By Justin O’Brien
November 6, 2006

Mayor Manny Diaz, city government officials and civic leaders celebrated the rehabilitation of five islands in Biscayne Bay November 3, announcing the opening of an extraordinary aquatic park. Access to the Park will be free for all residents and visitors. Joined by Miami Commissioner Linda Haskins; Lynn Martenstein, Vice President for Corporate Communications of Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises; and Dr. Barth Green, Chairman of Shake-A-Leg Miami. Mayor Diaz and the attendees planted coconut palm trees. Hundreds of children and adults assisted in the restoration of the islands that importantly included removing debris and trees and invasive plantlife that are not native to the area or the islands that have diminished the quality of the habitat.

Known as “spoil islands” because they are the result of decades of channel dredging, the five islands are located in the Dinner Key area of the city’s Coconut Grove neighborhood and provide a total of 18 acres providing a park and public service previously unavailable to residents and visitors to the city.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provided early support via federal appropriations supported by Miami area Congresswomen Carrie Meek and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. CMC Construction Company provided no-fee general contracting services with Bunnell Foundation as the subcontractor.

Key project partner Shake-A-Leg Miami is a non-profit organization mission is to improve the health, education, wellness, employability and independence of children and adults with physical, developmental and financial challenges. The organization serves South Florida residents in addition to the area’s many visitors from around the world.