Ludovici Park probably has the most colorful and amazing story of pretty much any private-property-turned-public park that one could find. If you have not heard it, stay and read. You will be amazed!
Shortly after Palmetto Bay's incorporation, the Village was approached by the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) about a vacant piece of land that had been confiscated by law enforcement for environmental crimes. The property abutted Biscayne Bay and offered Palmetto Bay something that our residents did not have at the time; access to the bay (albeit by foot.) Apparently, a cult known as "Celestia De Lamour" was housed at the property where large bird cages and a wooden pier built within and through the mangroves ended in a man-made small island of rocks. To this day, no one knows what happened to the people who lived on the site. Celestia De Lamour appears to be a fictitious name and not an actual person.
The site, which was approximately 2.6 acres in size, appraised at $670,000. However, if the Village agreed to turn it into a passive park, MDPD would sell the confiscated property for $300,000. Without much hesitation, the Village agreed and immediately sought out funding to help with the acquisition costs. The Ludovici family of Palmetto Bay donated the sum of $300,000 to the Village, making Ludovici Park a reality. In return, the park was named in recognition of the Ludovici family's thoughtful generosity.
Initial plans for the development of the property included retaining the beautiful boardwalk and island as part of the park amenities. Much to the Village's surprise, before the acquisition was finalized, the National Park Service staff came without notice and removed both features. In the end, the Village was glad to learn that the mangroves that had been cut to build the pier would one day grow and thrive again. Today, Ludovici Park is a beautiful facility abutting the Miami-Dade County Library at Palmetto Bay with meandering walkways and views of the mangroves and water from the balcony surrounding the Edward & Arlene Feller Community Room and Amphitheater.
The amphitheater has witnessed countless performances from local schools, talented artists and bands. The 2,000 square foot community room, which shares the building with the 5,000 square foot Palmetto Bay branch library, was named after former Palmetto Bay Councilmember Edward Feller and his wife Arlene. Dr. Feller, a gastroenterologist by trade, was part of the founding Council of Palmetto Bay and was instrumental in the development of the library and the community room. Many lectures, workshops and meetings have been held in the quaint but beautiful community room since it first opened in 2008. The park's meandering walkway connects to the Old Cutler Road trail, which also ties into Thalatta Estate Park and the Deering Estate to the north. And finally, let's not forget the gazebo where many residents have enjoyed a cup of coffee or alfresco lunch while overlooking the restful and calm mangroves.
