Save Our Park
Continental Park is where our community breathes, plays, connects, and finds peace.
Let’s protect what makes it special!
A Community’s Stand Against a Misguided Farmers Market
Working together to preserve Continental Park for its intended community and recreational use, ensure transparency, and uphold the ethical standards expected of public officials.
In late October 2025, residents learned that a weekly, Saturday farmers’ market was set to start on November 1st at Continental Park. The initiative, spearheaded by a resident and promoted by Commissioner Raquel Regalado, was already being promoted on social media and through a distribution of flyers, despite not having obtained permit approval from the Parks and Recreation Department.
This premature promotion immediately raised red flags. Vendors were being recruited, and a November 1st start date was promised, well before any formal community input or approval had taken place. Residents of the community were left frustrated - wondering how such a significant change to their neighborhood park was moving forward full steam ahead without their knowledge or consent.
Our 18-acre park has been in operation since the 1950s and is home to the historic Dice House, one of the oldest surviving frame vernacular buildings and a symbol of early pioneer life in southern Miami-Dade County. Placing a for-profit farmers market threatens the identity of the park and undermines its historical significance.
The Dice House Community Meeting
Facilitated by Commissioner Regalado’s Chief of Staff, Anthony Escarra, the meeting held at the historic Dice House was intended to address resident concerns.
However, it quickly became apparent that the recurring market lacked critical planning.
The market manager was unable to answer basic questions about traffic, safety, or logistics. He also claimed to manage the Pinecrest Farmers Market. This claim was later debunked by the actual Pinecrest market manager.
Working together to preserve Continental Park for its intended community and recreational use, ensure transparency, and uphold the ethical standards expected of public officials.
What are the Concerns?
Safety First!
Our neighborhood already faces increased traffic and frequent speeding.
Introducing additional traffic from a weekly market could further compromise pedestrian safety, especially for children and seniors.
We have asked the County to conduct a traffic and safety study and have not received a response on this
Limited Parking
Parking poses a challenge. Continental Park currently lacks the infrastructure needed to support a recurring Saturday market.
Without accommodations, we will likely see vehicles overflow into nearby residential streets, green spaces, and other unintended areas, impacting both the safety and character of our neighborhood.
Community
Experience
Preserving the weekend park experience is important.
While organized sports like baseball, soccer, and volleyball bring vibrancy and community spirit, the park also serves as a peaceful retreat for walking, biking, and relaxation.
A bustling, recurring Saturday market could upset this balance by introducing overcrowding and noise.
A Community’s Stand Against a Misguided Farmers Market
In late October 2025, residents learned that a weekly, Saturday farmers’ market was set to start on November 1st at Continental Park. The initiative, spearheaded by a resident and promoted by Commissioner Raquel Regalado, was already being promoted on social media and through a distribution of flyers, despite not having obtained permit approval from the Parks and Recreation Department.
This premature promotion immediately raised red flags. Vendors were being recruited, and a November 1st start date was promised, well before any formal community input or approval had taken place. Residents of the community were left frustrated - wondering how such a significant change to their neighborhood park was moving forward full steam ahead without their knowledge or consent.
Our 18-acre park has been in operation since the 1950s and is home to the historic Dice House, one of the oldest surviving frame vernacular buildings and a symbol of early pioneer life in southern Miami-Dade County. Placing a for-profit farmers market threatens the identity of the park and undermines its historical significance.
On November 5, 2025, Commissioner Regalado hosted a virtual Zoom meeting to address the community. However, the meeting only deepened mistrust.
During the meeting, the recurring Saturday farmers market was conveniently rebranded as a “pilot program” occurring every other week instead of weekly. This shift appears to be a strategic move to reduce backlash while still advancing the initiative without genuine community consensus. We are certain that the intent is to have it weekly as originally planned.
A poll was released during the meeting, asking the first and most critical question: “Are you in favor of a farmers market at Continental Park?”, with four responses of variations of “Yes.” There was no option to vote “No” or express opposition.
The poll failed to include any option for even a monthly market. This exclusion effectively silenced residents who may have supported a compromise, such as a once-a-month event, and further demonstrates the biased nature of the engagement process.
The misleading poll
Raising serious concerns about transparency, ethics, and the misuse of public office.
Why any of this matters?
This is not just about a farmers market. It’s about the integrity of public processes, the role of elected officials, and the right of communities to have a voice in decisions that affect their daily lives. Continental Park is a cherished space for families, seniors, and children. It is not a commercial venue, and it should not be treated as such without the full and fair consent of the community.
We are that well-informed community, and we are standing up for our park, our neighborhood, and our right to be heard.
How to Help
Keep voicing your concerns to all officials below:
Commissioner Raquel Regalado
Roy Coley at the Mayor's Office
Christina White, Director, Miami-Dade Parks
Join our community HOA
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