(MIAMI, December 10, 2012) –The Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department and Miami-Dade County District 1 Commissioner Barbara Jordan invite the public to join them at 10 a.m. on Monday, December 17, 2012, as they dedicate the new recreational facilities at Lake Stevens Park at 5350 NW 183 St., Miami.

The 12-acre park now has a new 3,400-square-foot playground that features a wide array of challenging play activities for children ages 2-12 from overhead ladders and climbers to steppers and swings. The play area has an artificial turf surface for ADA accessibility and is covered by a 50’x65’ shade canopy. There are also new walkways, picnic tables, benches, a bicycle rack, a parking area and assorted shade and flowering trees. The improvements included filling and grading the development site.

“This new development is part of Miami-Dade County Parks’ commitment to connect people and parks for life,” said Miami-Dade County Parks Director Jack Kardys.  “We are committed to creating safe, fun, recreational spaces for families and their kids to stay healthy and active throughout their years.”

“These improvements will enhance the attractiveness of this park and better serve the needs of this growing community,” said Commissioner Jordan.  “I am thrilled that neighbors have these new park facilities, just in time for their holiday celebrations, as well as outdoor play time with their children.”

This is the first substantive project for Lake Stevens Park, which is located in the neighborhood of Lake Stevens across from Lake Stevens Elementary School. Clearing and access control were completed in 2011. The project is a product of Miami-Dade Parks’ in-house design team, in conjunction with general contractors Quality Construction Performance, Inc. and DW Recreation Services Inc.  Funding totaled $1,138,000 and was provided by Quality Neighborhood Improvement Program Bonds and Park Impact Fees.

For directions to Lake Stevens Park, visit www.miamidade.gov/parks or call 305-622-2594.