From David Volz
Miami-Dade County District 6 Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera, Miami-Dade County Chief Operating Officer Jimmy Morales, and Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department leadership gathered with community members at A.D. (Doug) Barnes Park for the reopening of the park’s pool facilities.
“The A.D. Barnes pool is a favorite family gathering spot for the local community, and I am very happy everyone will be able to benefit from this renovation,” said Chief Operations Officer Jimmy Morales. “Here, residents of all ages can enjoy healthy and safe pool recreation and get some relief from the heat. It is also a wonderful amenity that offers Learn2Swim classes, water exercise programs, as well as splash and play activities for children.”
Before reopening, the A.D. Barnes swimming pool facility underwent improvements as part of its 40-year recertification, including electrical safety updates and resurfacing of the 25-yard competition pool shell. Additionally, the interior of the pool building was retiled. These enhancements will maximize the user experience and increase accessibility.
“I’m thrilled to announce that our residents can now enjoy the newly renovated pool at A.D. Barnes Park. The updated pool stands as a testament to our commitment to improving the quality of life for the families in our district,” said Cabrera.
“We are excited to celebrate these improvements to A.D. Barnes pool. With the rising heat index, the reopening of the pool provides a space for family and friends to gather, cool off, and enjoy a beautiful park facility. Through projects like this, our goal is to build a stronger, more sustainable, healthier, and more resilient Miami-Dade County, through parks and recreation.”
A.D. (Doug) Barnes Park is a 65-acre community park dedicated to and named after the first Director of the Parks and Recreation Department, A.D. “Doug” Barnes, who strongly believed recreation was important to the lives of every resident of Miami-Dade County. Since its opening in 1977, the park has integrated activities that serve people with disabilities into its programming. It is home to one of Miami-Dade Parks’ most successful and active Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion (TRI) programs, recognized nationally, including designation by NACo as a national example of equity in governance.
The park’s nature center and trail are located within one of the few remaining Pine Rocklands in Miami-Dade County, and are a recognized oasis for migrating birds, described by the National Audubon Society as one of Miami’s best places to bird watch.
