On Saturday, December 14, 2019, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez, Miami-Dade County District 9 Commissioner Dennis C. Moss and the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department were joined by more than 200 local youth and members of the NFL Foundation, Miami Dolphins, Miami Super Bowl Host Committee, as co-sponsors for the grand opening celebration for the new field and amenities at Goulds Park, 11350 SW 216 Street, Miami, FL 33170.
After a $1.7 million renovation, contributed by Miami-Dade County with support from the NFL Foundation and the Super Bowl Host Committee, the park has a new synthetic turf field for football, soccer, and lacrosse games, complete with a new scoreboard, bleachers, fencing, and walkways.
Each year, the NFL seeks to improve the surrounding communities of the Super Bowl host city, through the Super Bowl Legacy Grant Program, by giving an annual $1 million contribution from the NFL Foundation – this year the beneficiary being Goulds Park. Super Bowl Legacy Grant projects are identified by the NFL to help leave a legacy long after the Super Bowl has been played.
The free community event kicked off with a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by youth flag football and volleyball tournaments and jump rope competition. The local students, ages 6-14, and young people enrolled in Miami-Dade Park’s award-winning, nationally recognized Fit2Play/Fit2Lead After-School Sports Development programs will participate in the sporting events. Miami Dolphins cheerleaders and mascots made the scene and entertainment included performances by Arthur and Pauline Mays Conservatory of Arts drumline and a live remote broadcast from 103.5 The Beat. The activities concluded with an awards presentation.
“Today, we are celebrating an important milestone for this community,” said Mayor Gimenez. “This park is a great place for children and adults to enjoy sports and have fun outdoors. Goulds Park is another outstanding example of how Miami-Dade Parks helps transform people’s lives. Thanks to the NFL, the Miami Dolphins and the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee for their collaborative work here at Gould's and in the other legacy projects they have developed leading up to Super Bowl LIV.”
“The NFL Foundation is proud to supply funding for an area the Miami community can use for years to come,” said Alexia Gallagher, Vice President of Philanthropy and Executive Director of NFL Foundation. “When the NFL comes to a city for the Super Bowl, it’s important we leave a lasting legacy, and this is just one of the ways we look to make an impact in the host city beyond the game.”
Commissioner Moss remarked: “I want to thank everyone involved in making this project come to life. Parks are the heart of every community and Goulds Park has been an important touchstone for many residents here. This field will serve as a place where kids will learn life-long skills, such as working as a team and building strong character. Perhaps some of our young people will go on to become decorated student-athletes, but most importantly, many who utilize this field will go on to become great citizens.”
Miami-Dade Parks Director Maria I. Nardi added: “This is a transformative project for the community. Goulds Park has one of the most utilized fields in our park system. The new amenities at this park will provide a beautiful, sustainable space that generations of athletes can enjoy. This new athletic field earmarks this park is a top-notch sports and recreation hub for residents and children alike. Improvements like these are making communities healthier, stronger and more prosperous and contribute to a sustainable park system. Thank you to the NFL, the Miami Dolphins and the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee for bringing this to fruition.”
“Hosting Super Bowl LIV affords us the opportunity to leave a legacy in our communities. It is an honor to work with the National Football League and Miami-Dade County to identify a need and in turn, help bring these important projects to fruition. We hope Goulds Park continues to serve as a safe place people can enjoy long after the last whistle is blown.” said Rodney Barreto, Chairman, Miami Super Bowl Host Committee.
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