Known as a journalist, writer, feminist, and environmentalist, Marjory Stoneman Douglas (1890~1998) was a staunch defender of the Everglades. She worked hard to prevent natural habitats from being reclaimed for development. She was employed by The Miami Herald early in her career, and later published over a hundred short stories in popular magazines. Her best known work is a book entitled "The Everglades: River of Grass," which was published in 1947. It redefined the Everglades as a river to be treasured as opposed to a swamp to be drained.
To commemorate Marjory Stoneman Douglas's life and work, two parks in the Miami area bear her name. The one least well known is the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Mini Park at 2901 SW. 22nd Ave. Coconut Grove. Miami, Florida 33133. It offers a shady place to rest and play among the nearby residences, but not many attractions for out-of-town visitors.
A second recreational area named after the conservationist is Marjory Stoneman Douglas Ocean Beach Park, which is located in Miami Beach between 2nd and 3rd streets, backed by Ocean Drive and facing the Atlantic Ocean. By day, children are the main users of the park, who enjoy its playground, log roll, climbing panel, swings, balance beam, and sandbox. There are public restrooms and a water fountain, too. In the evening, the nightlife of South Beach draws crowds here as well, mainly for partying.
