Coach Corey Smith honored by Commissioner Monestime

Left to Right: Commissioner Jean Monestime along with Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Director Maria Nardi join Coach Corey Smith’s family and friends at the renaming of Gwen Cherry Park to Coach Corey Smith Football Field. Commissioner Monestime speaks at the renaming ceremony.
(Photos by: Godfrey Mead/Miami-Dade County)

MIAMI-DADE – Commissioner Jean Monestime, in collaboration with Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces, hosted the renaming of Gwen Cherry Park to Coach Corey Smith Football Field on Friday, April 29. The synthetic playing field, located in District 2, was renamed to honor Smith’s lifetime commitment to the community. Commissioner Monestime previously sponsored legislation to rename the park in memory of Smith.

“Coach Smith had a true passion for helping young athletes succeed on and off the field. For 13 years, he helped run the football sports and conditioning programs for the Boys and Girls Club at this park. We are keeping his memory alive by renaming the park to honor his lifetime contributions to football and youth development, said Commissioner Monestime.

Smith died tragically in a shooting in September 2020. Growing up, he attended Miami Senior High School, where he was a star football player. He was awarded a college scholarship to attend and play football at Bethune-Cookman University. After he graduated, he returned to Miami, where he became the head football coach at Miami Senior High School and taught physical education at Charles Drew Middle School. He worked for Miami-Dade Public Schools for over two decades.