A plan has been unveiled to transform the threadbare path beneath the Metrorail that runs alongside South Dixie Highway into an aesthetically appealing useful space.
The idea is to turn the neglected space into 10 miles of side-by-side pedestrian and bike trails into verdant gardens, recreational areas, and playgrounds in a long slender park. The park would extend from the Miami River downtown to the suburban Dadeland with a viewing “room” featuring cascading stone steps down to the Underline and sports courts and work stations at the Dadeland end.
The full master plan is estimated to cost $120m. Government grants in the amount of $5 million have been obtained, and an additional $3m was appropriated by the Florida legislature but vetoed by the governor. The plan is to spread the grant money as far as possible on the first “demonstration” phase of the project, a three-quarter-mile-long stretch in the vicinity of the Brickell Station.
Plans for the Brickell Station segment include a River Room, dog park, an Oolite Room, an outdoor gym, and “picnic pockets”. How many of these features can be included within the $5m budget is unknown at this time. A promotional campaign featuring Brochures showing the proposed route of the Underline and describing the various features could help with fundraising for the project. The plan awaits approval by the Miami-Dade County Commission.Get a Free Quote for Brochures
