Build the promised park at the Miami Heat arena. We’ve waited long enough | Opinion

Nearly three decades ago, Miami was promised a “new, world-class waterfront park” behind the Miami Heat arena, a vast green space for residents to gather and enjoy the city’s natural beauty.

This promise, made as part of a deal to secure prime taxpayer-owned real estate for the Miami Heat’s arena, now known as Kaseya Center, was not just about a park. It was a pledge of trust between county leaders and its people, a commitment to enhance the quality of life for every resident through accessible green spaces. Today, as the president of the Downtown Neighbors Alliance (DNA), I stand with and for our growing neighborhood in holding onto that promise — a promise that, to this day, remains unfulfilled!

The saga of Dan Paul Plaza, as we know it, serves as a poignant reminder of a systemic problem plaguing Miami: the chronic failure to fulfill civic commitments. Chronicled in the Miami Herald’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Broken Promises” series, the story of Dan Paul Plaza is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a larger, more troubling pattern. From the unrealized economic revival of historic neighborhoods to the construction delays of critical infrastructure, these broken promises erode trust, fuel cynicism and deter community engagement.

Recent efforts to finally realize the park’s potential have been met with cautious optimism. Miami-Dade County, in collaboration with the Downtown Neighbors Alliance and the Miami Heat, has made strides towards drafting a plan on the land, sometimes known as Parcel B, that reflects the desires of downtown residents: a mostly passive green space featuring a small playground, a botanical garden and public art, among other amenities. This plan, however, hangs in a precarious balance, dependent on the political will of county commissioners and the financial contribution of the Miami Heat.

The Downtown Neighbors Alliance has been at the forefront of this effort, advocating for Dan Paul Plaza’s transformation into a flex park that serves the diverse needs of our community. We believe that the fulfillment of this promise can serve as a catalyst for more inclusive, sustainable urban development throughout Miami. Our engagement with the county’s planning process, through surveys and community meetings, reflects a collective vision for a downtown that values public spaces as essential to its identity and livability.

In a recent open survey of the downtown community, we received over 1,000 overwhelmingly positive responses for turning Dan Paul Plaza into a mostly passive green space. We directly presented these responses to Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Chief Operations Officer Jimmy Morales in two town hall meetings.

Yet, as we edge closer to making this long-awaited park a reality, we must remind our community of the significance and stakes involved. The development of Dan Paul Plaza into a flex park is more than a matter of urban planning; it is a test of the county’s and Miami Heat’s integrity and commitment to its residents.

I call on county commissioners, the Miami Heat and all involved parties to begin the construction of Dan Paul Plaza. This is not just about redeeming a broken promise; it is about investing in the fabric of our community and creating a space that encourages connection, recreation and reflection.

As we move forward, let the development of Dan Paul Plaza serve as a symbol of what is possible when a community stands united in demanding accountability and action. Let us not be deterred by past disappointments but inspired by the potential for transformation.

The time for Dan Paul Plaza is now, not another 25 years down the line. As residents of Miami and members of the Downtown Neighbors Alliance, we have waited long enough! It is time for our leaders to act, turn this long-standing vision into a reality, and deliver on a promise made nearly three decades ago. Let’s make Dan Paul Plaza a place “for all of us to enjoy,” as was originally envisioned. Our community, our city, and our future deserve nothing less.

James Torres is president of the Downtown Neighbors Alliance.