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Dade County outdoor recreation participation in 1970 was estimated to be 161,558,700 activity occasions (participation in a single outdoor recreation activity by one person during one calendar day). These included water-dependent activities (swimming, fishing, boating, surfing, etc.), land-based activities (camping, picnicking, nature study, hunting, etc.) and outdoor games and sports (baseball, shuffleboard, golf, tennis, etc.). Projected participation in the year 2000 is 339,400,000 activity occasions, more than double that of today. In 1970, 81% of all recreation activity occasions were water related (water dependent and water enhanced). This percentage is expected to increase slightly by the year 2000. These projections were prepared for the South Florida Ecological Study ^1/ using data of the State Division of Recreation and Parks.

Participation in outdoor recreation activities is projected to more than double by the year 2000. [larger image]

RESIDENT AND TOURIST ACTIVITY OCCASIONS (MILLIONS)
YEAR	SPORTS	LAND	WATER	TOTAL
1970	28.0	50.8	82.8	161.6
1975	34.1	63.7	106.8	204.6
1980	37.7	70.9	119.7	228.3
1990	47.2	88.1	148.5	283.8
2000	57.2	104.6	177.6	339.4

Current observed pressures on the area's recreation facilities, and projections (see graphs below) indicate that Dade County's recreation facilities will require expansion. For use in planning for that expansion, additional technical data will soon be available from a one-year onsite recreation participation study, the results of which are currently under analysis by the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control District.

[larger image]

The above graphs of design day participation* for water dependent and land based activities and for outdoor games and sports indicate that design day use in 1970 was about two times greater than the rated capacity of existing facilities. Estimated future participation will require large expansion of Dade County's recreation facilities. * Design day is computed as the average participation on Sunday during the month of second highest total recorded attendance.

In 1970, south Dade County had a population of about 417,800 people, 33 percent of the county's population. It has 42 percent of the neighborhood and community park space, 83 percent of the metropolitan park space, 70 percent of the regional park space, and 70 percent of the natural area open space. Most of south Biscayne Bay is either in Biscayne National Monument or in the Aquatic Preserve proclaimed by the State.

National Recreation and Park Association open space standards generally recommend 5 acres of neighborhood and community parks, 5 acres of metropolitan parks, and 20 acres of regional parks per 1,000 population. Dade County's open space plans set a standard for 4.5 acres of neighborhood, community, and related space per 1,000 population but no standards relative to other park types. The most densely settled areas of Dade County have been identified in the Metropolitan Dade County Community Improvement Program report of the County Manager. These are prime areas for consideration for neighborhood and community park expansion. Additional county actions (planning, land-use controls, ordinances) are needed to assure adequate internal open space in newly urbanizing areas.

PARK LAND, IN ACRES
Park Land	Dade Total	South Dade	% of Total
Neighborhood & Community	2,694	1,127	42
Metropolitan	6,873	5,738	83
Regional	4,294	3,000	70
Natural Areas	725,400	510,994	70

Most of the parks in the area are water oriented. [larger image]

The 1972 bond issue program will permit needed expansion of the metropolitan park system. New area sites of significance to south Dade County include Tropical Park Sports Complex (A, see map), Richmond Zoological Park (B), and Miller Lake Park (C). The 25,000 acre Aerojet tract (D) is being considered for a large regional park.

Looking to the future, park and recreation planners are faced not only with keeping pace with growth in the area but making up for deficits in recreation facilities in other parts of the county as well. South Biscayne Bay and the still undeveloped shoreline areas represent the county's most important natural resource potential for meeting these recreation needs.

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