C7P - Approve $400k Children's Play Area in Pride Park

Resolutions - C7 P

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

RECOMMENDATION

The Administration supports the recommendation of the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee to approve the funding request of $400,000 to support the children’s play area on the west side of Pride Park.

The Administration also recommends this item be considered as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget and that while the Mayor and Commission evaluate installing a children’s play area on the west side of Pride Park, it carefully considers several critical factors that will significantly impact the General Fund budget, beginning in FY2026:

1. The City’s increasing unfunded capital improvement program. 2. Long-term General Fund financial projections indicating a potential shortfall in upcoming fiscal years. 3. The passage of Amendment 5 in November 2024 which increases the homestead exemption and further constrains the growth of taxable property values.

These considerations are essential to ensure that decisions regarding installing a children’s play area on the west side of Pride Park align with the City’s broader long-term financial stability and strategic priorities. If the Mayor and Commission approve funding for a play area on the west side of Pride Park, the Administration recommends it be considered as part of the FY 2026 budget process.

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

During the September 11, 2024, City Commission meeting, Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez referred a discussion item (Exhibit A) regarding the installation of playground equipment for children in Pride Park to both the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (FERC) and the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee (PSNQLC).

The item was subsequently heard at the October 18, 2024, FERC meeting, where it received a favorable recommendation for the Administration to bring forward an item to the full City Commission to install a simplified playground on the west side of Pride Park. In light of the favorable recommendation from FERC, the item was withdrawn from the PSNQLC agenda. (Exhibit B)

At the April 23, 2025 City Commission meeting, addendum item C7BD, a resolution accepting the recommendation of the FERC at its October 18, 2024 meeting to install a children’s play area on the west side of Pride Park, was not reached and was moved over to the May 21, 2025 Commission meeting. (Exhibit C)

During the May 21, 2025, City Commission meeting, item C7K, a resolution accepting the recommendation of the FERC at its October 18, 2024, meeting to install a children’s play area on the west side of Pride Park, was separated by Commissioners Fernandez and Rosen Gonzalez for discussion. The resolution was not adopted, and the item was referred to the Miami Beach Convention Center Advisory Board to review and discuss the proposal. (Exhibit D)

The Miami Beach Convention Center Advisory Board held a meeting on June 23, 2025, to discuss the item, and the Board issued a favorable recommendation in support of funding the proposed play area. (Exhibit E)

ANALYSIS

The Parks and Recreation Department, in coordination with the project sponsor and members of the Palm View community, has developed a proposed scope of work that appropriately addresses the needs and preferences of the community, is compatible with the available site conditions, and maintains a high standard of aesthetic quality.

As a result of this collaborative effort, the overall project budget has been reduced from the originally estimated $1.2 million to $400,000, inclusive of contingencies. Conceptual renderings of the proposed installation are provided. (Exhibit F)

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT

An appropriation of funds will be required. The proposed budget for the amount of $400,000.00 is to install a children’s play area on the west side of Pride Park

Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate? (FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)

If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on: See BIE at: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

N/A

CONCLUSION

If approved by the City Commission, an appropriation of funds will be required. The proposed budget, in the amount of $400,000.00, is intended to fund the installation of a children’s play area on the west side of Pride Park and will be submitted for consideration during the FY 26 budget process.

Attachments: Exhibit A – Referral Memo from City Commission September 11, 2024 C4E Exhibit B – FERC Memo October 18,2024 Exhibit C – Commission Memo April 23, 2025 C7BD Exhibit D – Commission Memo May 21, 2025 C7K Exhibit E – LTC from the Miami Beach Convention Center Advisory Board Exhibit F – Proposed Play Equipment Renderings

Applicable Area

Citywide

Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal engaged in lobbying? No

If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s):

Department

Parks and Recreation

Sponsor(s)

Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez

Co-sponsor(s)

Condensed Title

Accept Rec/Install Children’s Play Area on West Side of Pride Park. (Rosen Gonzalez) PKS

Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)