The Underline: Miami’s 10-mile linear park and urban trail breaks ground
November 2, 2018Following the footsteps of New York, Seoul, and London, Miami is the newest city to host a project like the High Line. The project broke ground this past Thursday, after getting a $ 14 million agreement approved by Miami-Dade commissioners to build the first half-mile of the project off Southwest First Avenue in the Brickell area.
The 10-mile park is expected to cost about $120 million, with another $3 million required to maintain the park each year after that. The “Brickell Backyard,” segment recently funded, represents only 5% of the entire Underline.
Success in the United States, the model seeks to revitalize inactive rail and subway areas and transform them into new urban spaces that enhance the environment and improve the quality of life.
The idea came from Meg Daly, who broke both arms in 2013 and started to walk and use the train to go to doctor’s appointments since she could not drive.
“Maybe because I was walking and experiencing it for the first time, it made me think, ‘Why don’t we do something like this, a park below Metrorail, inspired by the High Line?’” she said to the press. “‘Why don’t we do this, that’ll be easy.’ I clearly didn’t know what I was getting into.”
Developed by James Corner Field Operations, the project should occupy the space between Brickell Avenue and Dadeland South station, next to one of the most lucrative shopping malls in the country.
The Underline will feature a bike and pedestrian path, outdoor gym, basketball court, a stage for performances, playground, bicycle garage, food kiosks, and native vegetation. It’s also part of the project to upgrade existing intersections, as well as installing new benches and lighting.