The Underline is the visionary and transformative plan to create a ten-mile 120 acre linear park, urban trail and public art destination under the Metrorail from Dadeland North station to Brickell Avenue.
The 10-mile corridor, which will vary from 70 to 170 feet wide, will provide pedestrian and bicycle paths, improvements to over 30 intersections, access to public transportation, lighting, and wayfinding. In addition to the transportation components, recreational features will include playgrounds, exercise equipment, butterfly gardens, basketball and volleyball courts, soccer fields, picnic areas, dog parks and more.
The vision for The Underline’s founder Meg Daly was to turn this underutilized and somewhat forsaken space into a verdant landscaped trail for pedestrians, runners and cyclists, uniting communities along a ten-mile path and celebrating cultural diversity, art and physical activity. For Meg, three guiding principles were paramount: safety, resiliency and community.
The Underline is a public-private partnership between the Miami Dade County’s Department of Transportation and Public Works the Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Department, The Friends of the Underline, a non-profit organization, and the cities of Miami and Coral Gables.
The project is funded by Miami-Dade County, The Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the State of Florida, City of Miami, City of Coral Gables, the Knight Foundation and other major corporate and individual private contributions. (Please consult www.theunderline.org for a list of donors and ways to contribute.)
Ground-breaking for The Underline took place on November 1, 2018 at the northern end of the project. Construction is divided into three phases, with anticipated completion in 2026. Phase One and Phase Two are completed, and Phase Three is now under construction.
Phase 1: Brickell Backyard
The Brickell Backyard, opened to the public on Feb. 26, 2021. Brickell Backyard is located between the Miami River and SW 13th Street – next to the Brickell station.
The northern terminus of the 10-mile Underline, The River Room connects to the Miami River Greenway at the Miami River and SW 7th Street. With a rolling topography of native grasses and pollinator plants, this city block is the place for dogs and their owners to rest and play—right on the riverfront. Three other amenity-rich destinations in Phase 1 are: The Urban Gym, The Promenade and The Oolite Room. You can read more about all the Phase 1 amenities on www.theunderline.org.
Phase 2: The Hammock Trail opened to the public on April 24, 2024. This 2.14-mile segment of The Underline spans from Coral Way to SW 19th Avenue, linking the amenity-rich Phase 1 from the Miami River to the historic Roads, Shenandoah, and Silver Bluff neighborhoods in the City of Miami. Read more online about the landscaping and vegetation along the route.
Phase 3: The final phase three of The Underline from SW 19th Avenue to Dadeland South is a 7.36-mile stretch which connects SW 19th Ave near the Vizcaya Metrorail station to the Dadeland South Metrorail station and includes the City of Miami, the City of Coral Gables, the City of South Miami and unincorporated Miami-Dade County.
Ground-breaking for Phase 3 was held on September 18, 2023.
We are now in the design/build phase of the third leg of The Underline, the last seven and one-half miles. Photos taken in mid-November and early January show the construction of the Phase 3 segment, directly south of the City of South Miami boundary.
Photos: SOMI Magazine
There are 12 planned amenity areas in Phase 3 that were presented and reviewed at 9 public meetings. When speaking about Phase 3, Jamal Wilson, marketing manager at The Friends of The Underline noted: “Driven by the community’s priorities for safe multimodal transportation, natural and resilient spaces, and recreational opportunities, Phase 3 will feature many benefits and amenities including separated biking and walking paths for enhanced safety and enjoyment; crosswalk improvements; basketball, pickleball and soccer courts; pollinator gardens and micro-forests; curated local food and beverage concessions; a Bark Park and beautiful areas for free community programs. This visionary project will offer a wealth of opportunities for fitness and recreation, catering to the diverse interests and abilities of the area residents. It’s a chance to reconnect with nature, prioritize self-care, and embrace an active, vibrant lifestyle. In addition to promoting well-being, The Underline’s Phase 3 will have a positive impact on local businesses, by attracting more foot and cycling traffic, commercial areas will be invigorated and activated. “
The Underline’s exclusive Lifestyle Sponsor Inter&Co had its kickoff on December 10, 2024. Together we’re transforming Miami into a greener, more connected global city with a range of community-driven initiatives! Inter&Co and Friends of The Underline celebrated their new partnership with a vibrant party to enhance visitor experiences along The Underline. The event marked the sponsorship of three amenity areas, three Inter&Co Cafes, the Inter&Co BikeShare fleet of 100+ ebikes and the Brickell Stage Community Screen. Inter&Co is sponsoring five years of fun in three Underline public spaces.
Follow SOMI’s quarterly online update. Since before The Underline ground-breaking in 2018, SOMI Magazine has been the singular media sponsor of The Underline. See SOMI archives on www.somimag.com
In one of its special tenth anniversary issues (Apr-May, 2005) SOMI Magazine introduced our readership to The Underline long before the first shovel was put in the ground
The Underline founder and SOMI Magazine publisher at the groundbreaking November 1, 2018
