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Doral Central Park to Undergo Major Revamp with New Recreation Facilities

Doral Central Park is poised for a significant transformation with a $34 million redevelopment project that includes rooftop pickleball courts and a multi-level parking garage. The initiative aims to enhance recreational offerings while generating substantial revenue for the city. With a projected annual income of over $5 million, the project reflects a strategic move to reduce reliance on property taxes. Mayor Christi Fraga and city officials are optimistic about the long-term benefits of this venture, which underscores the growing importance of pickleball in community spaces. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development.
 

Transformative Project for Doral Central Park


A significant redevelopment initiative is on the horizon for Doral Central Park, featuring plans for rooftop pickleball courts integrated into a new multi-level parking structure and recreational facility. The Doral City Council has authorized staff to proceed with the design and construction management of this ambitious $34 million project located at 3005 NW 92nd Avenue.


The proposal encompasses a three-story parking garage with 532 spaces, topped with nine pickleball courts, which will include spectator seating, restrooms, storage, and an office for park staff. Lazaro Quintero, the chief of the city’s capital improvements division, shared insights on the project timeline, stating, “We expect around eight months for design work, followed by an additional 90 days for permitting and the development of a guaranteed maximum price proposal by the construction manager. The construction phase is anticipated to last 18 months, with the schedule to be fine-tuned once we have the design firm and construction manager selected.”


Additionally, the project will feature a two-story, 24,000-square-foot recreation center adjacent to the garage. The lower level is planned to accommodate entertainment and concession areas, while the upper level will provide a versatile event space complete with a commercial kitchen.


Financial forecasts indicate that the project could yield substantial returns. Fernando Casamayor, the city’s assistant manager and chief financial officer, noted, “We project around $2.4 million in revenue solely from parking operations. This facility could potentially generate over $5 million annually for the city of Doral.” He emphasized that taxpayers would not bear the financial burden, as the funding will be sourced internally.


Mayor Christi Fraga expressed her support for the initiative, underscoring its long-term benefits. “It’s crucial for Doral to reduce its dependence on property taxes and explore innovative revenue-generating avenues,” she remarked. She also expressed satisfaction with the projected figures, stating, “I believe these estimates are quite conservative. Having a parking garage as part of our assets is incredibly valuable.”


Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of additional recreational facilities, stating, “This is something that is greatly needed and highly sought after in Doral. I believe this project will generate significant revenue to help cover park costs.” The inclusion of pickleball as a central feature illustrates the sport's increasing significance in urban development and community planning.