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May 16, 2020
Photo by Phil Metlin
Good morning, Palmetto Bay. This has been a very busy week in the Village with some encouraging news about the reopening of two Village parks as well as small businesses and retail shops. There's also a new date for our "Honk for Seniors" Car Caravan (we didn't want to interrupt seniors' testing during that week), and once again, Palmetto Bay is number one in Miami-Dade County in census completion. Don't forget to tune in to our Kids Virtual Town Hall on May 27th; we'll be talking about simple ways you and your children can help save the planet! It'll be fun and educational. Have a great week!
Two Village Parks to Reopen on Limited Basis
In keeping with Miami-Dade County’s plan to work toward the “new normal’, the Village of Palmetto Council on Thursday approved a plan to re-open Coral Reef Park and Palmetto Bay Park on Monday, May 18 th  for passive and certain recreational activities. For the time being, all other Village parks will remain closed.

The following rules will be applied:

  • Coral Reef Park and Palmetto Bay Park will be open starting at 7 am on Monday, May 18, 2020. Park hours will be 7 am to 8 pm, Monday to Sunday.
  • Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the park in 1 to 2 hour intervals.
  • The main parking lot and the east side parking lot (off SW 77th Avenue) at Coral Reef Park will be open. Signage at the entrance of each parking lot will be provided displaying the park hours and new park rules.
  • The parking lots at Palmetto Bay Park will remain closed.
  • All park users will be required to wear facial coverings, except children under the age of 2, folks who have trouble breathing due to a chronic pre-existing condition, or persons engaged in strenuous physical activities.
  • Groups must be limited to 10 people or fewer and everyone, except family groups, must adhere to the social distancing rule of 6 feet apart, both within groups and with other park visitors.
  • Park staff will take appropriate measures to keep facilities clean and sanitized in accordance with CDC and Florida Health Department Guidelines.
  • To ensure that social distancing is observed and to ensure that all patrons have access to the facilities, parks staff may limit the number of persons using the trails, paths or fields.
  • The paths at Coral Reef Park and Palmetto Bay Park will be open for walking, jogging, running, etc. The paths are unidirectional and floor arrows will help patrons identify the path direction. Bicycling and skating on the paths are not currently allowed.
  • The tennis courts at Coral Reef Park will open for singles play and private one-on-one lessons.
  • Additionally, kayaking, and racquetball courts will be open. Social distancing guidelines are to be followed for these amenities as well.
  • Passive uses of the parks are allowed provided that social distancing is maintained; table games, picnics and parties are not allowed.
  • At this time, the following amenities will remain closed or will not be allowed under current conditions:
  • batting cages
  • restrooms
  • playgrounds and exercise equipment
  • recreation buildings and concessions
  • skate park
  • basketball courts
  • volleyball courts,
  • picnic tables
  • parking lots at Palmetto Bay Park
  • bleachers and dugouts
  • restrooms and water fountains
  • picnic shelters/pavilions/gazebo
  • softball fields, baseball fields, football, and soccer fields (individual play only, no organized sports or pick-up games, and
  • all sports field lighting to remain off

To read more about the parks and Palmetto Bay's cooperation with Miami-Dade County's proposed guidelines for re-opening small businesses and retail establishments, CLICK HERE .
DATE CHANGE: "Honk for Seniors"
Now on May 28th!
Facebook Live Virtual Kids Town Hall
May 27th, 2:30 pm
Our Fifth Annual Kids Town Hall is virtual this year! We're inviting kids to learn how to save our planet with the theme, "Do Something Good with Your Trash." We'll teach kids about recycling, climate change, cleaning up our waterways and we'll have a live demonstration on composting (Click here to access a document outlining the materials your kids will need) . Four teen members of our Youth Community Advisory Board will be joining us live. It'll take place on May 27th at 2:30 pm, and you can watch it on the Village of Palmetto Bay's Facebook page . Kids who watch and then take a picture of their composting project may email their photos before May 31st to events@palmettobay.com , and receive a complimentary cheese pizza!
Palmetto Bay Again Tops Census Response
Again this week, Palmetto Bay has the highest U.S. Census completion rate in all of Miami-Dade County at 71.9 percent. Thanks everyone! Let's keep it going. Fill out your Census form and mail it, phone it, or electronically send it in. Let's stay on top and get the representation and dollars we are entitled to! Have a great week.
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