Aug 26, 2008 7:44 pm US/Eastern
Virginia Key Beach Improvements Still Underway
VIRGINIA KEY (CBS4) ―
One of South Florida's best kept secrets has reopened after years of neglect.
It's been six months now since Virginia Key Beach Park reopened its doors, and many improvements have taken place since. The once blacks-only park near Key Biscayne is slowly being restored, including a an abandoned and dirty beach area.
Earlier this month, the original mini-railroad went back on line. The train offers weekend rides for the young and young-at-heart.
"It's kind of an enchanting thing out of your childhood, so when you see it you get on and we have as many adults, if not more, riding it who remember it in the past," said Guy Forchion, Director of Operations.
The much awaited concession stand opened last week. David Friedman, with the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust, hopes to bring back some of the nostalgia at the historic park.
"We're hoping to bring back fare such as the corn dogs that were made in a special cornmeal batter, and perhaps knee-hi sodas and cotton candy and candied apples for the kids," he said.
Dee Wise was a kid himself the last time he visited the park more than 20 years ago, and still finds it as beautiful as ever.
It has been three years since Maurice and Mayra Sierra paid a visit to the park, and they were surprised by the difference.
"First thing I said is what happened here? It's really gorgeous, it's beautiful," said Maurice Sierra.
Like the Sierras, many beachgoers are surprised and just don't seem to know about the newly renovated park. The reason is lack of advertising because of a shortage of money. The Virginia Key Beach Trust relies mostly on private donations.
And there is much left to do.
The vintage Merry-Go-Round, a 1950's era Allan Hershell carousel similar to the park's original, remains idle. Crews still have to connect it to a power supply. Rides won't start until October at the earliest. The Virginia Key Beach Trust, which gets some funds from the city of Miami is still $100 thousand dollars short of raising the $250 thousand needed to get the carousel up and running. It wants you to know, donations are welcomed.
Click Here for more information on the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust..
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