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How to: You can help change the way Miami moves

APPLY FOR THIS: The Miami Foundation is launching its 2019 Public Space Challenge and is looking for Miamians to submit an idea and apply for a slice of their $250,000 in grant money. This year, the Public Space Challenge is focused on all things related to urban mobility – think bus stops, sidewalks, bike lanes – that you want to see created, improved or activated.    

WHY YOU SHOULD APPLY: It’s easy to complain about what’s wrong or what’s missing in our city or to wish for things to get better – here’s your chance to actually make a difference in your neighborhood. One such organization decided to do something.

In 2014, the Sabrina Cohen Foundation entered the Challenge and won $15,000 to create the first truly handicapped accessible beach in Miami. With the funds, the group purchased special assistive beach chairs, adaptive kayaks, flotation devices, and wheelchair mats.

“There’s nothing like the cool ocean breeze on your skin and taking in that fresh breath of air,” Sabrina Cohen said in a fundraising video for a proposed fully accessible, three-story adaptive recreation center in Miami Beach. “To not have access to that just because you are living with mobility challenges – it’s not fair, and it doesn’t make any sense.”  

Cohen’s foundation hosts Adaptive Beach Days at 6475 Collins Avenue on the first and third Sunday of the month from April to November to assist those who need help to enjoy the beach.   

If your Public Space Challenge idea is selected, you won’t be alone in the process. The Miami Foundation and its partners will offer support to help you get your project to completion. They’re also working on upcoming workshops and online webinars to help answer questions during the application process, so stay tuned.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Submit your idea. Anyone is welcome to apply: individuals, for-profit or nonprofit orgs, school groups, or you can even partner with your neighbor, co-worker or bestie. Your idea can be anywhere in Miami-Dade County. Submit your idea by May 16. To see what other people have previously submitted, check out some of the recent winning projects.

 

By The New Tropic Creative Studio
The WhereBy.Us Creative Studio helps clients big and small engage locals, through campaigns that use creative marketing, storytelling, events, and activations to build community, conversation, and impact.