Grant may bail out flood-battered Morningside Park

Morningside Park is on tap for over $5 million to fund the first phase of a four-part revitalization of the bayfront park, which is unusable due to flooding.

Today (3/9), the Miami City Commission is to vote on a resolution to apply for a Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) grant to help construct a bulkhead and restore the shoreline at Morningside Park. If approved, phase one, which focuses on the waterfront improvement, will begin.

Project information states that Morningside’s greatest challenge is that the park is unusable due to long periods of flooding after severe storms and exceptionally high tides, known as King Tides.
On March 10, 2022, the commission approved the project. The waterfront improvement phase, which includes the bulkhead and shoreline restoration, is to come first.

The three phases to be addressed later focus on the neighborhood’s drainage, the park’s drainage, and master plan and aquatic facilities.

The baywalk is to include a seawall bulkhead to combat sea level rise. It’s to be made from permeable materials to allow stormwater to percolate into the ground, thereby improving drainage.
A 5-foot-wide walking path is to be maintained along the shoreline lined with shade trees. Picnic tables and benches are to be added along the walkway.

A November 2020 survey found 58 black mangroves, 51 buttonwoods and 22 seagrapes along the shoreline. A tree survey was conducted at Morningside Park in July 2022 to estimate the number and variety of trees then at the site.

The project’s design plan retains the existing trees, which helps to meet the 50% immediate shade coverage that city code requires.

Phase one also includes installation of a living shoreline to reduce erosion and address sea level rise. The existing living shoreline area is to be enhanced and complementary coastal vegetation added along the new baywalk.

Project plans say the size of the living shoreline is based on site conditions, but the intent is to maximize protection and stabilization to decrease flooding and increase park use.

The area for a kayak concession is also to be improved as part of phase one.

If commissioners approve the resolution, the city will apply for $2,496,564 from FIND’s Waterways Assistance Program, which is 50% of the total project cost.

If the grant funds are awarded, the city is to allocate the required matching funds, plus an additional $400,000 for non-reimbursable administrative costs. The total cost of the project’s waterfront improvements phase is estimated at $5,393,128.

Morningside Park, at 750 NE 55th Terr., opened June 13, 1953. Advocates say the once-lively park, nearing its 70th birthday, desperately needs improvements to stop flooding and enhance the natural elements.

The community called for the project to promote the sustainability and maintenance of the park, increase amenities and access while maintaining Morningside’s unique character.

Today’s commission meeting is to open with appearances from Elvis Cruz, a Miami resident; Daniel Maland, a board member of the Morningside Civic Association (MCA); and Jonathan Raiffe, MCA treasurer.

Construction of the baywalk and shoreline improvements is estimated to take three years and cost $13 million to $14 million. The other three phases are to take three to four years each to complete. Total projected cost of renovating Morningside Park is $36 million to $42 million.