Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces invites the community to celebrate Park & Recreation Month with "The Power of Parks"

In celebration of Park and Recreation Month, the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department (PROS) invites residents and visitors to discover the extraordinary parks, natural areas, recreational programs, and world-renowned attractions that make up one of the nation's largest accredited park systems.

As part of the National Recreation and Park Association's (NRPA) annual Park and Recreation Month campaign, this year's theme, "The Power of Parks," celebrates how parks foster connection, play, community, nature, and overall well-being. Throughout July, PROS is highlighting the many ways its parks and programs enrich everyday life while advancing its mission of connecting people with parks for life.

To help residents experience everything the park system has to offer, PROS has relaunched Park Finder, an interactive, mobile-friendly online tool that makes discovering parks easier than ever. Patrons can search by location, amenities, recreational activities, or park name to find everything from neighborhood playgrounds and athletic facilities to nature preserves. Park Finder also features many of the County’s premier destinations, including Deering Estate, Zoo Miami, Fruit & Spice Park, Trail Glades Range, and others, making it easier than ever to plan an outdoor adventure.

"Parks have an incredible ability to bring people together and create lifelong memories," said Christina White, Director of PROS. "With the relaunch of Park Finder, we're making it easier than ever for residents and visitors to discover everything our parks have to offer. Whether you're looking for a playground, a golf course, a place to launch your boat, attend a summer program, or simply spend time outdoors, there's a place for you to explore."

Beyond its parks, PROS offers year-round programs and experiences for residents of all ages and abilities. Through Miami EcoAdventures, visitors can enjoy guided eco-tours, paddling excursions, wildlife encounters, educational experiences, and outdoor adventures that showcase South Florida's unique ecosystems while promoting environmental stewardship.

The department also offers hundreds of recreational opportunities that encourage healthy, active lifestyles, including swim lessons through the Learn2Swim program, nature center programming, summer camps, fitness and wellness classes, Active Older Adult programming, youth sports, cultural programming, and community events held throughout the year.

Miami-Dade's parks system traces its roots to 1929 with the hiring of its first Parks Director, A.D. "Doug" Barnes. In 1930, the County welcomed its first public park, Matheson Hammock, and is today one of seven County-designated Heritage Parks recognized for its historical, cultural, and environmental significance. The others include Greynolds Park, Fruit & Spice Park, Crandon Park, Haulover Park, Homestead Bayfront Park, and Deering Estate.

Recognized as one of the nation's premier park systems, PROS has maintained accreditation through the NRPA's Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) for 31 consecutive years. Fewer than two percent of the more than 10,000 park and recreation agencies nationwide have achieved this distinction, reflecting the department's continued commitment to excellence in park management, programming, conservation, and public service.

PROS includes:

•    309 parks encompassing 13,629 acres 
•    197 miles of greenway trails 
•    1,780 acres of protected pine rockland 
•    17 miles of maintained beaches 
•    142 playgrounds 
•    234 park shelters 
•    Five golf courses 
•    Six public marinas with 62 public boat ramps 
•    Two botanical parks 
•    Six nature centers 
•    12 designated dog parks 
•    Five campgrounds 
•    Recreation facilities that include 69 recreation centers, 123 basketball courts, 22 volleyball courts, 156 tennis courts, 30 racquetball courts, 76 pickleball courts, 156 athletic fields, 98 baseball fields, 60 soccer fields, and 20 public swimming pools
 
Throughout July, residents can participate in a variety of special events, guided nature experiences, educational programs, fitness activities, and family-friendly offerings across the county. Seasonal highlights include the popular Mango Specialty Tour at Fruit & Spice Park, Miami EcoAdventures excursions such as the Biscayne Bay Sunset Boat Cruise, nature center programming, recreational classes, and much more. A complete calendar of events is available at miamidade.gov/parks by selecting "Things to Do."

Those interested in supporting the preservation and enhancement of Miami-Dade's parks for future generations can learn more about the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade and make a contribution at www.liveaparklife.org.

About the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department 

Established in 1929, the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department (PROS) is one of the oldest, largest and most diverse park systems in the United States, encompassing more than 300 parks, five golf courses, six marinas, and more than 40,000 acres of active and passive parkland, including protected natural areas. Since 1995, PROS has been accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and has received numerous national and state honors, including multiple National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Gold Medal Awards, the 2013 Florida Governor's Sustained Excellence Award, and the 2009 and 2023 Florida Governor's Sterling Awards.  

Stay connected with Miami-Dade County Parks on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and X (@MiamiDadeParks), or visit miamidade.gov/parks for the latest news, programs, and events.