New Place to ride coming soon

Sent: Thu 7/9/2009 11:02 AM
Subject: Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department is Working with Collier County Agencies to Plan a Recreational Area to Include OHV Trails

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MEDIA CONTACT:

Edith Torres

305-755-7862

MIAMI-DADE PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT IS WORKING WITH COLLIER COUNTY AGENCIES TO PLAN A RECREATIONAL AREA TO INCLUDE OHV TRAILS

MIAMI-DADE PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT RECEIVED A “T. MARK SCHMIDT OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RECREATION PROGRAM GRANT” FROM THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES, DIVISION OF FORESTRY, FOR PLANNING OF THE PARK

(MIAMI, July 9, 2009) – Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department has proposed to jointly develop with Collier County, a conservation park that includes fishing, camping, field archery, and trails for hikers and off-highway vehicles (OHVs). Miami-Dade Parks received the T. Mark Schmidt Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Program Grant, administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Forestry, in the amount of $72,000 with a Parks Department match of $18,000 from its Capital Outlay Reserve Fund, to conduct a site feasibility analysis for development of the OHV trails and supporting amenities.

The site being considered for the recreation area is located adjacent to the Big Cypress National Preserve in Collier County on a portion of 23,000 acres of land owned by the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, and used for the Dade Collier Training and Transition Airport. The proposed recreation area, referred to as the Dade Collier Cypress Recreation Area, is planned on 1,608 acres south of the existing airport at 54575 East Tamiami Trail, near Mile Marker 48, and would feature OHV trails, hiking and biking trails, field archery lanes, fishing areas, a visitor’s center, limited stay camping areas, and parking.

In support of this effort, Miami-Dade Parks submitted a land-use amendment to Collier County and the approval process should last one year. The project was presented to the Collier County Commission and the Big Cypress National Preserve Off-Road Vehicles Advisory Committee and received a positive response. Due to the site’s natural resources, and its location within the Big Cypress area of critical state concern, more extensive local, state, and federal permitting is necessary prior to development. Environmental permitting generally takes two-and-a half years, following the land-use approval process. Once all approvals are received, development of the park can begin as early as 2012.

Supporters of the park include outdoor recreation advocates, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and motorbike trail-rider groups, Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 12, Jose “Pepe” Diaz, and Collier County Commissioner for District 5, Jim Colletta.

"This will be a great park for both the residents of Miami-Dade County and Collier County who have been asking for a place where they can safely ride their off-highway vehicles,” said Commissioner Diaz. “And this project will ensure the preservation and enhancement of the ecosystem, not only making OHV/ATV riders happy but also being environmentally sensitive,” he added.

“This has been a long anticipated project for Miami-Dade Parks,” said Jack Kardys, Director of Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department. “We have been working with OHV clubs and individuals for quite some time now to be able to provide them with a great park where they can not only ride their ATVs, but also have other experiences to enjoy while outdoors,” he added.

This project was made possible by funding support received from the T. Mark Schmidt Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Program Grant administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Forestry.

Miami-Dade Parks creates outstanding recreational, natural and cultural experiences to enrich you and to enhance our community for this and future generations.