May 14, 2008 12:53 pm US/Eastern
Kids Of All Ages Can Chill At New Miami Water Park
Black Beard's Beach At Grapeland Park Grand Opening
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
The City of Miami is about to give Broward County a run for its money when it comes to an exciting new way to cool off in the summer heat. It's a brand new thrilling water park for kids.
Wednesday morning was the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the brand new, state-of-the-art Grapeland Water Park, also known as "Black Beard's Beach", located at 1550 NW 37th Avenue.
Miami Mayor Manny Diaz and Commissioner Angel Gonzalez were joined by artist Romero Britto at today's opening; Britto created the artwork that surrounds the four different pools.
The facility includes water playground equipment for children 5 and older, a pool for children under 5 years, a 600-foot lazy river called the "Buccaneer River Ride,", and a resort type pool for adults with a beach entry. There are also lockers and big brightly colored pool side umbrellas for shade or maybe even a picnic or party.
The water park is just one component of a 13-acre active park which also incorporates a baseball complex with 4 fields, and a community center/recreational building consisting of two multipurpose rooms, an art room, and a computer room.
As part of the grand opening event, a group of about 100 children from the Parks and Recreation Department's daycare centers took part in the first dip in the pools and were the first to enjoy the many water slides the facility has to offer.
Admission prices are free for those 3 and under, $5 for ages 4 thru 13, $7 for city residents 14 and older, and $10 for non-city residents 14 and older.
Lounge chairs will be available on a first come first serve basis.
Summer hours will be 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and winter hours will run October thru April from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Group reservations will be required for groups bigger than 15 people and are recommended 2 weeks in advance.
For more information about the park,
click here, or call the park directly at 305-960-2950.
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