SPONSORED BY NIKKI SPOELSTRA
Nikki Spoelstra Philanthropy. Nikki made a $500,000 gift to Friends of The Underline (the nonprofit fundraising arm associated with The Underline Conservancy) to support maintenance, operation, and programming of The Underline in Miami-Dade County.
In recognition of that contribution, County Commissioner Raquel Regalado sponsored a resolution approving the naming of a portion of The Underline as “The Nikki Spoelstra Play Forest” for a period of five years, renewable through and including December 31, 2040.
Ms. Spoelstra is a third generation Miamian, having been raised in Kendall, and is known in this community as an art gallery director, middle school teacher who was selected as teacher of the year by her colleagues and administrators in 2015, Miami Heat dancer and dance coach, and as a content creator and the podcaster of “Becoming: HER” (previously known as “The Know with Nikki Spo”) in which she is joined by expert guests and other friends to empower women while tackling life’s complex challenges with humor, grace, and sass.
What the Play Forest Looks Like.
The Play Forest is rustic and green: It’s set among trees, plants, and shaded paths that evoke a little “forest” vibe. The design includes log balance beams, stepping logs, and natural play elements that encourage kids to climb, balance, explore, and engage with their surroundings.
Interactive features: Plans also include elements like music or chime instruments and trails for kids to discover with all their senses. It sits right along The Underline’s shared bike/pedestrian path, making it easy to walk or ride to as part of a visit to the park.
It’s not a traditional metal playground — instead it has a playground that feels more like an imaginative, nature-oriented playscape, inviting children to interact with natural materials and active play environments.
GROUND-BREAKING
On Saturday, June 7, 2025, county and city officials joined with the Friends of The Underline and hundreds of excited guests for the ground-breaking of PLAY FOREST sponsored by Nikki Spoelstra which will provide a unique play area for families located directly adjacent to the South Miami city hall campus with a new public library.
This amenity along “the SOMI mile” of The Underline is a new nature-based play area will invite children and families to explore, imagine, and connect with nature through active and healthy play. The Play Forest is part of the 7+ mile Phase 3 of The Underline and marks the first playground amenity to begin construction in South Miami.
Pictured at the ground-breaking events are: (L-R) The Underline’s founder Meg Daly, county commissioner Rachel Regalado, South Miami commissioner Danny Rodriguea, Nikki Spoelstra, South Miami mayor Javier Fernandez, South Miami commissioner Lisa Bonich holding Beau, SOMI magazine publisher JohnEdward Smith, and The Underline’s Jake Moskowitz Chief Revenue Officer and Eulois Cleckley, CEO.
South Miami mayor Javier Fernandez was joined by Miami Dade County mayor Daniella Levine-Cava, and District 7 County Commissioner Rachel Regalado.
Nikki Spoelstra with her children Santiago, Dante and Ruby Grace addresses the guests about the importance of philanthropy in supporting The Underline.
Construction has begun on site. (SOMI Magazine. June, 2025) Follow the construction over the past several months along “the SOMI Mile” (see The Underline construction updated photos in this issue.)
ADDRESSING THE SOUTH MIAMI CITY COMMISSION: FEBRUARY 17, 2026
Ms. Spoelstra spoke to the commission and viewing audience of the importance of supportng projects such as The Underline and the commitment to families and children. As a “public/private” endeavor there are opportunities for individuals to get involved, not only financially, but with volunteering and promoting the activities of The Underline.
Presenting a Certificate of Recognition. Pictured are: Eulois Cleckley, CEO, The Underline, Comm. Danny Rodriquez, Mayor Fernandez, Nikki with children, Comm. Lisa Bonich and Vice-Mayor Brian Corey.