veterans wayside park

Veterans Wayside Park is one of the smallest parks in the Miami area, but it is also one of the most unique. At the center of the park is a deep lake surrounded by cliffs (something you certainly don't see in the Miami area). I believe the lake was formerly a rock quarry. Most people drive right by the park and never notice it, as it's located right on the US1 highway across from the Suniland shopping center. There used to be a pretty fountain in the middle of the lake, but when we visited it was broken and the spout had washed ashore like a beached whale. Surrounded on 4 sides by traffic, exhaust, concrete, and development most wouldn't think it would be a haven for wildlife, but it surprisingly is a bird watcher's paradise. Many varieties of both native and exotic birds call the park home. On any given day you are likely to see muscovy ducks, crested ducks, Asian Geese, Egyptian Geese, Mallard ducks, egrets, white ibis, moorhens, green herons, and grackles. When I was little the park had no name, no parking lot and there were large fish in the lake to feed along with the ducks. Now there is a larger variety of birds, the big fish are absent (replaced by small mosquito fish, and occasionally tadpoles) and there are turtles present sunning themselves on rocks. You may want to bring some bread when you visit to feed the beautiful birds and before you know it you will be surrounded by these friendly creatures like a scene from a Disney Movie. There are no restrooms, phones, or other facilities at this park, but a new mulched parking lot was recently added. When I visited there were a few other guests relaxing on the riverbanks and viewing the wildlife. Dogs aren't allowed in the park which has allowed the wildlife to flourish, and humans don't have to step in the dog mess. Truly a gem in the heart of the city.