April 30, 2024

Our wonderful Board of Directors member, Lucia Gonzalez, has been honored with the construction of a Tot Lot in the City of North Miami for her contributions to the world of children’s literature, libraries, and education. Below is an excerpt from an article by North Miami Florida’s website about the groundbreaking ceremony for the tot lot.

“Construction of the North Miami Public Library’s Lucia Martinez Gonzalez Tot Lot is officially underway. The City of North Miami celebrated with a Groundbreaking Ceremony, hosted by Councilwoman Kassandra Timothe, MPA, of District 2. 

Named in honor of Lucia Martinez Gonzalez, former NoMi Library Director, this tot lot promises to be a cherished addition to the city’s recreational landscape. The ceremony brought together community members including the Friends of the North Miami Library, local officials, and stakeholders to commemorate the beginning of this transformative project. Located on the site of a previous playground, the Lucia Martinez Gonzalez Tot Lot signifies a renewal of commitment to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for children and families in North Miami. 

“This ceremony marked a significant milestone for our community as we broke ground on the Lucia Martinez Gonzalez Tot Lot at the North Miami Public Library, a playground that hasn’t changed since I was a child.” said Timothe. “This is the first time since 2019 the City had inaugurated a new tot-lot, which will include climbing features and new landscaping. This space will honor the legacy of a beloved contributor to our City, who has made great strides in improving lives through enrichment activities offered at the library.” 

Scheduled to be completed by June 2024, the tot lot will feature state-of-the-art amenities and innovative design elements to promote physical activity, creativity, and social interaction among children. With a firm dedication to inclusivity and accessibility in mind, the tot lot’s design will accommodate children of all abilities, ensuring that every community member can participate and thrive. 

“Playgrounds are more than just places for kids to have fun. They’re also places where people form connections and let their imaginations run wild,” said Gonzalez who was present at the groundbreaking.” It’s also another means of drawing people to one of North Miami’s most important public resources for learning, communing, resident support, and awareness of the many helpful services that our community offers. Being acknowledged in this manner by the City that I love truly warms my heart. I am forever grateful.” 

As construction progresses, the City of North Miami anticipates a June 2024 grand opening of the Lucia Martinez Gonzalez Tot Lot.”

Article from: https://www.northmiamifl.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=320

See more photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cityofnorthmiami/53639549687