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Parks & Recreation
 
Parks & Recreation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Administrative

NO MAIL IN or DROP box registration will be accepted!

What hours is the Parks and Recreation Department open for registration?
Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Parks & Recreation Office, 810 NE 125 Street

How do I pay for programs in person?
You can pay by cash, money order or personal check with a driver’s license. No mail in or drop box registration. Proof of residency is required. You can use a utility bill with your City address.

Do you accept credit cards?
No, credit cards are NOT accepted for in person registration, however, if you register on-line Visa and Mastercard are accepted.

How do I register on line?
Click here to register online.

What programs do you offer?
Program information

What ages do you provide programming for?
Most programs are for ages 6-12 years. We do offer programs for ages 3-5 and teen programs at the North Miami Community Center.
Program information

Camps (Spring, Summer and Winter)

Can I register at the campsite?
No. All camp registrations are taken at 810 NE 125 Street Parks and Recreation Department, or on line at www.active.com or http://www.northmiamifl.gov/community (using a Visa or Mastercard). Due to limited space and popularity of the program, you must register in person or on line. NO MAIL IN or DROP BOX registrations will be accepted.

What is a session?
One camp session is two weeks long during Summer Camp. During Spring and Winter, sessions are for a one week duration. Call Parks and Recreation Department at 305.895.9840 for more camp information.

I have more than one child, are there any discounts?
The first and second child must pay full registration, the third, fourth, etc. will receive a 20% discount, if all children are registered for the same program. You must be a City of North Miami resident to qualify for this discount.

Special Events

How do I volunteer?
If you are a teen and wish to join North Miami’s Teens In Action TIA program Dynamic Westside Teens call 305.685.5461. TIAs volunteer for city events as well as year-round programming and earn service hours while helping the community. You must be at least 14 years of age.

If you are an adult and wish to volunteer for the Parade or any of our Special Events, please contact Andrea Ramos at 305-895.9840. If you wish to be a professional volunteer, a member of the WinterNational Ambassador Corps, we can fax you an application and be prepared to work hard and have lots of fun planning the day of parade!

APPLE Programs
What is the A.P.P.L.E. After School Basketball Program?
This program is one of our largest recreation programs. The program is referred to as A.P.P.L.E. (At-risk Programs Promoting Leisure Education). The Elementary After School Basketball Program is designed to provide a safe, recreational, after school activity for children grades 3-5 from 3:15pm to 4:15pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Is this a school sponsored program?
No. This is a City of North Miami Parks and Recreation Program that is offered at each of the elementary schools in North Miami.

Where do I register my child?
Your child may inquire about registration at his/her school. (See list below) Space is very limited. Participants may be removed from the program for disciplinary reasons. Parents will be notified if discipline becomes a problem.

What should my child wear for practice?
Please make sure your child has tennis or athletic shoes (no sandals) and comfortable clothing.

What should my child wear for games?
Participants will be given a program t-shirt. This shirt should be worn on game days along with comfortable clothing and proper footwear.

Why is there no scoreboard?
This is not a competitive program. Our goal is to provide a safe, fun environment where all participants can be exposed to the sport of basketball and develop their skills, sportsmanship and self-esteem.

Why are the players only allowed to play defense in within the 3-point arch?
We have found that not only does this minimize physical contact, but it also slows the game down. For many players this is the first time they have ever played basketball. These minor modifications of the game allow the players to focus on fundamental skills in these early stages of development.

What is the Golden Apple Program?
This is a City of North Miami Parks and Recreation Program that is designed to reward students for non-academic excellence. The purpose is to encourage and reward positive behavior, cooperation and good citizenship.

How is my child selected?
A representative from your child’s school is responsible for selecting the children for the award and trip.

What should my child wear on this trip?
Each trip is different; therefore, it is wise for your child to be comfortable. The destination of your child’s trip is listed on the parent information letter. If you need more details, please call Khalid Salahuddin at 305-892-3020.

What should my child bring?
Your child needs to bring a bagged lunch. If you would like your child to bring spending money for souvenirs or soda machines, that is fine. However, please keep in mind, on some trips there are no vending machines or concessions available.

May I (the Parent) attend the field trip with my child?
All chaperones on the trip are either City of North Miami employees or employees of the participating school. Additional chaperones are not permitted.
Gymnastics
Where can I register for Gymnastics classes? Will you hold a spot for me?
You can register in person at 810 NE 125 Street, at the Parks and Recreation Department office, from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Fees are payable in cash, money order or personal check made out to City of North Miami with a driver’s license. You can also register on line (using a Visa or Mastercard) at http://www.northmiamifl.gov or www.active.com. All of our programs are first-come, first-serve and we do not hold spaces. For your convenience, registration can also be taken at the Armory by the Gymnastics staff after 4:30 PM (no cash or credit card). This option, however, can be discontinued without prior notification.

What is the recreational gymnastics philosophy?
Our goal is to provide a safe, fun environment where all participants can be exposed to the sport of gymnastics and learn at their own pace.

What is the registration deadline?
We ask that you register one week prior to the start of class as it is important to determine staff schedules in advance.


Pools

Why can’t we use floatation devices in the pool?
We only allow U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets. The reason you may not use objects other than Coast Guard approved is because they are dangerous and the City does not allow them.

Why do we have to wear bathing suits? Why not shorts and a shirt?
The Health Department requires proper swimming attire at a city facility.

If there is an electrical storm, do we get a refund?
There is no refund if there is an electrical storm. Patrons can wait until the weather clears.

Why does my child have to be three years old for swimming lessons?
A child at this age is able to touch the bottom of the pool and hold on to the wall.

What happens if my child misses a swimming lesson due to bad weather?
It will be made up on Fridays during our two week summer sessions.

Why do children under 3, have to wear rubber pants?
The Health Department requires rubber pants.

Why do you close the gates and not allow people to come in?
Our maximum capacity is 105 patrons. After that limit, we close the gates and allow people to come in only as people leave.

Why can’t we use a mask and snorkel?
A mask and snorkel are for properly trained individuals. We cannot determine if you are trained to use them. Therefore, we do not allow them to be used due to liability reasons.

Why can’t I leave my bike in the locker room or on the pool deck?

The City is not responsible if it is stolen. It causes too many problems and the City does not accept responsibility for personal items.

What happens when a patron is asked to leave the pool?
There are no refunds.

Why is the Wet-tot-lot only for children under 48” tall?
The size of patrons is determined by the manufacturer.

Why is the slide only for patrons over 48” tall?
The size of patrons is determined by the manufacturer.

What if the pool closes for reasons other than weather related?
We issue a re-entry slip, which may be used anytime.

Are thong suits allowed?
No, the pools are considered family oriented facilities.

Why is the Wet-tot-lot not open before two o’clock during the summer?
Due to the swimming programs, the Wet-tot-lot is closed until 2:00 p.m.

If we go swimming during morning hours, why do we have to pay to swim in the afternoon?
The pool is open for 2 shifts, morning and afternoon.

Why can we not have another lap lane put in?
The pool is too crowded.

How do I rent a pool? Which pool can I rent?
Only the Wet Tot Lot is available for rentals.
Hours: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: Saturday or Sunday
Fees: (2 hours) $200.00 + $25.00 (refundable security deposit)
An additional $25.00/hr (includes tax) will be charged for having over 50 participants in the water.

Youth Sports
How do I register my child for youth sports programs?
You may register your child for all youth sports programs at Parks & Recreation Department, 810 NE 125 Street.
Registration & Release Form

Where are the youth sports programs offered?
Our programs are offered at the following parks:

Pepper Park - 1400 NW 135 Street

  • Youth Tackle Football and Cheerleading
  • Youth Basketball and Cheerleading

Ben Franklin Park - 13400 NW 12 Avenue

  • Youth & Adult Soccer
  • Youth Basketball

North Miami Athletic Stadium - 2155 NE 151 St. (East of Biscayne Blvd.)

  • Track and Field
  • Walking Track

Where are you located?
810 NE 125 Street
North Miami, Florida,33161
305.895.9840

If practices/games are cancelled due to bad weather, do you make them up?
We do not make up practices; games will be made up at the discretion of the youth athletic coordinator.

Do all registered children get picked for a team?
Yes, everyone participates and plays the same amount of time.



Trees & Landscaping
Am I allowed to trim the tree in my swale area?
No. Only the City of North Miami or Florida Power and Light is allowed to trim swale trees. The Parks Department will be more then happy to do so free of charge for any tree that needs trimming. Please contact the Parks Operation Center, (305) 891-9334 (M - F, 8 am - 4 pm). State your name, address, phone number and location of the tree that needs trimming. We will examine the tree within1-2 working days and get back to you.

Whose responsibility is it to maintain the swale area?
Although the swale area is considered City property, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain it, except for the trees

How can I get a tree for my swale area?
The City has a Tree Match Program available for residents. In this program the resident pays $40 and the City matches it towards the purchase a tree (8 - 10 ft. tall) for their swale area. The City delivers the tree and planting instructions, but the resident must plant the tree. You can purchase as many trees as you like as long as you have enough planting space in your swale area that meets the City's criteria for planting trees. Applications for this program are available in the Parks and Recreation office at 810 NE 125 Street.

What do I need to do to have the tree in my swale area removed?
You can pick up a tree removal permit at the Community Planning and Development office at City Hall. The tree will then be inspected to see if it qualifies to be removed.

Who should I call if I see sprinklers running for a long time?
If you see sprinklers running for a long period of time, please contact the Parks Operation Center (305) 891-9334, M-F, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM. After hours, call the Sunkist Grove Water Plant at 305-953-2854. State your name, address and phone number with the location of the sprinkler that is running. Someone will be dispatched immediately to remedy the problem.


Does the City have free mulch for residents?
Yes, the City does have free mulch located on the south side of the Motor Pool on NE 142 Street and 18th Avenue. Please note that this mulch is not suitable for playgrounds surfacing.

Who do I call if I have an after-hours or weekend emergency?
If you have an emergency such as a tree down in the roadway, sprinklers running, etc., please contact the Sunkist Grove Water Plant at (305) 953-2854/55. They will relate the message to the appropriate personnel to have the problem resolved.




End of FAQs


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HOW DO I?
register for a Parks & Rec program?
find a place to play some ball?
find a park with a tot-lot?
rent a facility?
find special events?
volunteer for the Parade?
register my child for youth sports programs?
contact the Parks & Recreation Commission?
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