What’s Happening

Renovations are in full swing at Maurice Gibb Memorial Park.

Starting later this month, the contractor will begin previously approved tree relocations. They will also begin working on the seawall, living shoreline, overlook and pier.

During construction of the seawall, construction will take place from both the land and water sides of the park. A barge will be located just offshore of the site during waterside work. In accordance with regulatory agency standards, environmental protection measures will be in place as well.

The boat ramp and docks at the north of the site will remain open during construction. The parking lot (P46) will remain open to residents, visitors and area business patrons. 

Project Scope and Benefits

Maurice Gibb Memorial Park was designed for everyone to enjoy for years to come. The design includes something for everyone of all ages, abilities and different activities in mind. It includes:

• Replacing the current playground with a custom-made music-themed play structure
• A living shoreline with Mangrove trees
• Increasing the park’s resiliency by raising the seawall elevation, remediation of contaminated soil, increasing drainage capacity and providing native trees and shrubs
• New dog park, fishing piers, a large bay overlook, shade structures and outdoor furniture
• New pavilion with seating for small social gatherings
• New walking paths 
• Open greenspace where people can gather for a picnic, watch the sunset, play catch or kick around a ball 
• Adding canopy trees and seating along the new walkways
• A future project (separate budget and timeline, but located within the park) will address the Marine Patrol building and provide new restrooms at the ground level for public use.

This is a rendering of the new playground, "You should be dancing..."

Timeline

Construction began in April 2023. Expected duration of the project is approximately two years. We thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation while park renovations and construction are underway. 

Ongoing work hours are weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Extended time is subject to city approval and community notification. Work may include Saturdays and certain holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please note, schedules can change due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances.

Since the project started, the focus has been soil remediation. Under close watch from the city project team and our partner agencies, the construction crews were tasked with remediating contaminated soil from impacted areas throughout the park prior to bringing in any new material to build up the new park's ground level. In digging up the contaminated soil for removal, field crews have encountered unforeseen conditions such as large slabs of concrete underground and buried old gas tanks. Obviously these items will need to be removed with extra care and proper environmental treatment before further ground work can take place in adjacent areas. The project team is estimating approximately two months of extra work to accomplish these extra tasks.

What to Expect

• Maurice Gibb Memorial Park will be closed during construction. Please use alternate nearby playgrounds such as Pocket Park on Sunset Drive and 20 Street or Belle Isle Park.
• A construction fence with wind screen will extend around the park for everyone's safety. 
• The restrooms will also be closed during construction.
• Moderate levels of construction noise is expected during the day.
• While pile driving is in progress for the new seawall, the pounding noises will be audible nearby.
• Construction materials, machinery, vehicles, and personnel will be on site. 
• Most vehicles and material deliveries will access the construction zone from Purdy Avenue.
• Some temporary, intermittent lane closures may be required in the vicinity during construction. Please pay attention to posted signage and flagmen on site.
• Access to the parking lot will be subject to periodic closures. 
• Parking restrictions may be posted near the construction zone entrances. Please adhere to posted signage to avoid enforcement measures.
• The project team will provide construction updates to the public as new information and/or new construction tasks and milestones are expected to occur.

Who to Contact

Lauren Firtel, South Beach Neighborhood Affairs Coordinator: laurenfirtel@miamibeachfl.gov

For more information on the G.O. Bond Program, visit www.GOMBInfo.com. 

For more information on the city's project web page, click here.

To request this material in alternate format, sign language interpreter (five-day notice required), information on access for persons with disabilities, and/or any accommodation to review any document or participate in any city-sponsored proceedings, call 305.604.2489 and select 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then option 6; TTY users may call via 711 (Florida Relay Service).