What’s Happening

Work has progressed significantly at Maurice Gibb Memorial Park in the Sunset Harbour Neighborhood in recent months. The new iconic park is beginning to take shape.

Work continues on the seawall, drainage system, living shoreline, overlook and fishing pier. The barge which was used for seawall waterside work, was removed from the site. The “You Should be Dancing” Playground has been manufactured and is being shipped to the site. The installation of the playground shade structure is underway.

Within the next two weeks, the project is expected to receive a large delivery of trees. Installation of the trees will begin from the southern end of the site, close to Dade Boulevard. Nearby residents will likely witness various mature trees coming in on flatbed trucks. The trees will be offloaded as close as possible to their location within the park and planted shortly thereafter. 

The boat ramp, trailer parking and docks at the north of the site will continue to 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 pier, 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 
• Added 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 just over two years (approximately 26 months total), but the project team is diligently trying to expedite work and beat their intended timeline. 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.

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 is in place around the park for safety. 
• 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 restrooms will also be closed during construction.
• Moderate levels of construction noise is expected during the day.
• 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.
• 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. All work is happening under close watch from the city project team and our partner governmental and environmental agencies.

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 (5-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 305.604.2ADA (2232) (voice), select 1 (English) or 2 (Spanish) and leave a message with your request. TTY users may call via 711 (Florida Relay Service). You can also make requests online at www.miamibeachfl.gov/ada by selecting ADA request.