Gwen Cherry Park

A Historic Community Hub

Positioned in the heart of Miami on 22nd Avenue lies Gwen Cherry Park, a 38-acre green space in the neighborhood. Named after Gwendolyn Sawyer Cherry - the trailblazing first African-American woman elected to the Florida Legislature - this park serves the community as a place where locals connect, play, and enjoy recreational activities.

With maintained grounds and helpful staff, the park offers a break from Miami's urban landscape.

NFL Youth Education Town Center

At the park's core stands the impressive NFL Youth Education Town (YET) Center, a 27,000 square-foot facility that came to life through support from NFL Charities and local organizations. Step inside and you'll find computer rooms, a library, arts and crafts spaces, a game room, and a massive 9,000 square-foot air-conditioned gymnasium that's a blessing during those sweltering Miami afternoons.

The center isn't just about the facilities though - it's about the educational and recreational programs that help local kids develop skills and confidence in a supportive environment.

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Sports enthusiasts will feel right at home here. The park features lighted athletic fields fantastic for football, baseball, and softball games. If you're into smaller format football, the fields are ideal for those fast-paced 7v7 matches that have become so popular.

Basketball more your thing? Take your pick between indoor and outdoor courts. There's also a 400-meter running track for those morning jogs, plus tennis courts for the racquet sports crowd.

The park includes a playground and tot lot for children, as well as dedicated fitness zones for adults. The playground equipment is kept in good shape, giving kids a safe place to burn off energy and make new friends.

Aquatic Amenities

When Miami's heat kicks in, the park's community pool and splash playgrounds provide welcome relief. These seasonal water features aren't just for cooling off - they're also where the Red Cross Learn to Swim Program offers affordable swimming lessons to community members of all ages, combining fun with essential water safety skills.

Community Spaces

Beyond sports, the park creates space for connection through its amphitheater that hosts performances and community events, picnic areas great for family gatherings, and winding walking paths across the grounds. You'll often see locals strolling these paths for exercise or simply enjoying a peaceful moment in the open spaces.

Bring your four-legged friends too - the park welcomes pets, and you'll regularly spot neighbors walking their dogs along the pathways.

The community spirit extends to the park's programming, which includes after-school care for children with disabilities, youth sports leagues that build teamwork and confidence, and activities for older adults through the Miami-Dade County Active Adult program.

Special Features

Perhaps one of the most unique aspects of Gwen Cherry Park is its on-site music studio - a creative haven that complements the recreational facilities and offers local musicians a place to develop their talents. It's this blend of athletic, educational, and creative spaces that makes the park such a valued neighborhood resource.