Meeting with David Martin
Development of Passive Park
Watson Island
September 17, 2025
Minutes
UPDATE: Jungle Island Park Project
Date: September 17,2025
Time: 7:00 P.M.
Meeting called to order by Ken Gordon, President Venetian Way Neighborhood Alliance
Attendents: Damion Pardo – Comm 2 , Miami David Martin – Developer Watson Island, 801 Venetian Drive, and Single family homes of Venetian Drive.
Representatives from Miami Parks, and other government re
Meeting was called to order by Ken Gordon who introduced Commissioner Pardo, and other attendees. Commissioner Pardo led off by reviewing the history of Watson Island and the Jungle Island franchise, who’s lease was terminated by the city, This historical background laid the introduction of the proposed development and current developer David Martin, who then began his presentation as to how this property would be divided into a condo and 13.5 acres of the northwestern side of the island being reserved for a passive park open to all residents and visitors. To that end, the architectural landscape company engaged to develop this property began it’s presentation as to what is being proposed. This firm has worked in the Miami area extensively, creating the landscapes as the Miami Beach Convention Center, and New World Symphony complex.
The park is being designed to be a “Passive” park, no sports, courts or events. Walkways thru varied South Florida landscapes such as mangroves and other indigenous plants and species to lend to the natural environment. the most pushback from residents, came from the maintaining of the beach area. While this area was to be repurposed for paddle board and kayak use, residents did not want boom boxes and drinking etc and boats anchoring with loud music.
Some fears were overcome by the fact that this park would be under the supervision of the Miami Parks Authority, and such would be open only from sunrise to sunset, In addition, enforcement would be the direct responsibility of the Miami Police Department not code enforcement or other agencies.
David Martin stated that this was the first of several meetings he hoped to have and would take the feedback as a positive and review what could be done to eliminate this fear of disruption from the site.
More that one resident expressed that in dealing with Mr. Martin that they had total confidence that the right thing would be done.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Additional details by Board Members:
Adele Bolden:
$37M to build park, allocating $2M per year for upkeep.
No commercial buildings or convention center will be on the grounds.
Seating areas along the walkways will also be considered and reviewed.
Discussion around the beach to be repurposed was discussed. Jet skis will not be permitted and mangroves will be planted in the beach area.
Sharon Wynne Kirby:
They REALLY listened to us and the whole beach concept will be scrapped or modified. Dave Martin wants to engage with us further after they rethink the beach idea. Several meetings. We suggested 1000 had a good turnout I think and Venetian Isle got our regular interested people. Ken ran a good precise meeting.
Benches on the walkways. They will use the amber turtle lighting, provide good security, will work with us on what we want to see. They are working closely with Miami Children’s Museum with youth programs. Still questions on who will enforce noise from boats if they anchor there. We nixed two docks as they will bring boats and noise. Parking for around 100 cars on edge of park with three (I think) entrances into the park. Children from the museum will walk under the bridge. Large area for kites and activities in center and mangroves on the edges on the water. Trees and foliage along the causeway. City of Miami will be responsible for park. Park official was there as well.as Commissioner Pardo and staff from all departments present. It was a very positive meeting with a good turnout.