History
Hialeah Park was founded in 1925 by James H. Bright, He donated land for community use and helped to acquire land and building funds for the construction of public buildings and facilities, including a racetrack. Originally built to attract the rich and famous, many of whom traveled by special trains from Palm Beach, Hialeah Park contributed to the development and popularization of southern Florida as a winter resort. The park has a lake with several islands inhabited by large flocks of 200-300 pink flamingos, direct descendants of those originally brought from Cuba and South America. Hialeah Park is so famous for the birds that it has been officially designated a sanctuary for the American flamingo by the Audubon Society.
Threat
According to a large-scale development plan filed with the South Florida Regional Planning Commission last year, Hialeah's owner wants to build more than 3,700 apartment and condo units plus a mega-mall retail shopping complex and offices. The plan calls for preserving only a token portion of the park as a nod to its storied past.
Solution
Even if it cannot function as a race course, the park should be restored to its original splendor and preserved for future generations. If the land passes from private to public ownership, it might be better suited for public funding. The park could then sustain itself through the establishment of a non-profit organization that could manage the site as a venue for a variety of recreational, cultural and educational purposes. Educational and recreational facilities that would enhance the community rather than detract could be established privately or publicly within the park allowing for areas of higher education and training.
