“What is there to do in West Kendall? Are there any political clubs or organizations? How can residents get more involved?”
That’s the question from reader Bibiana Potestad that won the most number of votes, which means we’re answering it for you today.
Interested in local politics?
- The West Kendall Democrats relaunched their chapter earlier this year and have placed a priority on getting more Democratic representation on the Miami-Dade county commission in 2020.
- Miami Young Republicans don’t have a designated West Kendall chapter, but they have hosted events and meetings in the area. You can find more information on their latest events on their website and also sign up for updates from the group.
The West Kendall community council is a group of seven elected and appointed residents that fills in the gaps for the area’s county commissioner on smaller zoning and land use decisions. (If you want to get really wonky the community council area even has sub areas represented by different council members). The council is the eyes and ears for county commissioners — in West Kendall’s case Commissioner Joe Martinez — and community council members can recommend specific projects and services that should receive funding. The West Kendall council meets at Kendall Village Center and their next meeting is June 25.
Want to know what’s happening or report a problem?
- There’s an iOS and Android app for the county district that includes West Kendall. It’s pretty no frills and includes a community events calendar, a tool for locating parks nearby, and a portal for reporting issues in your neighborhood.
Interested in the fitness community?
- The West Kendall Run Club is free to join and the group meets every Thursday at 7 p.m. at the West Kendall Baptist Hospital.
- The Kendall Indian Hammocks Park has a skate park complete with ramps, a skate shop, and a community of local skateboarders, BMX bikers, and inline skaters.
Interested in the arts and culture scene?
- Backroom Sessions, which launched in 2016, is a group housed in a warehouse space in West Kendall where they showcase local talent, from comedians to musicians, from the area and surrounding neighborhoods. Here’s a list of their upcoming events.
- Hang out or catch a show at 1FiveTwo, a concert venue and a mini creative and co-working space. That rec came to us from longtime New Tropic supporter Gabi Barrocas.
Know some other ways to get involved in the area, politically or otherwise? Let us know in the comments or email us at [email protected]