Biscayne Floating Park
A 14-acre tidal park that rises with the bay and absorbs storm surge.
The pitch
A 14-acre buoyant park anchored offshore from Bayfront Park. The structure floats on a lattice of recycled concrete pontoons that rise with the tide and absorb storm surge before it hits the seawall. Mangrove nurseries on the windward side; an open-air amphitheater, sport courts, and a cold-water spring at the center.
Why now
Sea level off Miami Beach has climbed about a foot since 1994. The City of Miami's own resilience plan models another 12-30 inches by 2060. The seawall is the wrong tool for a soft coastline. A floating system buys time, hosts ecology, and gives the city a piece of public realm that doesn't compete with developable land.
Where it fits
Connected to Bayfront Park by a 320-ft pedestrian bridge that detaches in named-storm conditions. Walkable from the AAA, the Pérez Art Museum, and the Frost Science Museum. Programmed nights and weekends; quiet weekday mornings.
Specs · back of the envelope
- › Footprint: 14 acres at high tide, 19 acres at low tide
- › Structure: 1,200 modular concrete pontoons, recycled aggregate
- › Storm rating: Category 4 surge tolerance (12-ft rise)
- › Ecology: 2.4 acres of mangrove nursery, native-only planting
- › Amenities: amphitheater (1,800 seats), 4 paddle/sport courts, cold spring
- › Estimated cost: $410M · 5-year build