Simpson Park

Simpson Park, officially Simpson Park Hammock, is a 7.8-acre (3.2 ha) urban park and nature preserve located between Brickell and The Roads neighborhoods of Miami, Florida. The park was originally known as Jungle Park, as 5.5 acres (2.2 ha) were set aside in 1913 by a group of individuals to preserve what is now one of the last remaining tracts (along with Alice Wainwright Park and a spot on Virginia Key) of Brickell Hammock, a tropical hardwood hammock which once ran from the Miami River to Coconut Grove.

While on the smaller side of the parks on this list, Simpson Park is more about what it provides to city dwellers than what’s actually within — though it's stunning in its preservation of one of the last remnants of the tropical hardwood hammock in Brickell. With over 96 varieties of native tree and plant species, 15 endangered species, and nine threatened species — and even a pavilion constructed in collaboration by Miami architect Chad Oppenheim and Swiss landscape designer Enzo Enea — the park is a testament to the persistent commitment of those who have fought to preserve the city’s natural roots from heedless urbanization. It opens Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Address: 55 SW 17th Rd., Miami
Contact: 305-859-2867
Website: miamigov.com/Residents/Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Directory/Simpson-Park

Entrance fee: NA

Rating: 4.0/5.0