LTC 024-2011 Parks & Recreation r
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OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
-NO. LTC # f024 - 2011 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Mayor Matti Herrera Bower and Members of the City Commission .,
FROM: Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager - --
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DATE:. January 26 2011.
SUBJECT: Parks & Recreation Department News and Upcoming Events
This Letter to Commission is provided to inform you of some recently held and ucorg nts}
at our Parks. co ..�
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Special Olympics Regional Tournament — On Saturday, January 8, 2011, the Miami -DadEr
County Special Olympics Regional Tournament, for basketball was held at the North Shore Park
anId Youth Center. Over 175 athletes participated in events that consisted of. individual skills, team
skills, unified teams, 3 -on -3 and 5 -on -5 competitions. Athletes were awarded with participation and
performance ribbons for their hard work, and everyone enjoyed a day of good sportsmanship and
competitive play. Winners qualified to play in the Special Olympics State Tournament.
The Freak Show - On Saturday, January 8, 2011, the Miami Beach Players (who have recently
received the National Dorothy Mullen Award for Arts & Humanities), brought to life once again their
latest theatrical piece, "The Freak Show ". -The play, by teens /actors that attend The City of Miami
Beach's Teen Club, consisted of many different skits, dance routines and live music that, while
evoking laughter, touch on subjects such as racism, self- consciousness and death. The play
placed circus characters in everyday life situations making this their most unique performance ever.
Scott Rakow Youth Center. Re- Opening Ceremony & Ice Skating Rink Show- On Sunday,
December 19, 2010, the City of Miami Beach Parks & Recreation Department hosted the Scott
Rakow Youth Center's long awaited grand re- opening. In addition to the opening, the Scott Rakow
ice skating program presented their Winter Skating Showcase. Skaters dazzled the audience with
Holiday performances to rhythms like "Let it Snow ", "Jingle Bell Rock" and "All I want..for
Christmas ".
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Winter Fashion Show- On Friday, December 17, 2010, the North Shore Park and Youth Center
hosted a Winter Fashion Show and Dance Presentation. The show displayed the.newest trends
and styles of winter for this year. Participants from the City of Miami Beach's Parks and Recreation
Department's Playtime, After School' and Senior Scenes programs performed dances and skits, as
well as strutting down the catwalk.
Flamingo Playtime Holiday Show - On Wednesday, December 15, 2010, the Flamingo Park's
Playtime class (3 & 4 year olds) brought holiday cheer to their families and friends as they
performed several songs, dressed in their red and white candy cane stripped outfits including,
"Jingle Bells" and " Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel" at their annual Holiday Party. Parents, guardians and
friends enjoyed them perform.
Seniors' Holiday Party - On Tuesday, December 14, 2010, the City of Miami Beach Parks and
Recreation Department and the Miami Beach Convention Center, managed by Global Spectrum,
hosted a Holiday Party for approximately 400 senior citizens of Miami Beach at the Convention
Center. To add to the fun, Mr. & Mrs. Claus made a special appearance. Members of the Miami
Beach. Teen Club provided assistance during the event to make this Holiday Party an unforgettable
one.
Collins Park Grand Opening - On Sunday, December 12, 2010, the City of Miami Beach Parks &
Recreation Department helped host the Collins Park Grand Opening Ceremony. Some of the
performances and activities for the afternoon included children's choirs from Temple Beth Sholom,
South Pointe Park Elementary School and St. Patrick's. In addition, the Miami Beach Parks &
Recreation Department delighted spectators with an Afro American Dance.
6 th Annual Winter Wonderland - On Friday, December 3, 2010, the North Shore Park and Youth
Center held its 6 th Annual Winter Wonderland at North Shore Park. Approximately 2,700 Miami
Beach residents and guests attended the largest "Snow Village" on Miami Beach, fil with rides,
food, games and our famous 50 TONS OF SNOW scattered throughout the wonderland! Mr. &
Mrs. Clause made a special visit from the North Pole and took pictures with everyone. Children
from the City of Miami Beach's Flamingo Park, Scott Rakow Youth Center, North Shore Park and
Youth Center and 21 St Street's Teen Club after school programs amazed the audience with holiday
performances.
Please mark your calendar for these other upcoming happenings:
Black History Night February 4, 2011 / 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
North Shore Park Youth Center
Cupid's Carnival February 11, 2011 / 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Flamingo Park Track
Should you have additional questions, please contact Kevin Smith at (305) 673 -7730.
JMG /HMF /KS /JM /J9
c: Hilda M. Fernandez, Assistant City Manager
Kevin Smith, Parks& Recreation Director
Julio Magrisso, Assistant Parks &- Recreation Director