From the City of Miami Beach…
Called an “Island of Calm” in a recent New York Times article, Belle Isle is nestled in the heart of the Venetian Islands overlooking Biscayne Bay. In addition to the many celebrities who have recently discovered the island and moved in, other more visible additions include the recent rights-of-way and landscape improvement projects at Belle Isle Park, currently being finalized by the City of Miami Beach’s Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) office. And change is good, says 20-year Belle Isle resident, John Cavicchi. “I believe that I speak for a silent majority, which is very satisfied with the quality of the work and the professionalism of the workers.”
THE IMPROVEMENTS
Belle Isle Park, a passive park and one of the City’s more than 35 park areas, is maintained by the City of Miami Beach Parks and Recreation Department. The recent facelift to the park started in May of 2006 and includes the installation of underground utilities, a roadway and park storm water collection and disposal system for a major pump station; over 3,000 lineal feet of water main piping throughout the perimeter of the park; new landscaping and rights-of-way improvements; and roadway reconstruction at Island Avenue north and south and Century and Farrey Lanes.
THE NUMBERS BELLE ISLE
• SIZE: 3.3 ACRES
• CONSTRUCTION: 23 MONTHS
• NEW TREES: 100
• 3,000 LINEAR FEET OF WATER PIPING
GREENER THAN EVER
While bulldozers and dump trucks have occupied this urban paradise for nearly 23 months, most can agree it was well worth the hassle. And, with over three quarters of the work completed, residents are already benefiting from some of the exciting new amenities and are beginning to see improvements. “It’s wonderful to see the plans finally being realized and green space returning to our neighborhood. We’re excited to see the finished product,” commented Scott Diffenderfer, resident and president of the Belle Isle Resident Association.
Newly installed Miami Beach red sidewalks meander throughout the park and along its perimeter, park benches adorn the 3.3-acre facility and there is a greener look to it all, as a result of the planting of more than 100 new trees, replanting of existing tree species and the replacement of the park’s sod.
“This work could not have been accomplished without the support of the residents”, said CIP Community Information Coordinator Olivia Almagro.
GOOD NEWS FOR DOGGIE LOVERS
Another plus that the park will offer as part of the improvements is a park-within-the-park, dedicated specifically to four-legged friends. Carla Dixon, CIP projects coordinator, has overseen the bark-park section of the facility.
“Dog lovers will soon be able to take their four-legged companions for a stroll within the new fenced area inside the park, equipped with waste dispensers,” she said. Cold water drinking fountains with ground level bubblers for pets will also be available in the park and trash containers will be placed throughout the entire facility as well as in the island.
“Despite an intense reconstruction effort, residents can be certain that the new improvements and the park will surely enhance this thriving community,” added Jorge Chartrand, CIP director.
The Belle Isle Park project is expected to be completed this summer. If you would like to receive more information about the project, please contact the CIP office at 305.673.7071.
