Simpson Park Advocacy by Alec Angulo

by Alec Angulo

8th-grade student | Ponce De Leon Middle School

If you are ever overwhelmed by the hustle of Brickell’s busy city center, Simpson Park is the perfect place to visit. Once you enter, you’ll feel like you are being transported back in time into old Florida. In 1914, the park was originally named “Jungle Park,” and for good reason. This old growth forest is filled with tall trees that form a canopy of shade. 

Rockland Hammock

In September 2023, Simpson Park was renamed to Simpson Rockland Hammock Preserve Park to raise awareness of its unique habitat. The rockland hammock habitat is a dense forest that grows on natural elevation. The ground is very rocky and uneven due to the limestone right underneath the surface. Because of this oolite limestone, tree roots cannot grow down and are forced to grow out. 

Over 100 years ago, the entire area from Miami River to Coconut Grove looked like Simpson Park. Now, the City of Miami’s only remains of the rockland habitat are Simpson Park, Alice Wainwright Park, and The Barnacle Historic State Park.

While you are at Simpson Park, you may see a fallen oak. Hurricanes have brought down many trees, which are left to decompose on their own. Their base decays due to heat, moisture, and fungi. They eventually add to the soil of the hammock. 

There are over 162 plant species in the park, including many natives such as Spicewood and Live Oak. There are also 15 endangered and 9 threatened species, such as the Wild Cinnamon and Strongbark.

Unfortunately, you’ll also find several invasive species, mainly air potato and cat’s claw. Both of these are vines that smother native plants and need to be kept under control, as it is impossible to eliminate them completely. 

History

In 1913 concerned citizens and environmentalists successfully campaigned for the Brickell Hammock to be preserved in a “proactive attempt to preserve Miami’s natural features for public education and enjoyment.” One year later, the City of Miami then purchased 4.4 acres of hardwood hammock from Mary Brickell for $12,500 to be used as a public park. The park is now 8.8 acres.

In 1931 the park was renamed to “Simpson Park” in honor of Charles Torrey Simpson and his work to restore and maintain the native growth of the hammock.

Visit

Some local residents may not even know this gem exists, but we are lucky to have this historical natural preserve right in our own backyard. Simpson Rockland Hammock Preserve Park is located in Brickell at 55 SW 17th Road in Miami, with an additional entrance at the corner of S. Miami Avenue and SW 15th Road. 

There is a lot of shade, and you will almost never be hot due to the canopy of the trees. Occasionally, you will see the sun peeking through the branches. Simpson Park also has their very own pond filled with fish. There are also benches and tables, making it the perfect stop to sit down and take a break.

You will mostly have the trail to yourself, as there are many paths to take, but the crowd is very diverse. You may come across a runner taking a short break to enjoy the park, or maybe someone wants to sit by the pond and read.

Simpson Park is run by the City of Miami and is open daily from 8 am to 3 pm. Tours are held twice a day on weekends.

Volunteer with Us

Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 9:30am - 11:30am. 

Please join us for a habitat restoration day and Rockland Hammock tour of the unique Simpson Park located in the heart of Brickell downtown.  Come prepared to help us maintain the trail while removing invasive exotic plant species while promoting the protection and conservation of this unique habitat. 

Attire: The event is 100% outdoors so please plan to dress accordingly for Florida weather (sun, rain, heat, etc). Closed-toed shoes are required, no flip flops. Sun protection (hat & sunglasses) and a water bottle are highly recommended!

Location: Meet at the Visitor Center of Simpson Park located at 55 SW 17th Road in Miami. Free street parking available.

RSVP Required: Due to the sensitive environment, this event is limited to 15 participants. Please RSVP here