Griffin Catalyst is backing the city's $1.5 million artificial turf replacement at Normandy Isle Park. A World Cup legacy event is at 10 a.m. Thursday.

The athletic field at Normandy Isle Park is getting new artificial turf, and part of the money is coming from the World Cup. The city’s $1.5 million turf replacement project is backed by Griffin Catalyst, the civic arm of Citadel founder Ken Griffin.

The city, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee and Griffin Catalyst will mark the gift at 10 a.m. Thursday at the park, 7030 Trouville Esplanade. The details come from a city news release issued Monday.

The release calls it a “ONE GAME ONE FUTURE legacy investment,” the host committee’s name for projects meant to outlast the tournament. It says the new turf will improve “the safety, usability and long-term durability of the athletic field.”

What the release does not say

The release does not say how much of the $1.5 million Griffin Catalyst is giving. It does not say when the old turf comes up or when the new field opens. We will update this story when the city says.

What was said

“Normandy Isle Park is where our kids play, build friendships and develop a love of the game, and the new turf will make that field safer and more durable,” Mayor Steven Meiner said in the release.

“Through this investment in Normandy Isle Park, we’re ensuring that the magic of the World Cup lives on long after the final whistle,” Commissioner Joseph Magazine said.

Rodney Barreto, co-chair of the host committee, said the program is “investing in places to play, opportunities to participate and experiences that inspire the next generation.”

Griffin Catalyst’s other World Cup giving

The release lists Griffin Catalyst’s other youth soccer work in Miami-Dade County:

  • the Miami-Dade Soccer Initiative, with the U.S. Soccer Foundation and the Children’s Trust
  • youth watch parties during the World Cup, run with local nonprofits
  • sponsorship of the FIFA Fan Festival Miami
  • 1,200 World Cup tickets donated to local young people, together with Stephen Ross

About the park

Normandy Isle Park is in North Beach. The city’s park page lists:

  • a lighted open field
  • three full basketball courts
  • playgrounds for ages 2-5 and 5-12, with a covered gazebo and six picnic tables
  • a pool with a water playground
  • perimeter parking and a metered public lot

The park is open sunrise to sunset every day. Its phone number is 305-993-2021.

What it means for you

  • The ceremony is public. It starts at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at the park.
  • Field users: the release gives no construction dates. If your team uses the field, check with the park at 305-993-2021 before booking. The city takes sports field rentals online.

More parks are in our parks and trails guide, and family programs are in our kids activities guide.