COCONUT GROVE CELEBRATES THE OPENING OF THE VERNEKA STURRUP SILVA AQUATIC FACILITY

The City of Miami celebrated the official opening of the Verneka Sturrup Silva Aquatic Facility last weekend at Elizabeth Virrick Park, marking the completion of a long-awaited community project in Coconut Grove.

Located at 3255 Plaza Street, the newly opened aquatic center replaces the former pool with a modern, fully accessible facility designed for residents of all ages. The upgraded complex includes a 25-yard, six-lane lap pool with a deep end reaching approximately 7 feet 10 inches, a zero-depth entry for ADA accessibility, a dedicated learn-to-swim area, water play features, slides, and shaded spaces for instruction, recreation, and family use.

The opening was the result of years of collaboration between residents, the City of Miami, Commissioner Damian Pardo, and community advocate Kimberly Davis, who played a key role in pushing for design revisions and continued community input throughout the process. During the opening celebration, Davis became emotional as she reflected on the long journey it took to bring the project to completion, describing the moment as deeply meaningful after years of advocacy and community effort.

The facility is named in honor of Verneka Sturrup Silva, a lifelong Coconut Grove resident, educator, and civic leader known for her decades of service in Miami-Dade County Public Schools and her advocacy for the West Grove community. Her legacy of education, mentorship, and civic leadership continues to be recognized through this permanent community landmark.

The $13,211,530 project was funded through a combination of the City of Miami General Fund, Park Impact Fees, and Sanitary Sewer Bonds. The redevelopment included full demolition of the previous pool, construction of new pool systems and support buildings, ADA improvements, and major infrastructure upgrades to support long-term use.

With construction now complete, the Verneka Sturrup Silva Aquatic Facility reopens as a central recreational hub for Coconut Grove, offering expanded swim programming, improved accessibility, and a renewed space for families, children, and swimmers of all levels.

Project Information

Facility Name: Verneka Sturrup Silva Aquatic Facility
Location: 3255 Plaza Street, Miami, FL 33133
Project Cost: $13,211,530
Funding Sources: General Fund, Park Impact Fees & Sanitary Sewer Bonds