While the landscape in the lower Little River basin has been significantly transformed from a naturally flowing river “slough” and wildlife habitat into a managed canal system running through several urbanized communities, there still exist a few pockets of green space and natural areas for residents to enjoy. Some of the existing parks, especially those near or along the Little River, are in very low-lying locations where freshwater used to flow before the area was developed. It is in these same locations where sea level rise is bringing more extensive and impactful tidal flooding.

Parks and open spaces are one of the best land uses in an area vulnerable to sea level rise and flooding because there is usually minimal damage or disruption to services during an extreme event. The spaces provide many economic, environmental and social benefits during the rest of the year. They help provide shade to keep communities cool and improve air quality, can have native vegetation, trees, and permeable soils to absorb excess rain which improves flood storage capacity and water quality, offer recreational opportunities that improve public health, and serve as an amenity that increases surrounding property values.

One key way to address future sea level rise and other flooding risks such as extreme rainfall and stormwater flooding is to intentionally redesign our parks to flood or collect, treat and store excess water from surrounding areas to provide relief to nearby homes, business, and other community assets.

Join Miami-Dade County and partners for a series of short presentations followed by a panel discussion on how park spaces can be crucial as we adapt to changing climate conditions.

Speakers include:

• Walter Meyer, Local Office Landscape and Urban Design

• Adriana Savino, Savino and Miller Design Studio

• Isaac Stein, Department Design Office

• Stephanie Cornejo & Alejandro Zizold, Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Department

• Representative, Village of El Portal

• Representative, City of Miami

• Christopher Boykin, Pelican Harbor Seabird Station

For questions or for help registering, contact resilience@miamidade.gov.