In his 10 plus years working for the Miami Lakes Parks and Leisure Services Department, seven of them as the director, Tony Lopez put the town on the map.
Under his leadership, Miami Lakes was nationally recognized for its unparalleled park system that comprised more than 100 pocket parks and green spaces, two 20-plus acre active/athletic parks, 70 miles of right-of-ways and medians, urban tree canopy of 17,000 trees and three community centers.
In fact, Miami Lakes is a two-time All-America City finalist, seven-time Playful City USA recipient, seven-time Tree City USA winner and claimed the 100 Best Communities for Young People Award.
For Lopez, he embraced the challenges that meld Miami Lakes into arguably the best parks and recreation city in the country.
“I see challenges as an opportunity to do something great,” he said from his office at Miami Lakes Town Hall. “Without challenges, you can’t make progress, you work through them and find solutions for them.”
Lopez, who was Miami Lakes’ first recreation employee, is now taking his talents to the city of Jacksonville.
He accepted the director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services job in the north Florida city.
In his new position, Lopez will oversee the largest urban parks system in the United States by providing facilities and services at more than 330 locations on more than 80,000 acres located throughout the biggest city in Florida, with an estimated $41 million budget and 250 employees.
He starts his new job on October 27.
The Miami native said the experience under his belt and challenges he endured in Miami Lakes helped him prepare for a much bigger role.
“What we have done here will help prepare me for any challenges out there,” he said.
Lopez said the biggest challenge for Miami Lakes was starting the park and recreation department from scratch with only two employees and writing the first rules and regulations to ensure residents enjoyed themselves without any danger.
“Now the department is growing with 10 employees and we completed the Greenways and Trails Master Plan, which 11 years ago no one put it on the radar.”
Lopez is leaving behind a department that has seen an evolution, including canal maintenance, gateway maintenance, school crossing guard program, several community based organizations/recreation providers and ten volunteer committees that provide more than 50 special events per year.
He also was Miami Lakes’ chief of operations for Hurricane/Disaster events and served as an assistant town manager under Frank Bocanegra.
Lopez’s list of accomplishments also includes the adoption of Miami Lakes’ Beautification Master Plan, acquisition of more than $5 million in grant funding for park and trail projects, planning and construction of the LEED Gold Roberto Alonso Community Center, construction of the marina at Miami Lakes Optimist Park, N.W. 170 Street Greenway and the Boundless Playground.
Lopez was also responsible for installing 44 sets of new playground equipment and park amenities, renovations at Miami Lakes Park West which includes the Mary Collins Community Center, the imminent dog park, field improvements at Miami Lakes Optimist Park and the development and adoption to the town’s tree protection ordinance.
Lopez said he is proud of the town’s accomplishments and accolades during his time here and leaves behind what he considers to be some of the most dedicated and hardworking staff members to lead the department in the future.
“What I am going to miss the most about Miami Lakes is the staff, residents, Town Council and the leadership,” he said. “The community feeling here is good from the volunteers to the people who work here.”
Lopez’s indefatigable in his devotion to his job extends beyond Town Hall.
He also teaches sports management at Florida International University and St. Thomas University.
Mayor Wayne Slaton said Miami Lakes was lucky to have Lopez’s services for a decade.
“We are extremely proud of Tony and grateful for all the years that he dedicated to the development and growth of our town’s Community and Leisure Services department,” Slaton said. “We wish him the best as he prepares to embark on his new professional opportunity that will place him at the helm of the largest urban parks system in the country.”
Miami Lakes Town Manager Alex Rey said Lopez’s contribution to the town is priceless.
“His numerous accomplishments and contribution to the town will be felt here for years to come,” he said. “Mr. Lopez had a great career in Miami Lakes where was hired 10 years ago as a recreation leader and successfully progressed to the director of Community and Leisure Services. I know he will be successful in his next endeavor.”