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Opa-locka to seek $200,000 FRDAP grant, with $200,000 match, to convert Grama Park into multipurpose field
Summary
City staff said they will apply for a $200,000 Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program grant, matched by $200,000 from the city, to regrade and convert Grama Park at 2100 Burlington St. into a regulation football and soccer field with ADA access; larger amenities would follow in later phases.
City of Opa-locka staff said the city will apply for a $200,000 Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grant, with a $200,000 local match, to convert Grama Park at 2100 Burlington Street into a regulation football and soccer field and related core improvements.
The application, staff said, would fund site grading, earthwork, topsoil preparation and the installation of a natural grass playing surface (Bermuda or equivalent), plus permanent goals, fencing and ADA-accessible walkways to the field. Staff described the grant funding as covering the “core” field construction while larger assets — lighting, bleachers, a scoreboard and expanded infrastructure — would be pursued through later phases and additional grants or partner funding.
According to the presentation, the Grama Park concept includes converting an underused field within the existing park footprint into a multipurpose football and soccer field; future phases noted by staff could add a running track, ADA-compliant playground, pickleball and tennis courts, mini soccer courses, walking and biking trails, a water splash pad, a management office and expanded parking. Staff said renderings show east and west views of the proposed layout and noted the plan would reconfigure parking and add a new park entrance from the 20 First Court side; staff said the Wilmington Street entrance is being researched but is not part of the immediate grant scope.
Staff said the submittal deadline for the FRDAP application is Sept. 30 and that the city expects to hear back from the grantor in June or July of the following year. At the meeting, staff characterized the work funded by the $400,000 combined amount (grant plus match) as the foundational improvements needed to make the space a functional, accessible playing field for community recreation.
The presentation noted work items that would be included in the grant scope: removal of existing fixtures, site regrading and drainage, irrigation, topsoil preparation, installation of natural grass, permanent goalposts, fencing and basic spectator accommodations. Staff described additional amenities — lighting, full bleachers, scoreboards and a lane running track — as future phases to be funded separately.
No formal vote or council action authorizing a grant application was recorded in the transcript of the presentation; staff reported intent to submit the application and answered questions from attendees before the meeting moved to adjournment.
Community members at the meeting asked clarifying questions about concessions (a proposed kiosk), the new park building that would replace the current underused senior center footprint, and whether a second entrance from Wilmington Street would be added. Staff said a new park building is planned for park use and that the Wilmington Street entrance remains under study.
