The attracton that is officially known as Máximo Gómez Park but better known as Domino Park has become a hub of activity in Miami, Florida. Located in the heart of the Little Havana neighborhood, the park has become a meeting spot for locals and residents to play dominos but also engage with one another and in various other activities in a way that defines the community.
Drinking Cortado and Playing Dominos
Constructed in 1976, the park is named after Cuban revolutionary General Máximo Gómez, whose bust resides near the entrance of the park. Since being created it has become the place where an older generation of Cubans meet to drink cortado and play dominos. This activity has influenced the setup of the park itself, with domino-decorated tiled walkways, benches and permanent tables that support playing the game. It also has an artistic mural made by Oscar Thomas that depicts the presidents of all American nations that attended the first Summit of the Americas, held in Miami in 1994.
Domino playing has attracted large crowds, with many people coming to watch serious domino games that are connected to this same game being played in Cuba. Games are typically for members only but audiences are actively invited to watch. Anyone over 55 with a Maximo Gόmez Domino Club card has free, lifetime membership to play at the park.
Mentioned as one of the tops things to do in Little Havana, residents and visitors will always be able to stop by Domino Park to find members of the neighborhood Cuban coffee, playing dominoes and chatting with friends. This sense of community has enabled it to serve as a hub for all of Little Havana.
Beyond a Meeting Place for the Community
Countless parks and hubs of activity are designed to attract the attention of residents and visitors but few have been able to become landmarks for their neighborhoods or cities like Domino Park has for Little Havana. By providing people with the space to come together for such a specific activity, the park has been able to become a hub for the community that defines the community while also engaging audiences from all over.
