Town of Cutler Bay Names Two Newly Acquired Parks: Coastal Ridge Preserve and Veterans Park

Cutler Bay, FL – October 15, 2024 – The Town of Cutler Bay proudly announces the official naming of two newly acquired parks, a significant milestone in the Town’s ongoing efforts to preserve green spaces and enhance community resilience. During the September 2024 Town Council Meeting, the Council unanimously approved the names for the newly purchased properties: Coastal Ridge Preserve, an 8.5-acre site located on Old Cutler Road and SW 184th Street, and Veterans Park, a 3.5-acre property located on Old Cutler Road and SW 87th Avenue.

The acquisition and naming of these parks mark a victory for local grassroots efforts, as both names were suggested by the Town’s Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee, which comprises Cutler Bay residents dedicated to preserving our community's natural beauty and history. This collective effort highlights the importance of resident participation in shaping the future of Cutler Bay.

Coastal Ridge Preserve: A Community-Driven Effort to Preserve and Protect

The Coastal Ridge Preserve acquisition is the result of years of advocacy from residents, Town Council members, and community stakeholders. The 8.5-acre parcel, purchased in 2020, was acquired to safeguard its environmental significance, prevent development, and further the Town's resiliency efforts. Located adjacent to the Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands project, the preserve plays a vital role as a natural buffer to help mitigate sea-level rise and protect the community during storms. This acquisition is part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), the largest environmental restoration project in U.S. history.

In addition to the land purchase, the Town Council recently held a workshop where they discussed the masterplan conceptual design for the site. The conceptual design is set to be approved during the October 16, 2024, council meeting and includes nature pathways, two educational nature pavilions, pine rockland and hardwood hammock sections, interactive educational kiosks, and an observation deck overlooking the wetlands, consistent with the future CERP wetland rehydration project. The site concept was developed in coordination with Miami-Dade County, the South Florida Water Management District, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Coastal Ridge Preserve Draft Site Concept

The preservation of this property was fueled by strong community support, with many residents advocating to protect the land from development. Numerous workshops and a visioning session were held earlier this year to gather public input, with additional ideas solicited during the Town’s Wings Over the Bay event in May. You can read more about this ongoing effort in the press release: Town of Cutler Bay Celebrates Successful Restoration Site Cleanup & Visioning Session.

Since the acquisition of Coastal Ridge Preserve, the Town has successfully secured significant funding to offset costs and support ongoing improvements. In late 2022, the Town received $1,106,570 in various grants from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Florida Communities Trust (FCT) Program to reduce the purchase cost. In 2023, the Town was awarded $250,000 from the FDEP Resilient Florida Program to fund design, permitting, and invasive species removal. The Town has committed an additional $250,000 in matching funds, and the FCT contributed another $8,500,000.

Veterans Park: Honoring Our Heroes

Veterans Park, the newly designated 3.5-acre passive park on Old Cutler Road and SW 87th Avenue, will stand as a tribute to all veterans who have served our country, recognizing their dedication and sacrifice. The park’s name pays homage to the Town’s deep-rooted history of military service, as Cutler Bay’s origins are tied to housing built for Homestead Air Reserve personnel. Veterans Park symbolizes the Town’s gratitude and respect for those who have protected our freedoms at home and abroad.

In 2024, the Town of Cutler Bay received a significant boost to this project, securing $1.5 million in funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)’s Florida Communities Trust program as part of its 2023-2024 funding cycle. The FDEP grant marked a significant achievement in the town’s ongoing effort to expand and enhance recreational and green spaces for its residents.

Additionally, the town’s marketing efforts in acquiring Veterans Park earned recognition statewide. The Town of Cutler Bay was awarded an Honorable Mention from the Florida Municipal Communicators Association (FMCA) for Best Marketing Campaign, acknowledging the success of its grassroots campaign, "From Vision to Reality: A Grassroots Campaign to Promote Environmental Stewardship" (Video 1)(Video 2). The campaign was lauded for its creativity, consistency, and community impact, utilizing internal resources to raise awareness about environmental conservation and the preservation of green spaces. The campaign included a suite of digital, print, and video materials aimed at engaging the community and fostering environmental stewardship.

Through this campaign, the town not only preserved the Veterans Park site but also engaged residents, environmental organizations, and educational institutions in the effort. The park’s acquisition and preservation highlight the town’s dedication to maintaining its natural spaces while honoring the nation’s veterans. This project exemplifies the town’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and sustainable land management.

Cutler Bay: Leading the Way in Environmental Stewardship

With the addition of these two parks, residents now collectively own a total of 28 acres of land, making them the largest landowners in Cutler Bay. This acquisition has not only preserved over 618 residential units from being developed but also significantly alleviated potential traffic in the area. The Town of Cutler Bay remains committed to proactive environmental initiatives that safeguard green spaces, support resilience against climate challenges, and enhance the quality of life for future generations.

“These parks represent much more than just land,” stated Mayor Tim Meerbott. “They are a testament to the power of community, our leaders' foresight, and our residents' dedication. By preserving these spaces, we are ensuring that Cutler Bay remains a vibrant, resilient, and connected town for generations to come.”

For more information on the Town’s environmental efforts and updates on these parks, visit our Parks & Recreation page.

For media inquiries, please email media@cutlerbay-fl.gov