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Click
HERE for Mural Project
“ All of the Flowers of All of the Tomorrows are in the Seeds of
Today.”
The City
of Miami and the West Coconut Grove Community have undertaken
an ambitious and critically needed project in West Grove. They
recently completed Phase I of a “State of the Art”
Youth and Community Center in Elizabeth Virrick Park at 3580 Day
Avenue, just a few blocks from the Grand Avenue and Douglas Road
intersection. Phase I consists of expansive park grounds, an indoor
gymnasium, a teen lounge, a performing stage and a counseling
center.
Phase II will be
built with the help of the Dade County Library System. It will
house a library within walking distance for many in the
community. It will also feature a computer lab, a music room,
gardening center and additional classrooms.
This other
world exists a few short blocks from the tourist glitter and glamour
of Coconut Grove's sidewalk cafes, upscale boutiques and luxury
homes. In the impoverished area of West Coconut Grove over 64%
of the children live below the poverty level, many of them in
single parent homes. Less than one half of the residents have
a high school diploma. Providing positive alternatives for these
“at risk” youth help prevent juvenile crime. |
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Press Conference to kick off Miami's Heart of Our Parks Program. The program stresses the Arts in Miami Park Programs Center of photo Santiago Corrada, Director of Parks & Recreation Santiago's right Miami Mayor Manny Diaz (blue shirt)
Mayor's right Jorge Moreno, Latin Grammy Winner Santiago's left (with headband) Ja Rule Hip Hop Star, Head of Kids Rule Foundation. |
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Photos by Kathy Zirulnick |
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 The Virrick Park Committee consists of stalwart and dedicated West Grove
leaders, concerned neighbors and has the strong support of the Pastors of
the local churches.
The John S. and
James L. Knight Foundation contributed over $300,000 in grant money
to complete the center. The United Way of Dade County used Virrick Park
as it's kick off campaign fund raising project in 2001 and contributed
over $500,000 in landscaping, fencing, lighting, playground equipment
and volunteer labor. The Hands-on-Miami contributed labor to maintain
and complete the landscaping and park benches. Each year the Woman's
Club of Coconut Grove pays to provide swimming instruction for the neighborhood
children.
The Virrick Park Committee supports various projects and additional
programs to amplify and enhance curriculum provided by the City of Miami
and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami.
If you wish more information, or if you wish to contribute time, talent,
and/or money, please contact Anne
or email at wcarroll@ci.miami.fl.us.
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