On Friday, August 10, at 4 p.m., the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department and Miami-Dade County District 2 Commissioner Jean Monestime will officially dedicate the new Arthur Woodard Park, named in honor of my Dad.

My family is appreciative that Commissioner Monestime sponsored the Miami-Dade resolution for the park naming at the request of the community.This dedication is even more special as my Dad used to personally maintain the greenspace although it was privately-owned land at the time.

“I applaud the Parks Department for their great work in bringing this much needed park development to fruition,” said Commissioner Monestime.  “Arthur Woodard Park stands as a living legacy to beloved educator and civic leader Dr. Woodard, as well as a vibrant recreational space where neighbors and their children can gather for generations to come.”

“Parks and open spaces are vital to community living,” said Maria Nardi, Miami-Dade Parks Director. “This park is another shining example of Miami-Dade Parks’ dedication to enhancing green spaces, where people will be inspired to exercise, play, and relax with nature.”

The park is located at 1220 NW 99th Street, Miami, FL.33147. Family, friends, residents of the surrounding Twin Lakes/Pinewood Park community, and my Dad’s former co-workers and students, are invited to attend the ceremony. At the request of family and friends unable to attend, we plan to do a Facebook Live broadcast via my Blogging Black Miami Facebook page. 

@vanessawbyers