Project Overview and Benefits

North Beach Oceanside Park spans nearly 28 acres from 87 Street on the north to 79 Street to the south, east of Collins Avenue.

Phase One of the project, which is the northern section of the park, between 83 - 87 streets, was completed and open to the public this past spring. Phase Two Improvements are ongoing and include new concrete pathways, additional landscaping, new signage, cosmetic refurbishment of the existing restrooms, ornamental entrance gates, upgraded perimeter fencing, security camera infrastructure, new playground equipment, site furnishing, turtle-friendly lighting and a refurbished picnic shelter. These new improvements enhance public safety and improve the aesthetics of the park.

What’s Happening

Selective pruning of sea grapes and overgrowth are being performed in accordance with established principles of CEPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design). The objective of this effort is to ensure adequate visibility for security purposes while maintaining the health and safety of the park's ecosystem. The focus is the removal of only those trees that are diseased, dead, pose a safety hazard due to their growth pattern, or have compromised roots. The pruning activities have been carefully planned to protect and prune trees to allow the canopy to grow and flourish into the future.

By the time the project achieves substantial completion during the fall of this year, the City is on target to achieve a net increase of 188 trees in North Beach Oceanside Park and adjoining parts of the Beachwalk. The specific work being performed in these areas, under the supervision of a certified arborist, includes the removal and disposal of the dilapidated wood fence, collection and removal of trash, removal and disposal of invasive species, overgrown ground cover as well as understory shrubs and weeds. In addition, current activities also include tree trimming to crown raise tree canopies and palms up to 8 feet in height.

The Master Plan, adopted by the City Commission in December of 2014, and the subsequent designs and construction documents indicated the scope and intent of the project are to preserve park landscaping and enhance the park through revitalized lawns, tree pruning, removal of invasive plants and the expansion of a diversified plant palate.

As a result of these projects, 4.8% of the existing trees were in conflict with the renovation or were otherwise damaged/diseased and were removed or relocated. Of the 5,367 existing trees and palms in the park and Beachwalk, 212 were removed and 68 were relocated.

Stringent tree preservation measures have been taken to protect the remaining canopy trees and palms identified to be in good condition. To mitigate the canopy loss, the project included the planting of 409 new native and Florida-friendly canopy trees that were selected for their hardiness in marine environments and their environmental benefits. Following the Urban Forestry Master Plan approved by the City Commission in 2020, this project will diversify the tree canopy and include salt-tolerant canopy trees most appropriate for beachfront areas.

It is important to note that regardless of CPTED principles, the park's canopy will be enriched to enhance the much-needed shaded areas further, creating a safer environment and promoting new growth.

For additional details, please click here to read the Letter to Commission issued today.

Timeline

The project is expected to be completed in fall 2023. Construction work hours are weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The selective pruning takes place Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Extended hours are subject to city approval to complete the job in a timely manner.

What to Expect

• During the construction of Phase Two, the park will be closed from 83 - 79 streets. The public may access the renovated section of the Park from 83 - 87 streets.

• The dog park is closed for the duration of Phase 2 construction. A nearby dog park is available at Stillwater Park on 8440 Hawthrone Avenue.

• Construction machinery, vehicles, and personnel will be in the construction area.

• The Beachwalk will remain open throughout both phases of the construction.  

Who to Contact

Dexter Peralta, Neighborhood Affairs Coordinator, at DexterPeralta@miamibeachfl.gov