Today we’d like to introduce you to Meg Daly.
Meg, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
About 5 years ago, I had a bike accident and broke both of my arms. I had to get to physical therapy (PT) and was being driven by my husband, son or father. After a couple of months, I was well enough to take Metrorail (above ground heavy rail mass transit) to a train station near my PT and walk below the train to get to therapy. It must have been something about slowing down and not driving that allowed me to imagine into the dead space below the train that I had driven past my whole life. Inspired by the High Line in NYC and other cool parks around the world, I thought we should turn this land into a park below the train.
I have no expertise in urban planning, public projects, architecture or anything that would have better qualified me to help create The Underline, but fast forward to today, I lead the non-profit 501C3 Friends of The Underline that is partnering with Miami-Dade County to complete this transformative project. In 2015, James Corner Field Operations was selected to create a master plan. With robust community input, The Underline master plan was created envisioning the reimaging and repurposing of over 120 acres of underutilized space into a 10-mile urban trail, amenity-rich linear park and living art destination connected to a working mass transit facility. When done, The Underline will achieve its mission of creating a more connected, healthy, vibrant, mobility and engaged community.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road probably because the project is very complex… it is a county-led project on county land but connected to and passing through three municipalities. There is no singular funding source. There are a number of public funding sources, all which pay for different things, some have to spent quickly, some have to be spent later. Public input is critical and it’s difficult to get large numbers of people to come out and speak out in FAVOR of something. (Don’t get me wrong, we have lots of strong voices in favor). Also, since there is so much public money going toward the project, politicians come and go and there is a constant re-education process.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Friends of The Underline – what should we know?
Our company is Friends of The Underline, Inc. a 501C3 non-profit advocating to create The Underline, a 10-mile linear park, urban trail and living art destination. I am most proud that I am a full-time volunteer acting as executive director. I am proud of our volunteer board of directors and trustees and the 800 volunteers who have supported our project. I am proud of our mission to create a more connected, engaged, healthy and mobile community
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Transparency, honesty, and ethical and respectful interaction at all times.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1172 South Dixie Highway
#559
Coral Gables, FL 33146 - Website: TheUnderline.org
- Email: [email protected]
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