The City of Miami has closed the Basin Trail, located north of the MAST Academy campus, to the public as of Feb. 9 due to its Marine Stadium Project.
“This project supports the Virginia Key master plan and is part of the Virginia Key enhancements per the City’s capital plans. The goal of the project is to create uninterrupted access to the full U-shape trail and linked to the historic Miami Marine Stadium approximately 8,000 linear feet.” according to the City of Miami
The project costs a total of $1,648,445 and is funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Recreational Trails Program via two grants.
Since the trail is so accessible to MAST, it was common for the swim classes to occasionally walk the trail when the pool is unavailable, and certain classes like environmental-related studies are also affected since they use the flora for hands-on learning.
“The AS General Paper class walked on the trail to learn about the native tribe called the Tequesta that lived on this land before colonization,” said AS General Paper teacher Ms. Mayling Ganuza in an interview with The Beacon.
Ever since the trail has closed for construction, this type of research hasn’t been able to continue.
“In terms of how the project affects MAST, for safety reasons, students and staff members are not allowed on the trail. As such the students in grades 6-8 no longer use the trail to traverse from the cafeteria to class after lunch.” said principal Dr. Collman-Perez. “Additionally, students are not allowed to collect samples, conduct research, and beach cleanup (fill-a-bag) on the trail while under construction.”
There will be a groundbreaking ceremony on Mar. 7 at 10:30 am at the Marine Stadium parking lot. The ceremony will mark the beginning of the construction of the project.
