Miami Civic Leaders Organize to Oppose Skateboard Park near Historic Cemetery

Penny Lambeth, chair of the Restoration Committee and group organizer said: "The City's Biscayne Park has been under-used for many years. This is an opportunity to preserve the "green space,' so it can be a more suitable neighbor for the cemetery, the school and others moving into the vicinity. And while there is nothing intrinsically wrong with a skateboard park, it does not belong in that location. This is a peaceful educational and religious area surrounded by residents and merchants. The founders of Miami are buried in this cemetery. Their families are horrified to think of how a skateboard facility would impact the solemn contemplative setting."

Lambeth also noted that: "the cemetery - which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places - continues in its 12-year restoration to make it a beautiful botanical garden, a place of tranquility and serenity to honor our founders and as a resident and visitor destination."

The group has established the following goals:

Prevent further funding by the OMNI CRA for the skateboard park project at this location.

Seek a broad community consensus that Biscayne Park is not an appropriate location for such a facility.

Work with the City Parks Department and other interested parties to develop an appropriate plan for the future of Biscayne Park.

Assist ASPIRA Eugenio Maria De Hostos Youth Leadership Charter School in developing a thematic curricular unit encompassing the rich cultural history of South Florida and the contributions of its founders.

Assist in efforts to identify an appropriate location for a skateboard park in the City of Miami in cooperation with recreation leaders, elected officials, skateboard enthusiasts and other interested parties.