Florida Construction News staff writer

The City of Miami Beach held a groundbreaking ceremony Oct. 26 to mark the start of construction on the planned Ocean Terrace Park and streetscape improvements, which will include a new pedestrian promenade and beach drop-off area in the city’s North Beach neighborhood.

“Over a decade in the making, but as they say — good things take time,” shared Miami Beach Commissioner Ricky Arriola. “This new park will provide shade, recreation and a family gathering place for generations of Miami Beach residents.”Construction, led by Ocean Terrace Holdings, is expected to continue for about a year. It’s one of a several upcoming public and private projects planned for the North Beach over the next 30 years.

The project also includes the construction of pedestrian pathways, improved storm drainage, new landscaping and irrigation equipment, turtle-friendly lighting, a bike lane, water features, an open-air pavilion, security camera infrastructure, a portion of the Beachwalk and beach access.

“This groundbreaking is the culmination of many years of collaboration with the community, city, key commissioners, local stakeholders and residents — all working toward a common goal of creating a pedestrian-friendly and activated space along this two-block stretch of Ocean Terrace,” added Sandor Scher, Principal at Ocean Terrace Holdings. “We are ready to get started and look forward to welcoming everyone to Ocean Terrace Park in the near future.”