Baywalk & Riverwalk Activation Initiative

Overview
Over the last several years, the Miami DDA has funded and managed events to activate the Baywalk & the Riverwalk. These events have included moonlight kayaking/paddleboarding, children’s oversize-Lego building, live music, painting, food festivals, and educational water-quality tours with schoolchildren. One of the first elements of the Waterfront Walkway Design Standards that addresses continued activation is a mangrove sculpture. This sculpture is derived from the Design Standards logo and brand package and is based on how Miami was formed: mangroves. The mangrove-inspired sculptural piece can be adapted into multiple forms that can serve as: 1. a children’s play area; 2. an outdoor lounge for adults; 3. a shade structure and; 4. an artistic folly with lighting.

Master Plan Goals
2.0 Leverage our Beautiful and Iconic Tropical Waterfront
2.2 Complete Baywalk & Riverwalk
4.0 Create Great Streets and Community Spaces
4.5 Connect and Promote Downtown Parks, Open Space and Greenways

Status
The Waterfront Walkway Design Guidelines were adopted into City Code in July 2021. None of the mangrove sculpture elements have been implemented yet.

1-Year Outlook: Given the recent completion of the Baywalk along the south shore of the FEC Slip, there is now a tremendous opportunity to activate that section, and the adjacent Parcel B with a mangrove sculpture piece that incorporates an adult workout space, a children’s play space, or both. In year one, we could acquire funding, design and permit.
2-Year Outlook: Construct sculptural piece.