The Miami-Dade County Parks Department has renamed the Southridge Park to Coach Sam Burley Park with a special ceremony to honor the longtime athletic coach, Southridge High School teacher, and community leader.
“I’m thrilled to celebrate an extraordinary individual whose influence extends far beyond the playing field,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Renaming this park after Coach Sam Burley is a heartfelt tribute to a leader who has dedicated his life to shaping the future for our youth. His commitment to excellence in sports and education has inspired generations, and his Hall of Fame Invitational Track and Field Meet showcases his incredible talent within our community.”
Coach Burley’s extraordinary coaching career began in 1972 at Redland Jr. High School, where he led his cross-country and track and field teams to numerous county championships. At Miami Southridge Senior High, Coach Burley further cemented his legacy, guiding his teams to six state championships and shaping countless lives through mentorship.
“Coach Sam Burley is renowned in this community for his years of service to the youth through sports and through his nonprofit, The Coach Sam Burley Foundation,” said Miami-Dade County District 9 Commissioner Kionee L. McGhee. “That is why I was honored to sponsor the resolution to rename Southridge Park to Coach Sam Burley Park, for his decades-long career coaching kids right here at this park and next door at Southridge Senior High School.”
In recognition of his contributions, Coach Burley has earned prestigious accolades, including Miami Herald All-Dade Coach of the Year, and inductions into multiple halls of fame, such as the Florida High School Activities Association Hall of Fame, the Florida Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and the Florida Track and Field Hall of Fame. His impact continues through initiatives like the Coach Sam Burley Hall of Fame Invitational Track and Field Meet, offering young athletes the opportunities to connect with college coaches and showcase their talent.
Beyond athletics, Coach Burley has been a devoted community leader, chairing the volunteer program for the Special Olympics and founding his non-profit organization, which promotes youth health and leadership through sports programs.
“We are proud to rename Southridge Park to Coach Sam Burley Park, a fitting tribute to an extraordinary leader who has dedicated his life to empowering youth through sports and education,” said Miami-Dade Parks Director Maria Nardi. “Coach Burley’s impact on the youth in this community is immeasurable, and this park will serve as a lasting reminder of his commitment to fostering teamwork, excellence, resilience, and a love for sports.”
Coach Sam Burley Park is a 20-acre, area-wide park with several amenities, including a 3,000-seat stadium with a synthetic running track, a playground, and multi-purpose field. It recently broke ground on a new community center and aquatic facility which will feature a central lobby/reception area that connects to multi-function rooms, a fitness center, a kid’s playroom, swimming pool and splash pad that will be accessible through the community center or independently through a separate direct entrance.
