playground29. What happened to the $10 million? Why do our costs state $8.8 million? The 8.8 million is for hard costs. The soft costs cover paying project management, survey, geotechnical investigation, and design fees. 30. What is the elevation of the bermed walk? Does it obstruct sight lines? Is it lawn covered? 12-13 feet tall; does not obstruct sight lines because you are walking on top of it; yes it is covered with lawn, so it can be sat on. 31.The connection shown from Ocean Drive to the park is not nice.There will be trees, additional landscaping and a separated walk for pedestrian traffic. 32.What is the width of the cut walk? Can it be a separated walk? The cut walk is currently shown at 20 feet wide. Approximately 8 feet would be dedicated for solely for pedestrian while the remainder would be shared..



33. Be aware of the sea turtle issues when designing the lighting effects. 34. The parking at this park is also to accommodate residents outside of Miami Beach. The county has contributed funds for the parking here. 35.There should be no “no dog” policies in the parkWe should find ways to accommodate both dog and non-dog user groups.36.The outdoor dining at the cut walk intrudes on the walkway. How will this be addressed? The outdoor dining is allowed under an ordinance similar to Ocean Drive. The ordinance needs to be enforced here. 37.Can the extension of Washington drive be eliminated? It currently doesn’t read as a park entrance. The design team and city will look into it. 38.Can the rip rap edge be eliminated or beautified?It is under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers and is unlikely. 39.The lighting concept is interesting. Don’t scale it down when it gets implemented.Our intention with the plan is to fully fund the improvement parts and do them well. 40.Maintenance will really need to be thought through as the city does not currently maintain the park well now. Many lights arenot working even after several calls to the city. The design needs to be “tank proof.”41. Are there opportunities to use renewable solar energy? There will likely be that opportunities in the lights and pavilion building.

Summary:The presentation was generally well received by the community. The approximately 1 1/2 hour dialogue session following the presentation provided a great deal of focused, useful information for the design team and city. There was a general consensus that the design approach was on track with the community’s needs and desires for South Pointe Park. When asked about thepier, the community felt that the proposed configuration was good and that they did not want the pier demolished completely.

The Design Team and City will refine, clarify, or revise the plan in the following areas for presentation at CDW #2. • Entrance at Washington Avenue and Ocean Drive- How can it be improved as a “gateway” to Park?• Dunes- What does it look like? What uses and programming can occur here? • Parking lot- Can reconfiguration be prioritized? Can it be operated to avert unlawful activities? Can planting buffer the parking lot from the park? • Cut walk at the restaurant- clarify the relationship between the public area and the restaurant’s private uses. • Art/ lighting experience- provide more examples of how that will be experienced. • Bay Inlet – What does it look like; how will people and other wildlife use &enjoy it?

Community Design Workshop Two2 June 05Attendance: Approximately 65Location: City Commission Chambers- 3rd FloorThis was the second and final community design workshop for South Pointe Park Improvements. Hargreaves Associates led a presentation to receive feedback on the concept refinements for South Pointe Park Improvements. The presentation showed a recap of CDW #1, refined plans for Funded, Recommended, and Unfunded schemes, section drawings, three dimensional

APPENDIX



renderings, a model of the recommended scheme, and design clarifications for specific areas that the community requested at CDW #1.

A question and answer period followed. The list below is a summary of each comment from attendees. The responses by the consultant and/or city representative, when offered, are in italics. Following this list is a summary of actions that the design team and city will be studying in response to this meeting. 1. Will level of the bay walk be the same on both sides?The walk will be raised about 18”, and level on both sides. You will be able to sit in both edges of the walk. 2. The cost of the cutwalk at $2million seems costly. If it were redesigned to 12’ instead of the 20’ width, that money could be used to fund other improvements. We have provided a 12’ wide travel lane in the proposed cut walk, within the 20’ total width. We have found that 20’ is a national standard for major walks like these. The 8’ extra is a ‘slow lane’ so that walkers can stand aside from wheeled users. Regarding cost, this is the one location where finishes greater than standard concrete is used. Design team will look at options between 12’and 20’. 3. Regarding dogs in the park, this is as much a people issue as it is a dog issue. There are a number of responsible dog ownershere. There is also a lot of area in the park where it is an informal off area leash now. Access to the water is important as is a piece of the beach. I think we should accommodate both a restricted area and an off leash area. We need to study further the options for accommodating dogs and other park users. At the last public meeting, there was only one ‘dog’ comment mentioned. We related our view that small enclosures are not the solution and it seemed to satisfy the attendees. 4. It is good that you have eliminated the parking to the east, but now it has been shifted to Portifino and South Pointe Towers, which have a greater population to them. The noise and illicit activities will be shifted to this area now. Why did you do this?With the new configuration, we are not adding full amount of parking back but actually reducing numbers. 5. We have submitted a petition to the mayor for a dog park with a 160 signatures. 6. Is fixed dog park a consensus here? We have not yet studied the options for a dog park here. (Gavin showed an example of an adventure dog park in Chelsea Piers, New York City). It has an asphalt surface which is good for cleaning. But when the dog shown in the picture left the dog park, he peed in the lawn area outside of the dog park. 7. Is dog park funded? Nothing is funded for a special dog area. We have not defined an area. One possibility would be to do it as trial- try out some options until the right solution is found. This would prevent spending money on something that won’t provide a good solution. 8. How sure are you about getting the Alaska parcel? The city is confident in getting it9. I would estimate that there is an average dog use of 80-100 dogs in Park. Your numbers of 3 dogs per acre is hard to enforce. Yes, it is hard to enforce this. 10. If you have 70- 80 dogs, using it every day, how can dogs be accommodated? A fixed dog park cannot fully accommodate the need for all of the dogs. Enclosure is not an issue; it gets down to management and enforcement.



11. Management and enforcement needs to come from the top [in City of Miami Beach authority]. Maybe we should have $1000 fine like New York City. Currently the park is dog free-for-all, with no place for people. The City has to create a dog guide or system so that people who don’t have dogs or don’t like dogs can also enjoy it.12. Can parking be taken up with Apogee facility?No13. You are showing a lot of walks made of crushed coral walk. There also seems to be a shortage of park benches. You should think about seniors. Most of the walks are concrete. We could consolidate some of the walks at the dunes. The crushed coral occurs at the dunes and at the cut side of the cut walk. We have accounted for benches in our cost estimates; they are just not shown at this scale in the plan. 14. $700,000 seems like a lot of money for children’s playground.Standards for Kid’s playgrounds are bigger these days. It provides adults space and comfort too. 15. Is there an ordinance in place to pick up after dogs? How is it being enforced? It is enforced by the police. It is a civil infraction if in violation; is committed. It is at the officer’s discretion to ticket. It is easy to enforce but becomes a manpower issue. We have traffic and other violations to do as well. Having your dog off- leashing is one offence, not cleaning up after your dog is another offence.16. Most pet owners clean up after dogs.17. Is it not too much to ask to have a designated area for dogs?18. I have contacts at the National Playground Safety Institute. They represent the premiere in playground design. I can help you make connections if you would like. 19. Regarding the Boat Basin changes, if you are looking for funding its not likely. The Army Corps budget cut by half recently.20. The Beacon lights look like an accident waiting to happen. Maybe the walk could be shortened to end at the Beacon? There is a link at Ocean Drive; it is public access and should read that way. With the parking gone it should feel like you have “arrived”into the park. Perhaps we can put the dog area where Alaska parcel is. This can be studied during detailed design. 21. Is there another dog park surface other than grass? Other mediums are gross. Grass is does not hold up well with continued traffic and dog urination in enclosures less than an acre. That is why bark mulch or hard surface is used in dog parks. 22. There is a lot of noise from parking and it is not relaxing.There is a big difference in weekend and weekday modes here. We are creating a mid block walk to try to pull the weekend crowd from the north edge to the middle of the park. . 23. I’m not crazy about the mid side walk. I’m not sure if that will work. There are many people who park outside the park, in the street, and walk through the park. The parking works well during mid week. Management during the weekend is an issue. 24. The design team was hired to design more than a dog park.There is a possibility to address this within park. We need to look at a solution within the current design.24. The informal dog area is of most enjoyable places in South Pointe Park. A confined, fenced area is not the best solution. Maybe the western 1/3or ½ could be dog friendly, where no dogs would be allowed in the other ½. This is what I’m hearing the dog proponents want: 1) informality and free reign 2) a prudent location where dogs are not allowed

APPENDIX



3) access to water 4) a smaller restricted area. Regarding parking there is a conflict between those who use the parking to use park and those who use it to use parking lot. You should look at an increment phase out of parking. Do not replace all of the parking. And regarding the Cut Walk, no one advocated 20’ width at the last public meeting. The cut walk was presented in CDW#1 as 20’ and was not an issue then.25. We definitely need more trash cans with poop dispensersWe agree and it will be provided. 26. The designers are doing a good job. I believe that if they say that the 20’ width is good, then I don’t want to micro-manage them; let’s get it built as soon as possible. Let’s see if we can get the tropical gardens. And also look at not adding back the parking lot.27. There might be a need to do a Concession amendment for what you have proposed to the Smith and Wollensky restaurant. I like the idea of the signature lights being linked to changing weather.

Summary:The design clarifications that were addressed in the presentation were generally well received by the community. The feedback showed support for the Recommended Plan, and that the design needs some minor fine-tuning. There was overwhelming support to move forward with completing the planning phase so that the design team can proceed with the process in order to get the improvements built.

As the Dog issues discussion took some time, George Chartrand, Miami Beach C.I.P., called for consensus on the park design improvements. Consensus was reached on proceeding with the recommended scheme with the following issues to be resolved before the BODR:

• City finds additional funds over the $8.8 M construction budget• Parking is to decrease from existing numbers to an optimum amount yet to be decided• Accommodate dogs in the park through a range of options without having to resort to a fenced enclosure. • Negotiate new outdoor seating area with Smith and Wollensky.

These notes are submitted by Hargreaves Associates. End of Notes



APPENDIX

budget level cost estimate



APPENDIX

pavilion plans, sections and detailed program



APPENDIX


south pointe park layout

Documents

obstruct sight lines

design reporthargreaves associates

chinese fan palm

palms coconut palm

sidewalk table congestion

discovery improved circulation

missing program facilities

washington avenue closure