The idea of spending an afternoon beneath train tracks might not immediately pique your interest. However, Miami’s innovative Underline project is set to transform that perception. This ambitious 10-mile, 120-acre park and urban trail promises to become a hotspot for locals and visitors alike. The first phase, known as “Brickell Backyard,” is now open after seven years of meticulous planning and construction. Situated directly under the Miami Metrorail, The Underline is a beacon of creative urban development, providing spaces for outdoor recreation and public art, while unexpectedly enhancing transportation options.
Meg Daly, CEO and President of Friends of The Underline, notes, “A lot of people don’t think about this as a transportation solution, but connecting walking, biking, jogging, and more to transit is probably the lowest hanging fruit for reducing our dependency on cars.” The Underline’s development transforms previously unused and neglected areas, once dominated by weeds and litter, into vibrant community spaces. Brickell Backyard, located just north of the Brickell Metrorail Station, now features domino tables, a 50-seat community dining table, outdoor ping-pong tables, a basketball court, and a community stage for yoga, movie nights, and live music events.
As trains periodically rumble overhead, visitors are guided through the space by green signage and crosswalks. Native plants like gamma grass and scarlet sage adorn the pedestrian zones, attracting monarch butterflies to a designated butterfly garden. This burgeoning area is not only attracting visitors but also energizing local businesses. Paul Greenberg, co-founder of American Social, a well-known Brickell restaurant and bar, expressed excitement: “The Underline is going to be such a huge asset. Connecting the Miami community with one 10-mile park is sure to get people outside, active, and walking around. We’re hoping this will help to boost business along the Miami River and bring people together.”
With the successful launch of Brickell Backyard, The Underline’s vision continues with eight more phases planned over the coming years. Anticipated to be completed by 2025 at a total cost of $120 million, with $100 million in public funding, the project will extend southwest along the Miami Metrorail line from the Miami River in Brickell to the Dadeland South Station. This visionary trail will weave through neighborhoods and cultural hubs like Vizcaya, Coconut Grove, and the University of Miami, offering an innovative link to the cityscape.
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The Everyday Effect
The Underline’s development has several implications for Miami’s residents and businesses:
- Enhanced Mobility: By connecting walking, biking, and jogging paths to transit, the project promotes reduced car dependency, offering a sustainable transportation alternative.
- Economic Boost: Local businesses along the trail, such as restaurants and bars, anticipate increased foot traffic and patronage as more people explore the area.
- Community Engagement: With spaces for public art, performances, and recreational activities, The Underline fosters community interaction and cultural enrichment.
- Environmental Impact: The incorporation of native landscaping supports local wildlife, including butterflies, contributing to urban biodiversity.
- Health and Wellness: The park encourages physical activity, providing Miami’s residents with accessible spaces for exercise and relaxation, thereby promoting overall well-being.
