Commissioner Eileen Higgins Unveils New Downtown Dog Spot
New urban area transforms underused space underneath the Metromover into a vibrant gathering spot for dogs and their owners
Left to Right: Commissioner Eileen Higgins, alongside Chief Operations Officer Jimmy Morales, Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department Director Maria I. Nardi, Department of Transportation and Public Works Director and CEO Eulois Cleckley, Department of Animal Services Director Annette Jose and COO and director of the DDA Christina Crespi during the grand opening of the Downtown Dog Spot. Local pets enjoy time in the newly designed area for dogs and their owners (Photos by: Gary Jean Bourdeau/Miami-Dade County)
MIAMI-DADE – Commissioner Eileen Higgins, in collaboration with the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces (PROS) and Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) departments, and the Miami Downtown Development Authority (DDA), are thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Downtown Dog Spot, an innovative urban area designed specifically for dogs and their owners. Situated beneath the First Street Metromover Station at 217 NE 2nd Street, this unique project transforms an underutilized space into a vibrant community hub, offering a safe, fun environment where dogs can socialize, play, and exercise within the heart of Miami.
“This Dog Spot is a great example of how we can creatively repurpose County-owned spaces to better serve our community,” said Commissioner Eileen Higgins. “By turning an underused area into a lively gathering spot for pets and their owners, we're enhancing the livability and enjoyment of Downtown Miami for everyone—and now their dogs can too! It's about creating spaces where the community can connect, whether for exercise, recreation, art, or simply coming together.”
Flanked by columns wrapped in doggie art, Downtown Dog Spot features separate areas for small and large dogs, ensuring that pets of all sizes can play comfortably. The Dog Spot is open to the public and free for all to use, making it an accessible resource for residents, workers, and visitors alike. With shaded seating areas, water fountains, and agility equipment, the Dog Spot has been designed with the needs of both pets and their owners in mind.
“We are thrilled to be part of this project that transforms a Miami-Dade Transit green space into a dog spot within a growing urban center in Downtown Miami.” said PROS Director Maria I. Nardi. “This beautiful dog spot will bring the community together to enjoy time with each other and their four-legged friends, enhancing the quality of life for everyone.”
The opening of the Downtown Dog Spot is part of a broader initiative to enhance the quality of life in Miami's urban core by repurposing underused spaces under the Metromover and promoting green infrastructure, aligning with the county’s goals of addressing climate change and promoting sustainability.
The Downtown Dog Spot is a collaborative effort between the County, Miami DDA, and local community partners. The Dog Spot is part of the ongoing effort to make Downtown Miami a more vibrant, livable, and connected community.
“Our mission at the Miami DDA is to make Downtown Miami a great place to live by creating safe and welcoming spaces for all,” says Christina Crespi, CEO and Executive Director of the Miami DDA. “The new Downtown Dog Spot will provide residents with a fun and clean space for their beloved pets to enjoy. We’d like to thank everyone who helped make this dream a reality and, especially our Downtown Enhancement Team and Downtown Ambassadors who will ensure this space remains in excellent condition for years to come.”
Commissioner Eileen Higgins, PROS, DTPW, and the Miami DDA, officially cut the ribbon on September 12, marking the opening of this unique amenity. The event also featured activities for dogs and their owners, making it a celebration of the vibrant community spirit that defines Downtown Miami.
“The Downtown Dog Spot, located under the Metromover elevated guideway in the heart of Miami’s urban core, represents a milestone in our ongoing efforts to expand options for recreation and improved quality of life,” added DTPW Director and CEO Eulois Cleckley. “By creating accessible green spaces and transforming underutilized space into a safe, fun, and welcoming environment, we are also bringing potential new riders into our public transportation system. We are honored and grateful to have partnered in this endeavor with Commissioner Higgins, PROS, and Miami DDA; and we look forward to continuing to create sustainable, inclusive spaces that benefit everyone in our county and to be the world’s best provider of transportation options.”