About Friends of the underline
Friends of the Underline: Transforming Miami's Metrorail into a 10-Mile Linear Park and Urban Trail
Miami is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and diverse culture. However, it is also notorious for its traffic congestion and lack of green spaces. That's where Friends of the Underline comes in - a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the land below Miami's Metrorail into a 10-mile linear park and urban trail.
The idea behind the Underline is simple yet innovative - to create a safe, accessible, and enjoyable space for people to walk, bike, run, skate or simply relax amidst nature in an urban setting. The project aims to connect communities along the Metrorail corridor from Brickell to Dadeland with parks, art installations, fitness stations, gardens and more.
The vision for the Underline was first conceived by Meg Daly in 2013 when she broke her arm while walking on the Metrorail tracks as a shortcut home. She realized that there was no safe or pleasant way for pedestrians or cyclists to travel along this route despite its potential as an alternative transportation option.
Daly rallied support from local residents, businesses and government officials who shared her vision of creating an iconic public space that would enhance quality of life in Miami-Dade County. In 2016 Friends of the Underline was formed as a non-profit organization with Daly as CEO.
Since then Friends of the Underline has been working tirelessly towards making this dream a reality through fundraising efforts (over $120 million raised so far), community engagement programs (over 100 events held annually), design competitions (winning designs selected by renowned architects) and partnerships with various stakeholders including local governments (Miami-Dade County Transit Department), private donors (including The Knight Foundation) and corporate sponsors (such as Baptist Health).
The benefits of such an ambitious project are manifold - not only will it provide much-needed green space in a concrete jungle, but it will also promote active transportation, reduce carbon emissions, boost local economy and foster social cohesion. The Underline is expected to attract millions of visitors annually and generate over $170 million in economic impact over the next decade.
Moreover, the Underline is not just a park or trail - it is a platform for art, culture and education. Friends of the Underline has partnered with local artists to create murals and installations that reflect Miami's diverse heritage and inspire creativity. They have also collaborated with schools to provide educational programs on topics such as sustainability, health and wellness.
The Underline has already completed its first phase - a half-mile stretch from Brickell Station to Vizcaya Museum & Gardens that opened in November 2020. This section features native plants, benches, bike racks, public art and free Wi-Fi among other amenities.
The second phase of the project - from Brickell Station north to the Miami River Greenway - is currently under construction with completion expected by late 2022. This section will include more greenery (over 1,000 trees planted), shade structures (such as pergolas), water features (such as fountains) and enhanced safety measures (such as pedestrian crossings).
The remaining phases are still in planning stages but are expected to be completed by 2025-26 if funding permits. These phases will extend the Underline further south towards Dadeland Station with additional features such as playgrounds for children, dog parks for pets and community gardens for residents.
In conclusion Friends of the Underline is not just an organization or project - it's a movement towards creating a better future for Miami through sustainable development that prioritizes people over cars. It's an example of how public-private partnerships can work together towards common goals that benefit everyone involved. It's an inspiration for other cities around the world facing similar challenges of urbanization without sacrificing nature. And it's a reminder that we all have a role to play in shaping our communities for the better.