Public space advocates rally around Heat’s vacant lot

An urban planner, a historian and an Urban Environment League board member are coming together to discuss Arena Park, a 2.76-acre vacant lot used by the Miami Heat as a parking lot.

At issue is the waterfront park, known as Parcel B, which was promised to the public as part of a deal with the Heat Arena negotiated 18 years ago, according to Eye On Miami. But the site remains vacant and fenced-off.

A 2004 plan for the land by the Project for Public Spaces called for shade trees, benches, picnic areas, and recreational spaces.

The public forum is scheduled for April 2 at the Miami Center for Architecture and Design. Urban Planner Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, University of Miami historian Greg Bush and UEL board member Grace Solares are all scheduled to speak. [Eye On Miami] – Christopher Cameron