When asking yourself about something to do near me in Miami with a group of friends or family, consider
Gwen Cherry Park
Why Gwen Cherry Park is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Gwen Cherry Park, spanning 38 acres in the heart of Miami, Florida, stands as a vibrant community gathering space named after Gwendolyn Sawyer Cherry, the first African-American woman elected to the Florida Legislature. This park uniquely balances extensive green, open spaces with top-tier recreational amenities that cater to visitors of all ages. It is an ideal location for meeting up with friends due to its variety of facilities including lighted athletic fields for football, baseball, and softball, as well as indoor and outdoor basketball courts. The park also features a 400-meter running track and tennis courts, promoting active lifestyles. A highlight is the NFL Youth Education Town Center, a 27,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility housing computer labs, a library, arts and crafts rooms, a game room, and a large air-conditioned gymnasium great for sports and respite from Miami’s heat. Families appreciate the well-maintained playground and tot lot offering safe, fun spaces for children. Additionally, the park features a nature-based play area with unique elements like musical instruments, a zip line, and a slide embedded in a hill, enriching the play experience. The park’s scenic trails, ample shaded areas, and a tranquil pond make it an inviting place for relaxation and socialization, fostering a strong sense of community and providing a refreshing escape from urban life.
Here's what people think of Gwen Cherry Park
As of recent, Gwen Cherry Park holds a 4.4-star rating based on 424 reviews.
Visitors from multiple sources consistently rate Gwen Cherry Park highly, with an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 424 reviews. Reviewers praise the park’s extensive and varied sports facilities, highlighting the suitability for football, baseball, basketball, and tennis. Families speak positively about the nature-based play space, which includes innovative features such as musical instruments and a zip line, offering engaging activities for children and enhancing family outings. The presence of the NFL Youth Education Town Center is also lauded, with positive feedback on its educational and recreational programs, as well as the comfort and utility of the indoor gym and community spaces. Many visitors appreciate the well-kept playground, clean environment, and the helpful park staff, emphasizing the park's role as a safe and welcoming place for community gatherings and outdoor activities. However, some negative reviews mention issues such as occasional limitations on facility availability (e.g., the pool's seasonal operation only during summer) and occasional high usage leading to crowded fields or courts during peak times. Some users noted that certain equipment or areas could benefit from enhanced maintenance or updates. Overall, the park is viewed as a critical community resource offering a comprehensive mix of recreational, educational, and social benefits. Despite minor drawbacks, the consensus reflects strong satisfaction and a high likelihood of repeat visits, underscoring Gwen Cherry Park’s importance as a community cornerstone in Miami.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Nanky Nank
It was nice. I went for my sons football game. The field looked as though it had just been done.
Constance Williams
I had a nice time sitting at Gwen Cherry Park enjoying my lunch.
Tyrone Farrior
We had a blast. Showing the cars and trucks off
Bertrand Boyd
A park in the heart of Miami on 22nd Ave. There's are inside and outside basketball courts, football fields, tennis courts as well as a music studio on site.
Hakan K
Great park. Very clean well maintained.Just needs some strict regulations like not allowing unleashed Pitbulls in the park, and some regulations.
How to reach Gwen Cherry Park
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Why Gwen Cherry Park may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Gwen Cherry Park with your friends? Gwen Cherry Park is a vibrant community hub in Miami, offering an ideal blend of recreational, educational, and social amenities that make it a perfect gathering spot for friends and family. This 38-acre green space not only provides a lush, well-maintained environment away from the urban hustle but also fosters connection through its diverse activities and welcoming atmosphere. Whether your group enjoys sports, cultural events, or simply relaxing in nature, Gwen Cherry Park is tailored to meet a wide range of interests, ensuring every visit is enjoyable and memorable. Its facilities, including multi-purpose athletic fields, an indoor gymnasium, and playgrounds, cater to all ages and abilities, making the park a dynamic setting for group meetups. Additionally, the NFL Youth Education Town Center enhances the community experience by offering educational and recreational opportunities, emphasizing skill-building and social interaction within a supportive environment. Rallying here means not just gathering outdoors but engaging in activities that promote teamwork, health, and community spirit, making Gwen Cherry Park much more than just a park—it’s a destination to create lasting memories with your group.
What activities can you do at Gwen Cherry Park? Gwen Cherry Park is abundant with activities that appeal to various interests and age groups, making it a fantastic destination for group gatherings. For sports enthusiasts, the park provides three lighted multi-purpose athletic fields designed for football, baseball, and softball games. These fields support fast-paced 7v7 football matches, ideal for competitive friendly play among groups. Basketball lovers have their pick between indoor and outdoor courts, ensuring play regardless of weather conditions. Runners and walkers can take advantage of the 400-meter running track, perfect for morning jogs or casual laps. Tennis courts are available for those who want to enjoy racquet sports in a scenic outdoor setting. Children have access to a safe, well-maintained playground and tot lot equipped with swings, spinners, and a slide built into a hill, which stimulates active play and exploration. Additionally, the park features specialized fitness zones for adults, allowing groups to engage in strength training or cardio workouts together. The community pool, open during summer months, offers another refreshing option to beat the heat while socializing and having fun. With such a range of activities, Gwen Cherry Park effortlessly caters to groups looking for active, diverse, and inclusive recreational options.
Why is Gwen Cherry Park perfect for a group meetup? Gwen Cherry Park’s expansive space and versatile facilities make it uniquely suited for hosting group meetups. The park’s size—38 acres—offers plenty of room for groups to spread out comfortably, ensuring privacy and freedom to enjoy activities without feeling crowded. A well-established infrastructure, including clean restrooms and helpful staff, ensures convenience and a hassle-free experience for visitors. The NFL Youth Education Town (YET) Center is a highlight, providing a large indoor gymnasium (9,000 square feet, air-conditioned) which is ideal for group sports or indoor gatherings, especially in Miami’s sometimes sweltering heat. Groups interested in cultural or educational activities will appreciate the YET Center’s computer rooms, library, arts and crafts spaces, and game rooms, providing a wide range of interactive options beyond physical activities. For families or mixed-age groups, the park offers an inclusive environment with spaces specifically designed for children as well as adults. The presence of after-school care programs for children with disabilities shows the park’s commitment to accessibility and community support. Overall, Gwen Cherry Park’s combination of spacious outdoor fields, versatile indoor facilities, and supportive programs creates the perfect setting for any group meetup, from casual catch-ups to organized sports events or multi-generational family fun.
How accessible and welcoming is Gwen Cherry Park? Accessibility and community inclusiveness are among Gwen Cherry Park’s central values, which is one reason it is so popular for group visits. The park is easily reachable by multiple modes of transport, including walking, biking, car, specialized transportation services (STS), and public bus routes, ensuring that everyone in your group can arrive with ease. Its friendly staff and clean, safe environment make visitors feel welcome, whether it is a casual day out or a special event. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, allowing groups to plan visits at their convenience. Restrooms and water fountains are conveniently located throughout the park, adding to visitor comfort. Moreover, Gwen Cherry Park is committed to serving diverse community needs with specific programs like after-school care for children with disabilities, illustrating their dedication to inclusivity. This focus on accessibility and community engagement means that no matter your group’s size or composition, you will find a welcoming and accommodating environment here, making it a reliable venue for meetups that prioritize comfort and belonging.
What makes the NFL Youth Education Town Center a unique feature at Gwen Cherry Park? One of the most remarkable attributes enhancing Gwen Cherry Park’s appeal is the NFL Youth Education Town (YET) Center, standing prominently within the park’s grounds. This 27,000 square-foot facility was established through support from NFL Charities and local organizations with a mission combining education and recreation. Inside, the YET Center houses computer rooms that provide a technology-rich environment, a library to encourage reading and study, arts and crafts spaces to foster creativity, and a game room for social fun. The large, air-conditioned gymnasium is especially valuable for group activities demanding indoor space, such as basketball, martial arts, or community meetings. What sets the YET Center apart is not just its physical amenities but the educational and recreational programs it offers. These programs are designed to help local youth—and by extension, families and groups visiting the park—develop life skills, confidence, and teamwork while engaging in positive community activities. Its combination of learning and play makes the YET Center a meaningful connector between physical activity and personal development, elevating Gwen Cherry Park from a typical green space to a community cornerstone.
Are there family-friendly features at Gwen Cherry Park? Gwen Cherry Park is exceptionally well-equipped for families, offering a broad array of features that ensure both children and adults have a delightful visit. The playground area provides varied equipment such as swings, spinners, and a slide built into a hill, all designed with safety and fun in mind to stimulate active play and interaction among kids. Families can enjoy the park’s splash zones and water play areas, great for cooling off during warmer days. Moreover, the community pool, open seasonally in the summer, gives families the opportunity to relax and swim together. The park also includes a dedicated tot lot, a smaller playground area specifically designed for younger children, offering a secure space for toddlers to explore. For parents and guardians, the park’s clean facilities, accessible restrooms, and shaded sitting areas create a comfortable environment to supervise and socialize. With programming that includes literacy, art, music, and physical fitness activities, the park caters not only to physical needs but also to creative and educational growth, making Gwen Cherry Park a place where families can bond and thrive.
How does Gwen Cherry Park support sports and physical fitness? Sports and fitness are at the heart of Gwen Cherry Park’s offerings, making it a magnet for groups focused on active lifestyles. The park’s three lighted multi-purpose athletic fields are ideal for football, baseball, and softball, supporting both casual and competitive games, including popular 7v7 football matches. Basketball players can take to both indoor and outdoor courts, allowing continuous play no matter the weather. Fitness lovers can use the park’s specialized outdoor fitness zones, enabling strength training, stretching, and circuit exercises in an inviting, green environment. Runners and walkers benefit from the 400-meter running track, perfect for warm-ups, training, or casual jogging with friends. Tennis enthusiasts also have courts at their disposal for match play or lessons. The seasonal pool offers an excellent low-impact fitness option with lap swimming or recreational water activities. Collectively, these facilities encourage groups to engage in varied forms of exercise, fostering physical health, social interaction, and community spirit.
What events and community programs can groups participate in at Gwen Cherry Park? Beyond daily recreational activities, Gwen Cherry Park hosts diverse events and programs that enhance community engagement and provide groups with structured opportunities for involvement. The park manages youth sports leagues, often in collaboration with organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, offering organized competitions in football, basketball, tennis, and baseball for children ages 5–14. These leagues encourage teamwork, skill development, and friendly competition in a supportive environment, ideal for youth groups or families involved in sports. The after-school care programs funded by The Children’s Trust support children with disabilities, offering a range of activities like fitness, literacy, art, and music alongside homework help, which exemplifies the park’s commitment to inclusive community support. Cultural and arts programs hosted within the YET Center provide additional enrichment opportunities. Community members are often engaged through seasonal and special events, which can be a great reason to gather with friends or family for celebrations or group participation. These programs and events transform Gwen Cherry Park into a vibrant social hub that goes far beyond a traditional park experience.
How is the natural environment at Gwen Cherry Park? Gwen Cherry Park offers visitors a refreshing natural environment that balances urban needs with green space benefits. The park’s well-maintained lawns, shaded tree areas, and landscaped gardens create a pleasant atmosphere perfect for picnics, leisurely walks, or simply enjoying the outdoors. The presence of nature-based play spaces, such as musical installations and slides integrated into the landscape, provides an immersive outdoor experience that encourages exploration and creativity among children. The spacious grounds also support wildlife observation and engagement with nature, enriching the overall park experience. For groups looking to escape city noise, the park provides a serene setting to unwind, host informal gatherings on the lawn, or engage in mindful outdoor activities like yoga or meditation. The combination of natural beauty with recreational amenities makes Gwen Cherry Park an inviting, peaceful retreat in Miami’s urban fabric.
What practical information should groups know before visiting Gwen Cherry Park? Groups planning to meet at Gwen Cherry Park should note several practical details to maximize their visit. The park is located at 7090 NW 22 Avenue, Miami, FL, easily reachable by a variety of transport methods. Operating hours are generally from sunrise to sunset, with the main office open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays; the park is closed on Sundays. The community pool is open only during the summer months and amenities such as restrooms, drinking fountains, and shaded picnic areas enhance convenience. It is advisable to check the weather ahead and bring essentials like sunscreen, bug spray, snacks, and water, ensuring comfort in Miami’s climate. Staff members on site are friendly and can assist with questions or guidance. Since the park welcomes diverse groups and special programs, it’s worth reaching out in advance if your gathering requires any permits or specific arrangements, especially for large events or organized sports games. Preparation ensures a smooth, enjoyable experience.
In summary, Gwen Cherry Park is an outstanding venue to rally with friends for a day of active fun, cultural enrichment, or peaceful relaxation. Its comprehensive facilities, community-focused programs, and welcoming atmosphere provide an ideal setting for groups to connect and create cherished memories.