Miami’s Once “Colored Only Beach”. |
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Learn the Story That Began in 1945 |
Welcome to Paradise Renewed!!
Established on August 1, 1945 as Miami’s ‘Colored Only Beach’ immediately became a spot for social gatherings to tourists and residents who made trips to enjoy amenities such as the carousel, the dancing pavilion or the mini-train that would run through the enormous park.
Now, characterized by a unique and precious natural environment, the City of Miami’s largest recreational jewel serves as the ultimate recreational location for those who want to bask in the splendor of the sun and ocean.
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Thank You for Making a Difference at #HVKBP |
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The Virginia Key Beach Park Trust would like to extend a BIG THANK YOU to the schools and organizations who put countless of hours and energy in giving back to beautify the park environment and clean the beach shoreline all while learning a big part of Miami's black history.
Recently we hosted both Miami Country Day School and Cushman Day School. They spent a day planting native trees and removing exotic plants species with our partner organization Treemendous Miami and picking debris and trash from the shoreline.
There were eighty-nine 3rd graders that came out from Miami Country Day School and experienced a cultural talk with Virginia Key Beach Park Trust Executive Director Guy Forchion, a nature beach walk with Education & Volunteer Coordinator Charlie Weyman and native planting with Ken Fairman, Vice President of Treemendous Miami.
Cushman Day School came with twelve high school students and planted 25 Gumbo Limbo and Green Buttonwood around HVKBP's railroad area. This planting is part of a high school project to help reduce the CO2 levels in the atmosphere one tree at a time.
Big thanks to Treemendous, Mauricio Velasquez of Miami Country Day, Cushman Day School and Elvis Cruz of the South Florida Palm Society for coming to the park to help restore the park's native flora.
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Project Runway Safety Donates Water Safety Stations to the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust |
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Jessica C. Leon, Founder of the Horacio Leon Jr. Water Safety Project recently donated two water safety stations to the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust.
A water rescue station is a plastic cabinet held up by either a stainless steel, wooden or PVC post or suspended on a railing. This cabinet protects the life ring and rope from the elements such as the weather, extending the life ring& rope’s shelf life and maintaining it in optimum working condition to save a drowning victim and prevent a rescuer from becoming a victim. Water rescue stations are needed in areas where lifeguards are not present and if the threat of drowning occurs.
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Sunset Salute Michael Finney |
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This month the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust salutes another Miami giant who passed on this month Mr. Michael A. Finney.
Michael A. Finney was a dedicated and energetic champion of economic prosperity during his five-year tenure as CEO of Miami-Dade County’s Beacon Council.
Our sincerest condolences to his family and colleagues.
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Summer Backpack Drive - Save the Date
Helping Miami’s Children In Need – 2022 Summer Backpack Drive
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Woohoo! Thanks to donors and volunteers who assisted VKBPT to distribute almost 300 summer backpacks to Miami’s children in need over the last two years!
This success motivates VKBPT to reach more children (there is such a great need!)
SAVE THE DATE for the 3rd Annual Summer Backpack Drive.
The details are:
GOALS:
- Distribute 250+ Summer Backpacks and Food Boxes to Miami’s Children in Need.
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Host a Community Summer Bash at the Historic Beach Park for all participants and their families on August 1, 2022, at the 77th Anniversary.
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DONATION DRIVE:
DISTRIBUTION:
DROPOFF LOCATION:
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April 4 – May 30, 2022
Weeks of June 13 – June 24, 2022
Virginia Key Beach Park Trust (VKBPT)
4020 Virginia Beach Drive,
Miami, FL 33149
(Tuesday-Saturday, 8a.m.-4p.m.)
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Your gift will positively impact disadvantaged Miami children by providing backpacks filled with needed items that promote learning, encourage play, and fun this summer.
Volunteers and Peer Fundraising opportunities are available. Email Sheila Foreman at sforeman@miamigov.com to help!
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Take Photos w/ the Easter Bunny |
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Join the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust as we hop into Easter with the Easter Bunny!
Take photos with family and have fun with the Easter Bunny at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park.
WHEN: Sunday, April, 17, 2022
11a.m.-12p.m.
2p.m.-3p.m.
FREE Event, vehicle entry fee applies.
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Join Debris Free Oceans for this zero-waste party on the beach where we leave it better than we found it ❤.
Head to the park after work to clean the beach with us and enjoy complimentary craft beer from Wynwood Brewing Co. and kombucha from Radiate Kombucha if you bring your own reusable cup*!
WHEN: Saturday, April, 22, 2022
5p.m.-7p.m.
FREE Event, vehicle entry fee applies.
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Join us for Baynanza’ s 40th anniversary.
Baynanza is a celebration of Biscayne Bay and its significance as one of the most important ecological systems in South Florida.
Baynanza culminates w/ the Biscayne Bay Cleanup Day where thousands of volunteers join together to help clean up our bay’s shoreline.
Volunteers at all the cleanup sites will receive a free commemorative T-shirt, and community service hours are available to all students who participate. .
WHEN: April 23, 2022; 9a.m.-12p.m.
WHERE: Historic Virginia Key Beach Park
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Vegandale Festival is North America’s Fastest Growing Vegan Festival and it's happening at #HVKBP. Expect an epic party with live music, contests, art installations, vegan clothing, merch, and over 100 food and drink vendors from across the continent. Think anything from deep fried Beyond Burgers to cinnamon buns stuffed with cookie dough – They’ve got it!
WHEN: May 21, 2022; 11a.m.-7p.m.
WHERE: Historic Virginia Key Beach Park
For more information CLICK HERE
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We are Always Here to Help... |
Teamwork makes the dream work at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park!
Every day the staff works hard to keep the beach maintained and to keep you safe while having fun!
Anytime you see us out and about in our Mean, Green Staff Shirts, give us a shout if you need assistance!
For more information on park rentals, click link below.
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Tag us in your favorite photos outdoors.
See past pics of photo ops we have been tagged in.
Keep them coming in!
You never know what might end up in the next newsletter.
Have a unique memory or iconic moment captured at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park?
Tag Us for a feature in the monthly newsletter.
Whether it's a photoshoot, proposal or just a beautiful day at the beach, we would love to share your view of paradise renewed.
Be sure to tag us @VirginiaKeyBeachPark on Instagram or use #HistoricVirginiaKeyBeachPark #VirginiaKeyBeachPark #HVKBP #ISupportViginiaKeyBeachPark to Share.
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Book a FREE Eco-History Tour
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Take A Virtual Fieldtrip to #HVKBP |
Log on to the FREE Virtual App today!!
Due to COVID-19 and the return of the “new normal” activities, we are reminded of the impact it has caused us on the daily. Historic Virginia Key Beach Park (HVKBP) launches an all new multi-media interactive Virtual App., VK VIRTUAL.
As you stroll through the sands of the beach or from the comfort of your home, you can listen to the lively and colorful stories of this unique Once “Colored Only” Beach.
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Historic Virginia Key Beach Park is located on a barrier island minutes from Downtown Miami, just north of Key Biscayne. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to Sunset (except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day). Picnic Pavilions, Cabanas and Barbeque grills are available throughout the park for picnics, birthdays, weddings, photoshoots and so much more.
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Have an event you would like to host at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park? Volunteer or participate in the many programs and activities the park has to offer.
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4020 Virginia Beach Drive
Miami, FL 33149
Main: 305-960-4600
Fax: 305-960-4620
info@virginiakeybeachpark.net
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