La Comisionada Eileen Higgins otorga $577,000 para la construcción de un parque costero accesible y el primer puente de acceso permanente y plataforma de observación en el Sur de la Florida
MIAMI-DADE - Today, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins, District 5, joined Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto , to Sabrina Cohen Foundation Founder Sabrina Cohen, representatives from the tourism industry and community stakeholders, to announce the award of $ 577,000 in District 5 General Obligation Bond funds to build the accessible Sabrina Cohen coastal park and the permanent wheelchair access bridge and observation deck.
The park will be located at 5301 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach and will feature an adaptable playground, exercise area, relaxation space and butterfly garden, along with permanent beach access. This project is being done in partnership with the Sabrina Cohen Foundation and the City of Miami Beach, who have contributed the land for both the park and the future Adaptive Fitness and Recreation Center.
“To think that tens of thousands of Miami-Dade residents have not been able to enjoy and experience our most prized possession, the beach, is devastating,” said Commissioner Higgins. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring a resource to our community that is long overdue. The park and permanent wheelchair accessible bridge and observation deck is innovative, and I am delighted that we are creating access to the ocean for everyone. ”
In 2016, the Sabrina Cohen Foundation began hosting bi-monthly beach days where residents of all abilities could visit the beach, experience the ocean, and enjoy themselves. This project would allow the more than 8,000 people who have already participated in these beach days, among other community members and visitors, to experience the beach safely throughout the year. The Foundation is now also working to bring to life an Adaptive Fitness and Recreation Center that will offer physical exercise programs, a robotics and technology center, and daily activities that promote mental and spiritual well-being. The park by the sea will be directly in front of the Center and will add to your offerings.
“I am very proud to be part of such a progressive movement that will transform this beautiful outdoor space into a fully accessible park and beach where all residents and visitors from around the world can enjoy all that our community has to offer,” she said. Sabrina Cohen, Executive Director of the Sabrina Cohen Foundation. “Being included is such an empowering feeling and confidence booster, especially for those who have felt left out in the past. It takes true leadership and commitment to impact social change, and I commend Commissioner Eileen Higgins for her foresight and courage in supporting this project. ”
With funding from the Office of Commissioner Higgins and a land contribution from the City of Miami Beach, South Florida's first permanently wheelchair accessible beach will now become a reality.
"Sabrina Cohen has been a champion and pioneer in improving the quality of life for people living with disabilities," said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. "We appreciate the County's support of this important initiative that will ultimately make our world-class beaches available to all."
For more information, contact Francis Izquierdo, Communications Coordinator for Miami-Dade County District 5 Commissioner Eileen Higgins, at [email protected] or 305-375-5924.