Miami-Dade Park & Rec is developing a park vision plan to accommodate the outdoor activity needs of a population anticipated to increase 80 percent by 2060.

Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Department, in collaboration with 35 municipal partners, is working on a comprehensive 50-year vision plan for parks and open spaces. The plan is aimed at reducing park access inequities, and making the county more livable through increased green spaces.

The plan seeks to create open spaces connected by greenways, thus encouraging walking and biking.

The initial focus is on neighborhoods with the less access to parks. A study has identified those underserved areas. The goal is for all county residents to be able to access a park within one-quarter mile of their residences.

Miami is one of 12 metro areas selected for the "Red Fields to Green Fields" program, which involves acquiring financially distressed properties ("in the red"), converting them into green spaces and setting aside adjacent land for sustainable development.

Note: Fla. Gov. Rick Scott announced Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces will receive the Sustained Excellence Award, part of the Governor's Sterling Award program, at a ceremony May 31, 2013.