[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 114 (Monday, June 22, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E556]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HISTORIC VIRGINIA KEY BEACH 
                                  PARK

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. DONNA E. SHALALA

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 22, 2020

  Ms. SHALALA. Madam Speaker, the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park was 
established on August 1, 1945 as the ``Colored only Beach'' in Miami, 
Florida. Today, the civic, social, and environmental characteristics of 
the park hold national, state, regional, and local significance in the 
history of civil rights, highlighting the achievements of local African 
American communities and providing an opportunity for the public to 
explore various environmental phenomena unique to the park.
  The Historic Virginia Key Beach Park was added to the national 
register of historic places in 2002, added to the State of Florida 
Heritage Trail in 2006, included as a major stakeholder to the Virginia 
Key master plan in 2010, and added to the City of Miami's Historic and 
Environmental Preservation List in 2013. In 2006, the Miami City 
Commission approved the Virginia Key Beach Park master plan, which 
included the restoration of the park and the creation of a museum. The 
museum will showcase the history and contributions of the communities 
the park has served, the natural environment of the park, and the 
creation of a Center for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation.
  The history of the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park highlights the 
contributions of civil rights leaders from our communities. Today, the 
park is a model of social engagement opportunities through the 
incorporation of the public shoreline, green space, and the various 
amenities on Virginia Key.

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