Coral Gables has 47 miles of unique and beautiful waterways with graceful bridges, natural limestone walls, and abundant bird and marine life. The Waterway Renaissance Project (WRP) is a non-profit, donor-funded initiative to restore and preserve this treasured body of water. Neighbors and friends throughout our community are pitching in. WRP is also working closely with the City of Coral Gables to accomplish the following objectives:

• Beautify Waterway Bridges: Lime paints and patinas applied in George Merrick-inspired, Mediterranean colors by artists and painters in a DERM-compliant process.
• Landscape Surrounding Spaces: Palms and Florida native plants installed by volunteers and City personnel at bridge entrances and on waterway embankments.
• Clean-up and Restore Seawalls: Removal of overgrowth and invasive plants by private contractors on public rights-of-way and residential seawalls and dock areas.
• Preserve and Protect: Protect the waterways from further damage and preserve them for future use by our children and grandchildren.
• Involve and Enjoy: Organize events for residents to learn about, experience and enjoy our waterways safely and respectfully. These include informal "paddle-parties," clean-up days, receptions featuring experts in environment and history, and the Gables to the Bay Regatta on October 17th , 2009. (See footnote)

Generous funding from the Coral Gables Community Foundation's Partnership Program financed WRP's initial pilot project on Granada-Mahi Bridge (pictured above) and is largely responsible for work now starting on Maynada Bridge. WRP will rely upon additional private donations of treasure and talent for future bridges, landscaping, environmental clean-up and other projects. There are many opportunities to participate and support the Waterway Renaissance Project. To learn more about our programs, needs, and possible ways to help, please visit www.waterwayrenaissance.org, or contact us at (305) 740-2922 or email.

Note: The Gables to the Bay Regatta is the biggest event and largest fundraiser on WRP's calendar. The Regatta will offer many ways for all residents to participate, enjoy the waterways and see the results of WRP's initial beautification and restoration efforts.