Athalie Edwards, Executive Director, Virginia Key Beach Park Trust
Athalie Edwards, executive director of the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust, spoke to Invest: about what sets the park apart from other attractions in the area, as an event space and ecological site. She also discussed the role the park plays in the history, economy, and future of Miami.
What sets Virginia Key Park apart from other attractions in the area?
We are a historical and environmental landmark designated by the state of Florida since 2006. But our site has been an important part of South Florida’s history since the 1940s. From serving as a site to train African American soldiers during World War 2, to becoming Miami Dade County’s first and only beach designated for the black community in 1945. Additionally, today we have three ecosystems, vital to the health of South Florida’s ecology, that run through our 82-acre park. We are not just a large event space, but an environmental and historic staple in South Florida. We have mangroves, we have protected species, we have a beachfront, we have a protected shoreline, and we are historic. That’s what sets us apart from any other event space. We have the space, the beach, the water, the history, and the environment. An addition to hosting small- and large-scale events we also host researchers. People don’t only come here to party, they also come here to research the historic and environmental elements of space as well.
The plan to build a Black history museum at the park has been the big buzz. Where are you now, and what’s the next step in the process?
We’re definitely moving the needle. We’ve been able to jump the hurdle of getting our business plan approved by our board. We’ve been working closely with Miami-Dade County and its cultural affairs department. Our next step is to get our grant funded through the county, which is a $20 million grant that they’re giving us toward the museum. We are also working to secure the right architects and engineers to bring our goals to life.
What are some of the changes or new strategies implemented to attract visitors to Key Beach Park?
We want to make sure our public outreach strategy is diverse and community driven. We don’t want just large-scale events that come and go. We’re also focused on having a relationship with the public and private sectors in our community. We want to make sure we bridge that gap. We allow individuals and organizations to come in and do research in the park. We are also working with several colleges and universities to host some leadership workshops and environmental stewardship events or work to bring awareness to the space. For example, we are working with Florida International University to produce a documentary about Miami, Black arts and culture, and Virginia Key Beach Park.
What is the key to connecting with community members and keeping them interested in supporting the park?
The key is community engagement. We need to make sure that people are invested, whether they’re an individual, a nonprofit, for-profit, educational institution, or large to small-scale events. We’ve even worked with the Canadian Consulate’s youth program to bring kids to the park, learn about the park, and participate in a beach cleanup. We’ve had different branches, JP Morgan Chase, come in to do a beach cleanup. Not only does a beach cleanup help them fulfill their environmental and social responsibilities, but it also helps them fulfill their donation goal that helps us operate the future museum and current operations. Awareness is everything. We try to tap into diverse industries.
As younger generations continue to enter the market as tourists and travelers, are you looking to add more elements to engage millennials and Gen Z’s to visit?
Absolutely. We’re always trying to find different ways and platforms to get the word out. We also have an active social media presence. Normally, it would be an older generation that would know about the park. That is why we are trying to make sure that our messaging is across the board and reaches a diverse age demographic. We’re trying to get into more schools. We work with MASTAcademy, which is down the street. We’re also working with Miami-Dade public schools, to teach students and educators about the park, making sure their mothers and fathers and grandparents can get to learn more about it. We’re very unique because not only can you come to learn about the history and ecology, you can also come for recreation as well, which is attractive to the younger generation.
As the South Florida region continues to grow, how are entities like parks and green spaces being included in the conversation?
As far as South Florida is concerned, with climate change issues and sea level rise, we are in a more protective class because they want to preserve the parks. Virginia Key Beach Park is a historic site, which means the only development we will have is the museum. I feel that being historic, being a park, and being a part of the ecology of Florida is important. Although we’re in the backyard of the finance and tech district, we afford visitors the ability to see what Miami was naturally, before it was developed.
What impact does development in Miami and the arrival of new residents have?
Development brings a lot of transplants down here. I like the fact that it gives them the opportunity to contribute to our economy. When they come to Virginia Key Beach Park, they get to learn our history and get to participate in any attractions we may be hosting here. Some people don’t give the transplants enough credit. They help contribute to Miami. A lot of people come here from a lot of different places because Miami has grown so fast. Then in return, at Virginia Key Beach Park, we have the opportunity to teach them about the rich history of our city when they come to visit.
