Fourteen years in the making, Miami’s Underline is now nearing its final phase.
What was once considered unused “dead space” beneath Metrorail has transformed into a scenic 10-mile ecosystem, already being enjoyed by many in the community.
From residents taking evening walks to cyclists and families gathering for programs and events, many are embracing the remarkable transition of this once-overlooked corridor.
The Underline is a 10-mile linear park stretching beneath the Metrorail. About 120 acres are being transformed into a corridor filled with gardens, recreational spaces, and community programming. Visitors can walk, bike, play basketball, attend events and experience nature in the heart of an urban landscape.
As Chhnya Williams, a babysitter, walks with a young boy along the path, she says it’s “busy out here, but once you’re on the walking path, it feels calmer. He can just look around and be a kid, and I don’t feel as stressed watching him.”
The project was founded in 2012 by Meg Daly, who, after a life-changing biking accident left her with two broken arms, spent time walking beneath the Metrorail and envisioned transforming the neglected space. She later partnered with Patrice Gillespie Smith, a community leader with more than 20 years of experience building impactful initiatives across Miami, who now serves as president and COO of The Underline Conservancy.
Smith believes the Underline’s microforests play a critical role in strengthening climate resilience.
She explains the new parks will use the Miyawaki Method, which was developed by Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki. It suggests native trees grow faster and capture significantly more carbon at an early stage when planted close to one another.
“The Miyawaki Method that will be used for The Underline will bring back carbon capture, making it five times greater when planting them at a young stage of one to three feet high,” Smith said. She calls the project a potential model for cities nationwide looking to repurpose underutilized land.
At the same time, The Underline is restoring Miami’s ecosystem to where it was a century ago.
“We are bringing back all those birds, bees, and butterflies that people could have experienced back then,” Smith said.
An example of this is the Atala butterfly, which was once on the endangered species list. Its black wings have blue spots, and as a caterpillar, it is bright orange. Underline gardeners have planted arrowroot – once called coontie, to attract the rare butterfly.
They have also installed native plants, which are bred to survive hurricanes, to strengthen the area against the storms.
Underline builders have also reshaped everyday life for those who live along the corridor. The addition of shaded walking paths, safer bike lanes and free community programming creates a space where families, students and local businesses can gather and thrive.
In neighborhoods that previously lacked accessible green space, the project offers a renewed sense of connection and safety. For local workers, the impact is just as visible.
Oscar Cortèz, who works at Harbest Specialty Coffee downtown, says the space brings a steady mix of energy and calm.
“You’ll have people rushing in for coffee on their way to work, then others just sitting by the water for a while,” he says. “It gets busy, but there are moments where it slows down, and people really take advantage of that.”
So far, the public-private partnership has raised about $150 million. Miami-Dade is the largest contributor. Authorities hope to complete it this year.
Currently, four miles are open with plans to reach seven miles by July.
Donations fund programs for the community like free classes, walking groups, family days, and volunteer planting events. They also support behind-the-scenes work, like keeping the lights on, removing graffiti, and collecting trash. These essential tasks provide the park with many of the amenities that it is known for.
Ongoing efforts to raise millions of dollars to keep the park operating over the past five years have brought in millions, but the park still needs to generate $9 million to $10 million per year in long-term funding.
Some cities, including Miami and South Miami, have committed to covering part of these costs, but additional funding is needed to meet the annual goal without having to rely on yearly fundraising.
Ira H. Leesfield, a partner from Leesfield and Partners, has supported The Underline through the Leesfield Family Garden and the Park Stewards program. He gave more than $10,000 for the Leesfield Family Garden in Coconut Grove. It includes benches for walkers, runners, and office workers nearby. It also features Estrella de Luz, a sky blue bronze sculpture by Pablo Atchugarry that symbolizes light, spirit, and reflection.
“Now, people of all ages and walks of life are exercising, commuting, and gathering in ways that didn’t exist before,” Leesfield said.
Through the Park Stewards program, formerly unhoused individuals learn park management and maintenance, develop job skills, and build stability in their communities, which then leads them to securing permanent housing. With his contributions, he has helped make The Underline not just a green space but a hub for recreation, workforce development, and community connection.
“The Underline proves that every global city is defined by a great and global park,” he said.
With over 200 programs each year, 90% of which are free, everyone can enjoy art, performances and activities on the Underline without cost. Easily accessible by transit, it continues to connect communities, provide recreational opportunities, and provide a safe, welcoming space for all.
“It already feels like something important for the city, but I think in a few years it’s going to be the kind of place everyone depends on not just to get around, but to actually enjoy being outside,” said Daniel Rivera, a cyclist riding through the Underline.
