The Leesfield Family Garden, a vision brought to life by Ira Leesfield and the team at Friends of The Underline, will showcase a vibrant collection of plants, inviting benches and a striking art piece by renowned Uruguayan sculptor, Pablo Atchugarry.
Located on U.S. 1, directly across from Leesfield & Partners—the esteemed personal injury law firm founded by Mr. Leesfield in 1976—the garden is a testament to his dedication to the Miami community. Named in honor of his generous contributions to The Underline project, the garden plays a vital role in transforming the once-unused land beneath Miami’s Metrorail into a dynamic, 10-mile linear park.
“It’s an honor to help bring this vision to life,” said Mr. Leesfield, reflecting on the project’s significance.
The star of the garden, aptly named “Estrella de Luz,” is a captivating bronze sculpture by Atchugarry. This thought-provoking piece invites contemplation on “a sense of the sacred” and the intersection of spirituality in daily life. Atchugarry’s works are known for channeling spiritual energy, offering viewers a chance to reflect on the divine and our connection to the world around us.
As the project nears completion, Mr. Leesfield is eager for the public to enjoy and benefit from this thoughtfully designed space.
“I want to extend my gratitude to Meg Daly, Jake Moskowitz, and Rina Gitlin for their dedication in bringing the Leesfield Family Garden to life,” Mr. Leesfield said. “It’s truly coming together beautifully, and I’m thrilled to see our new ‘front yard’ from my office across the street.”
About The Underline
The Underline was sparked by a “crazy idea,” according to its website, after founder, Meg Daly, was walking under the Miami-Dade County Metrorail in 2013. She noticed the large space beneath the tracks was not being used. A decade later, the space has been transformed into a 10-mile park complete with a trail for bikers, runners and walkers, and a public art destination. The Underline’s work is outlined in three phases. Phase two, named the “Hammock Trail,” is in progress and covers over two miles connecting Southwest 13th St. to Southwest 19th Ave. Work on phase three of the project is expected to begin in 2025. The Underline relies completely on private funds, sponsorships and grants.
About Leesfield & Partners
Leesfield & Partners is a personal injury law firm with nearly five decades of experience securing record verdicts and historic settlements for injured clients throughout Florida. The firm has three offices, including Miami, Key West, and Central Florida/Orlando. Started by Ira H. Leesfield in 1976, the firm has become one of the top personal injury law firms in Florida and has repeatedly been recognized as one of the leading personal injury law firms in the United States.
Leesfield & Partners has been routinely recognized by national and local entities including The Best Lawyers in America, Florida Legal Elite, South Florida Legal Guide Top Firm and Top Lawyers, South Florida Business Journal Key Partners Award, and Super Lawyers.
In 1990, building on the success of Leesfield & Partners, Mr. Leesfield established The Leesfield Family Foundation. Chaired by Mr. Leesfield and supported by his wife, Cynthia, and daughter, Jennifer, The Foundation has become a vital lifeline for countless individuals across South Florida. With a primary focus on women’s and children’s issues, The Foundation has also provided numerous academic scholarships to those in need, making a lasting impact on the community.
Mr. Leesfield spent the morning at the Leesfield Family Garden across the street from Leesfield & Partners.
Mr. Leesfield stands with Rina Gitlin, Jake Moskowitz, and Meg Daly with Friends of The Underline to go over plans for the Leesfield Family Garden.
