Matheson Hammock Park: A Miami-Dade Heritage Park

The Miami-Dade park system is the third-largest in the country, and it all began in 1930 when William J. Matheson and his son Hugh donated 85 acres off Old Cutler Road to the County. This tropical hardwood hammock became Matheson Hammock Park, the first public park in the county and one of seven designated Heritage Parks. 

Almost six times its original size, visitors enjoy many bay-front amenities. Matheson Hammock is a popular spot for bikers, boaters, swimmers, and picnickers. The weekends are busy with boaters utilizing the full-service marina facilities and swimmers enjoy the tranquil waters of the family-friendly atoll. Kite-boarding is a popular sport from this location and visitors come from far and wide to dine at the nationally recognized, award-winning Red Fish Grill.

The original 85 acres of tropical hardwood hammock forest was enhanced when the county made its first purchase to enhance the park with an adjacent 420 acres of mangroves and hammock in 1934-5. Now with more than 630 acres, the park features a mile of frontage along Biscayne Bay.

Matheson wanted the land maintained in perpetuity "to preserve the wild and natural beauty" for the public to enjoy. Through additional gifts by Matteson heirs, county purchases, and other donations, property boundaries continued to stretch. The Civilian Conservation Core worked in the park during the 30s, building walls and shelters from the native "coral" rock. The buildings have survived the test of time and hurricanes, standing as unique features of the park's picnic area just off Old Culter Road at the entrance.

A ridge of oolitic, Miami Limestone, rock runs along the east side of South Florida, separating the area geologically from the everglades to the west. This rock is often referred to as "coral" rock. Known as the Miami Rock Ridge, the area was covered with pineland and dense stands of hardwood trees, predominantly from the West Indies. The Ridge has elevations 3-12 feet above sea level and serves as the base for where much of Miami stands today. The park is an excellent example of this hardwood hammock and a glimpse into what Miami looked like in past centuries.

Buchsbaum, Karen. Can You Name Miami-Dade's Seven Heritage Parks?. August 1st 2018. 32 - 33.

Miami-Dade County. Matheson Hammock, Accessed March 10th 2022. https://www.miamidade.gov/parks/library/matheson-hammock-history.pdf.