By Bari Auerbach
Promising to be inspirational, educational and entertaining, a “sea-sational” new Wometco Aquatic Center proposed for Sunny Isles Boulevard is making big news around South Florida and beyond.

At a City Commission meeting held on Jan. 28, Arthur H. Hertz, Chair of Wometco Enterprises, accompanied by a project architect presented schematics for the proposed Aquatic Center described with “splash-tacular” adjectives such as “elegant, modern and magnificent” as well as “architecture becoming art.”

Addressing site selection for the Aquatic Center, Hertz praised Sunny Isles Beach, noting, “This city is beautiful and fiscally sound…this can be attributed to [strong] leadership…The [Aquatic Center] will complement the essence of the city and be a special destination point capturing the attention of neighboring cities.”  
  
The proposed Aquatic Center’s “special sense of design” will be compatible with the neighboring St. Tropez development, fostering a pedestrian-friendly environment – a major component of the city’s vision for the Town Center district.
 
In keeping with the philosophy of the landmark Miami Seaquarium, the Aquatic Center proposed for Sunny Isles Beach will be “dedicated to providing quality entertainment for visitors of all ages, boasting exciting displays of animals’ natural abilities and a variety of  interactive programming focused on marine life. Through exhibits and educational programs for children and adults, goals include cultivating an appreciation for the delicate ocean environment and concern for conservation.”

Featuring ample parking space, the proposed Aquatic Center will be fronted by a “magnificent plaza” featuring artistic sculptures and feature a restaurant, spacious rooms available for functions and activities, a learning center and lagoon buffered by vegetation indigenous of Florida.

Sunny Isles Beach Mayor Norman S. Edelcup commended the schematics for the Aquatic Center. “This is a futuristic project with an outstanding design – it will be educational and entertaining for all members of the family,” he said. “It’s a great concept for the Town Center district of our city…The design fits the [Sunny Isles Boulevard] property and vision of our Comprehensive Plan…It will be unique for Sunny Isles Beach and all of South Florida. We’re so pleased Mr. Hertz selected Sunny Isles Beach for this showpiece. There is also an area to the west [of the proposed Aquatic Center] being contemplated for a park so we’re hoping the [amenities] will flow together.”

Expressing the sentiments of fellow Commission members, Comm. Roslyn Brezin emphasized, “This is one of the most exciting things I’ve seen since I’ve sat on this Commission…I think it’s magnificent…We’re ready to cut the ribbon!”

Vice Mayor Lewis Thaler commended plans for the proposed Aquatic Center. “You’ve done a terrific job putting [this presentation] together,” he said, going on to ask, “What is the next step?”

Hertz replied that in addition to time needed to arrange financing; meetings will be conducted with members of city staff to proceed with plans for ensuring the proposed Wometco Aquatic Center becomes one of the most “sea-sational” attractions to ever grace the City of Sunny Isles Beach. 

‘More Green on the Scene’
Sunny Isles Beach residents can now look forward to even more parks coming to the south end of the city on the west side of Collins Avenue - extending from Sunny Isles Boulevard to the south entrance of the city.
During the Jan. 28 Commission meeting, a resolution passed naming the South Collins Park System as “The Intracoastal Parks.” Individual arms were also designated and named as follows: Sailfish Park, Dolphin Park, Stingray Park, Manatee Park, Marlin Park and Tarpon Park. City Manager Rick Conner noted family names in honor of benefactors will also be added at a later date.
Mayor Norman S. Edelcup recently noted, “With a growing population in Sunny Isles Beach starting to include many young families, the City Commission is working hard to provide more open green and park space as called for in its Comprehensive Plan.”
At the Jan. 28 Commission meeting, plans to build a safer designated “Skateboard Park” area at Town Center Park were also discussed. Susan Simpson, Director of Cultural and Human Services explained the Skateboard Park (expected to be complete by the end of June) will be located in the area of the park where the city’s annual Easter Egg Hunt event has been previously held and that the Egg Hunt will now be moved to Pelican Park.   

Discussions were also focused on plans to proceed with construction of the four acre-Heritage Park north of the William Lehman Causeway. The park {expected to be complete by the end of the year) will feature a dog park, exercise trail, gazebo, basketball court, two tot-lots, a 500-space parking garage, green space and a picturesque entrance that will contain historical information and signage.