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A.D. Barnes Park
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
9 reviews for A.D. Barnes Park
9 reviews in English
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Review from Paul W.
One of the reasons I love bicycling, besides the fact that one gets to enjoy nature, get some healthy exercise and maybe lose a few pounds, is the fact that I've discovered lots of very cool places like this park that I would never have found otherwise.
I was out on a bike ride to nowhere on a recent Saturday afternoon when I rode past the sign for A. D. "Doug" Barnes Park. I saw a neat sculpture which was basically a utility pole sticking sideways out of a hill, with cables running into the ground around it, and I could see a lake in the background. I decided to ride in and check it out.
When one first enters this park from the entrance at Bird Rd. and SW 72nd Ave., the first thing you see is a fairly large lake, encircled by a paved bike/walking path with several benches, shaded seating, and 2 picnic shelters right on the water (both are currently being reconstructed). A bit further in, one comes to the swimming pool, playground and basketball court which are surrounded by several shelters, picnic benches and lots of open, shady spaces. There is also a baseball/softball field and a tennis court nearby as well.
What I found to be the most outstanding feature of this park, however, is one that I'd never have expected to find. I saw signage pointing towards a "nature center". Intrigued, I rode back to that area and what I found was very cool! There was a nature area, open from 9 - 5, 7 days a week which featured a few miles of paved and unpaved bike/walking trails through an old growth, undisturbed forest. As I rode through, I heard lots of critters scurrying away from the paths, and saw tons of birds, squirrels and other wildlife. Behind the nature center is a large fire pit with bench seating in a wide circle around it, and a man made waterfall. Once you head down the trail area, you'll see several benches and a small shelter which are placed along the trail, allowing people to sit, talk, check out the surroundings and simply enjoy nature. A bit farther in there is an elevated, wooden observation deck. On the other side of the nature center, there are paved trails that take you back to park offices and 2 cabins which are used for groups or organizations who wish to camp or hold programs here, and there's also a butterfly garden. I was very impressed by the nature trails, as the forest was truly untouched by man or by weather from all appearances, and it was completely secluded, quiet and peaceful, aside from the distant sound of the music being played by the ice cream truck over by the swimming pool (and the ice cream truck was playing Christmas carols in April, to add to the annoyance).
In all, I'm happy I found this place. This is definitely a park to keep in mind to bring a date or spouse when you simply want to get away from the city, forget about the rat race, and walk or bike through and enjoy nature in its unspoiled, undisturbed splendor.Listed in: Get away from it all!
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Review from Joel M.
Homestead, FL
1/28/2011 9 Check-ins Here
This is a wonderful park and it also serves as a wild life refuge for migrating birds. There's a lot of room in this park for whatever activity you would like to do. There's excellent tree cover for the summer.
My top three preferred activities in this park are: 1) walk/run 2) photography 3) sight see. -
Review from Jordan N.
2/4/2009
In the hustle and bustle of Miami's interior, especially along the clogged Bird Road (SW 40 St), an often-thought of place of reprieve would be Tropical Park, thanks to its immense size, huge sign, and popularity.
A.D. "Doug" Barnes Park, on the other side of the Palmetto Expressway seems to be Tropical Park's little and forgotten sister. But in my opinion, the little sister is prettier and cuter. Maybe it's just those goddarn baby cheeks!
What master-planned Tropical Park lacks, the little A.D. Barnes make up for - there's trails and a greater sense of nature in the environment as there's more of a natural setting at this park. In short, while people may go to Tropical Park to play tennis, soccer, racquetball and basketball, A.D. Barnes is there for me to have a simple and quiet stroll among nature's wonders in an uncompetitive environment - because it is here that nature is undisputedly "king."Listed in: MIA: Parks
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Review from Robyn C.
2/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
Correct me if I'm wrong but shouldn't a gorgeous day be spent frolicking outside in a park with friends, cameras in hand? Well, that's my idea of a great day. So I'm happy to announce, a great day was had!
This hidden park holds a lot of little unexpected treasures (i.e. a dilapidated bridge, a river and hills). Great spots for photo-shoots and definitely secluded enough for picnics or rambunctious playing of games and throwing food.
Note to self: Since I always forget how much fun parks can be, make a point to come back and play every once in a while.
I think it should also be noted that this is a Miami style park. You want something with more foliage and wild life, go somewhere else. -
Review from Grace R.
Miami, FL
2/6/2010
GREAT PARK!
Today I got up early in the morning for a jog and decided to drive out to University park in the gables because its close to home. It was so packed and congested that I decided to drive out to A.D. Barnes Park. There were plenty of parking spaces available and plenty of people at the park enjoying the water, hills, the playground and the greenery. I was here for a couple of hours jogging and doing my work out routine. I was listening to my music, so I did not hear any of the traffic or any disruptions. I really enjoyed the ambiance and hope to make this my new park of choice. Great for kids especially for birthday parties. -
Review from Renee D.
Miami, FL
8/30/2010
AD Barnes - I'm torn between 3 and 4 stars, but I'm going with four, because I think you need another chance from me. I've been here twice with both my kids. They seem to really enjoy the playground, but I kinda get a dingy feeling from it, and there's been trash on the ground every time we were there. They have a nice pool, with some great programs for tots, and the foliage and sprawling fields of activity are truly a breath of fresh air away from the concrete and highways. Picnic tables and shady areas are abundant, and I think a nice picnic with the family on a cool(er) day would probably make me even give you 5 stars. Parking has always seemed to be pretty easy - although I'd appreciate a closer walk with two very young kids. I'll be back, but after the summer is long gone!
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Review from Cassidy C.
Travis, TX
10/10/2009
I don't understand how anyone could consider this a place to get in touch with nature. It's splattered amidst the chaos of the extremely busy and noisy Bird Road, and I nearly got hit crossing the street just to get here. There's no forgetting that you're in Miami: giant construction trucks roared in front of me on the palk trail itself, fixing something up near an area where the park runs into the road, and the trail veers near different roads at various points. I felt like a spectacle for all drivers and not at all at ease. Upon trying to escape the racuous noise of cars and depressing concrete surroundings, I discovered a large population of feral cats closer to the inside of the park.
I found this extremely ironic, given that there are multiple signs saying "No animals allowed".....the park, with its poor upkeep, is breaking its own rule. They also brought a terrible smell to the area they seem to inhabit!
I understand the concept had good intentions and it would be lovely under different circumstances and an entirely different location, but for now this place is a HUGE disappointment and a horrible excuse for a natural reprieve. -
Review from Jesus V.
Miami, FL
5/3/2010 1 Check-in Here
Nice place, but not a very good place to smoke pot. I have gotten caught there, so have a number of my friends. Nice place if you want to have some kid of a picknic.
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Review from eglys h.
9/27/2010
this park is nice. especially liked the small room (where office used to be) which can now be rented for a party celebration. it is a small room but plenty of people (chairs, tables, decorations, etc) can enjoy themselves away from the heat. keep in mind thou, if you are having a Piñata, you will have to do this outside - right by door thou. it even has a small sink & nice size closet. just make sure to have lots of family stay with you after wards to help you clean up cause you will receive it clean and it has to be returned clean!! tables & chairs picked up as well (they provide these for party too!!) not sure of cost, but beats the heat outside!!
