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Cutler Bay seeks FRDAP funds to build an inclusive Saga Bay Park playground
Summary
Town of Cutler Bay officials told residents at a public meeting that they will apply to the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program for $200,000 to replace the aging Saga Bay Park playground with a universally accessible playground; the town has allocated $200,000 as a local match and plans public design meetings.
The Town of Cutler Bay will apply for up to $200,000 from the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program to replace the 16-plus-year-old playground at Saga Bay Park with a universally accessible play area, town officials said at a community meeting. Etienne Bejarano, park director for the Town of Cutler Bay, opened the meeting and introduced the project team and consultants.
Alan Hughes, the town’s parks operations administrator, said the town is seeking FRDAP funds administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and that the project would “replace an existing 16 plus year old playground with a new universally accessible, inclusive playground at Saga Bay Park.” Hughes told attendees the town has set aside $200,000 and is requesting a $200,000 grant match.
Why it matters: Staff and parents said an inclusive playground would make the park usable for children with a range of physical and communication needs and expand community access. Hughes said the project would promote healthy lifestyles, improve access to public amenities and support the town’s broader recreation goals if the grant is awarded.
Project timeline and process: Hughes said the town plans to submit the FRDAP application by 09/30/2025 and expects award notifications in July 2026; if funded, the town would have roughly three years to complete design and construction. He described the procurement steps that would follow funding—develop a bid package, seek council approval, then go out to bid for construction—clarifying that the three-year funding window does not mean construction must take three years.
Design and safety features: Staff described planned accessibility and safety elements that the town intends to include in the design. Hughes confirmed a perimeter fence will be provided and said communication boards and sensory components are planned so nonverbal and neurodiverse children can participate. In response to a parent’s question, Hughes said the renderings include a wheelchair-accessible swing: “the wheelchair goes in, they close the door, they put the seatbelt on and you go, it’s already there.”
Public input and next steps: Officials urged residents to participate in the parks and recreation advisory committee, which meets on the first Monday of each month (except July and December) and will host design-focused meetings. Residents recommended additional features—resurfacing nearby sidewalks for accessibility, adding a water station inside the fenced play area, and continuing to reuse existing shade canopies where feasible.
Budget context and town capacity: Bejarano said the town has already budgeted $200,000 toward the project and is seeking the FRDAP match to expand the project’s scope. A town staffer noted that Cutler Bay’s strong grant-writing track record, shovel-ready projects and willingness to provide matching funds have helped secure state grants in the past.
What was not decided: No formal council vote or procurement action occurred at the meeting; the immediate next step is submission of the grant application and continued public input through advisory committee meetings.
The town manager, Rafael Casals, was acknowledged for supporting the project. Town staff said they will continue outreach and post committee meeting dates and materials on the town website and social channels.
