AT NEWLY MINTED FACILITY: From left, Miami-Dade Parks Director Maria Nardi, Coach Sam Burley and MiamiDade County Commissioner Kionne McGhee, with students. PHOTO COURTESY OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

Miami– Longtime athletic coach, former teacher and community leader Sam Burley was so overwhelmed when Miami-Dade County renamed a park in his honor that he initially couldn’t find the words to express his gratitude during a ceremony.

Burley said he was overjoyed by the honor and thanked county officials and community members for showing their appreciation for his years of service.

“I asked myself, what did I do to have this honor bestowed upon me? I was just doing what any other person did to help their community,” Burley said.

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kionne McGhee and county officials paid tribute to him by dedicating a newly minted park at 11250 SW 192nd St. after him on Sept. 24.

Coach Sam Burley Park is a 20-acre regional park with amenities including a 3,000-seat stadium and synthetic running track, a playground and a multi-purpose field.

The county 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.

Burley was visibly emotional when Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and McGhee unveiled Coach Sam Burley Park before his family, friends, community members and the students and faculty at Southridge High School where he taught for more than 35 years.

“I’m thrilled to celebrate an extraordinary individual whose influence extends far beyond the playing field,” said 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.”

Burley has earned prestigious accolades in recognition of his contributions, 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 such as the Coach Sam Burley Hall of Fame Invitational Track and Field Meet, which offers young athletes the opportunities to connect with college coaches and showcase their talent.

Beyond athletics, Burley has been a devoted community leader, chairing the volunteer program for the Special Olympics and founding his nonprofit organization, which promotes youth health and leadership through sports programs.

“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 McGhee, whose District 9 includes the park. “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.”

Burley’s 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, Burley further cemented his legacy, guiding his teams to six state championships and shaping countless lives through mentorship.

“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.”

Burley told the South Florida Times his objective was to encourage kids to attend college and pursue careers and give back to their community.

He said those same kids came back to thank him for impacting their lives. “It’s a sense of enjoyment to know I directed them in the right direction and showed them appreciation for what I have done for them,” he said.