MiamiBeach411.com: Miami’s New Water Park: Black Beard’s Beach
Black Beard's Beach
This week the City of Miami opened it’s only water park. Replacing the former Grapeland Library, Black Beard’s Beach is part of a multi-million dollar renovation of neighboring Grapeland Park that includes a baseball complex and a community recreational building complete with art and computer rooms. The 20 million dollar facility, featuring artwork by world-renowned local artist Romero Britto, took just over three years to complete following numerous delays and controversies including environmental issues and allegations of improprieties.
The vision of Miami Commissioner Angel Gonzalez, the Black Beard's Beach project did hit a few swells. First there we allegations of improperties when a company represented by City Hall lobbyist Steve Martin was awarded the project without a competitive bidding process. The city was then greeted with an environmental clean-up. Once used as a city dump, construction on the water park was delayed when it was discovered that a costly clean-up would run the City of Miami an additional 10 million in funds. Yet finally, after 3.5 years, the awaited Black Beard's Beach finally opened it's doors last Wednesday.
Featuring a play area for the big kids, a play area for the tots under 5, a restore-style, infinity pool complete with beach-like entry and a lazy river where one gets soaked while drifting on an inner tube, the water park definitely offers fun for the whole family.
Pirate's Plunge, featuruing a maximum water depth of 18 inches, is the water play area for children aged 5 and older. The island offers three bright orange, twisting slides and a smaller one for the younger kids. The huge wooden playground has three flors of wet, climbing, twisting fun. Hoses on all floors can spray anyone approaching or inside of the playground structure. Pirate's Plunge is also decorated with Britto's lively colored characters including twisting pipes and pinwheels which spray the kids as they play. The area features a maximum bathing load of 286.
Shipwreck Island, the under 5 water play area, features a maximum water depth of 12 inches which is perfect for non-swimmers. Decorated with bright, colorul Britto characters, the play area boasts two bright orange slides, numerous water spraying devices and a continuous waterfall from atop an Octopus adorned umbrella. Due to health restrictions, only children in waterproof diapers will be allowed to use the facilities. Shipwreck Island will allow a maximum bathing load of 115.
Both water playgrounds are staffed with numerous lifeguards including two per slide and one at each entrance and surrounded by yellow and orange lounge chairs and large beach - like umbrellas. Lifeguards at all Pirate's Plunge slides and entrances ask children their ages to ensure the safety of those younger than 5. Parents at Pirate's Plunge with children younger than 5 are referred to Shipwreck Island. Both play areas offer a watery surprise at 5 minute intervals. The bright yellow, orane and black buckets atop each of the playground structures dumps a load of water on children below. Horns sound shortly before the water dump to alert the kids. They quickly gather in huddled crowds and shriek with delight as the water pummels them. Even the younger children love it.
The Captain's Lagoon is a resort-stle, infinity pool which boasts a beach-like entrance for it's namesake making it easily accessible for persons with disabilities. The pool area is offered for adults and is definitely large enough to swim laps. The area is also surrounded by brightly colored yellow and orange lounge chairs, available on a 'first come, first serve' basis, and large blue and white umbrellas for those wishing to just relax while the kids play.
Buccaneer River Ride, the 600 ft lazy river ride, is a twisting, turning tubing experience through Pipe Canyon Falls, winding path of broken pipes which spray water at you. The current is kept moving with strategically placed jets. Riders sit atop a bright yellow, black, white and blue inner tube as they work their way down the 3 foot deep river.
