The Underline is the name given to THE project to create a 10-mile urban trail and linear park from the Miami River to Dadeland South.
Friends of The Underline a 501(c)(3) non-profit advocating to transform the underutilized land below Miami’s Metrorail into a 10-mile linear park, urban trail and canvas for artistic expression are gearing up for a busy year full of fun activities and events to keep the community exciting about the future Underline.
Pictured at the Brickell Metrorail Station are Swire Properties President Steve Owens, Maria Nardi of Miami Dade County Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Department, Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez, The Underline’s Meg Daly, and Guy Bradley, Swire Properties CEO.
“IT’S MIAMI’S TIME TO SHINE WITH THE UNDERLINE.”
ForbesLife recently featured The Underline and highlighted Swire Properties generous $600,000 donation to Friends of The Underline, the 501(c)3 non-profit organization advocating for the design, construction and programming of the future 10-mile linear park and urban trail running from Dadeland South, through South Miami, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Vizcaya and The Roads and into Brickell/downtown.
“With New York’s High Line completed in 2014 (and the Lowline by James Ramsey of Raad Studio on its way for 2020), New York has certainly nabbed the spotlight when it comes to unconventional park experiences. It’s Miami’s time to shine with The Underline (James Corner Field Operations’ High Line–esque sibling), an urban trail and living art destination that begins at the Miami River near bustling Brickell Avenue.
“The Underline’s forthcoming ten-mile pedestrian and bike path will connect South Miami, Coral Gables and Miami, offering an easy transportation solution for the busy area (and an unmatched new spot for runners and cyclists). Plus, in collaboration with Miami-Dade County Art in Public Places, the path will also become a venue for impressive permanent and temporary outdoor art installations to reflect and support Miami’s thriving art scene. It will ultimately connect South Miami Station, University Station, Douglas Road Station, Coconut Grove Station, Vizcaya Station and Brickell Station.
“Much like the High Line, The Underline’s design also incorporates planting and habitat designs to reflect the types of native vegetation that once dominated the area—it will protect existing healthy trees while adding hardy plants with the help of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.”
FRIENDS OF THE UNDERLINE’S YPOS LAND KNIGHT EMERGING CITIES CHAMPIONS GRANT
In early May, the Knight Foundation and 8 80 Cities selected 20 civic innovators to participate in the 2016 Emerging City Champions fellowship program. The Friends of The Underline’s YPO will receive $5,000 to implement one project in one year that will improve mobility, public spaces or civic engagement in their home cities.
The 2016 Emerging City Champions program review panel weighed each application on a simple set of criteria: 1) Will the project enhance mobility, public spaces and civic engagement; 2) Is the idea new and innovative; and 3) Does the applicant demonstrate qualities of an effective community leader? The 20 successful applicants set themselves apart by submitting powerful solutions to crucial civic challenges.
Miami’s winning grant is Brickell Splash is coming this August featuring the longest Slip N Slide in Miami to raise awareness and momentum for The Underline linear park beginning construction Fall 2017.
