I went to Ansin Family Park with a reel in mind. An open field, soccer goals, another place for kids to run on Treasure Island. Walking around it, I started imagining the next scene: a parent sitting in the shade, neighbors sharing a table, a reason to stay after the game.

Ansin Family Park is open.

Ansin Family Park begins with something worth celebrating: more room for North Bay Village residents to play, move and meet. The Village’s September 2 opening announcement thanks the Ansin family for the generosity and partnership that helped make this green space possible.

It also belongs to a bigger parks story. At the time of that announcement, the Village counted five of seven planned parks open. Here at 1640 North Treasure Drive, the result is tangible: an open field and a new reason to step outside on Treasure Island.

Read the Village’s opening announcement

Open grass field and soccer goals at Ansin Family Park — Room to play is already part of the story. Shade and seating could help the next chapter take root. · NBV Local photograph · September 14, 2026

What the visit showed.

On our September 14 visit, the children played for about five minutes before the heat shortened the stop. I could picture returning for a few sprints in cooler weather. The field has a use today; shade and a comfortable seat could make it easier to enjoy for longer.

What is happening with the restrooms?

The Village’s opening announcement says restroom trailers are on site and installation will follow FPL’s scheduled work in the area. We checked that announcement on September 16; we have not confirmed a later installation date or that the facilities are open.

Village update on the restroom trailers

NBV LOCAL IDEA / AI CONCEPT

An idea for Ansin: more shade and places to sit.

Keep the open space for a ball and a run. Give the people beside it a reason to stay: trees for shade, comfortable benches, picnic tables and a sheltered place to watch the kids. That is the possibility I am exploring in this concept for an NBV Local reel.

AI-generated NBV Local concept imagining trees, shade sails, benches and gathering spaces at Ansin Family Park; not an approved Village plan — NBV Local idea, supplied September 16, 2026. AI-generated concept illustration, not a photograph of existing facilities and not an approved Village plan.

The image is an invitation to imagine, not a construction announcement. The next chapter should build on the good that is already here: a park that can become part of our everyday lives.

Plan a visit to Ansin Family Park

Stormwater Park, a short walk away.

Continuing the walk, I found Stormwater Park. Its practical name gives little away. Beyond the sign, the trees open onto Biscayne Bay. A small patch of Treasure Island suddenly feels like a place to spend an afternoon.

One broad tree anchors the scene. Its pale trunk and spreading canopy appear consistent with a ficus, or fig tree; the exact species still needs confirmation. What is immediately clear is the difference its shade makes.

Waterfront view from Stormwater Park, framed by overhanging leaves — The view that made me want to sit a little longer. · NBV Local photograph · September 14, 2026

“Life is Ruff... Just Relax.”

Near the water is a metal bench with a dedication. The inscription, as transcribed by NBV Local from the visit, reads: “This bench was Donated By The Jacob Family Life is Ruff... Just Relax.”

That little invitation gives the seat a story. Someone made room for a stranger to stop. I sat, looked across the water and let the afternoon slow down. An iguana was hanging out to my left. The family’s wider story is still one I would like to learn; their message already belongs to the visit.

Branch-pattern metal bench donated by the Jacob family at Stormwater Park; the plaque is partly outside this photograph — The inscription above comes from our visit transcription. This close-up shows the bench’s branch-like design. · NBV Local photograph · September 14, 2026

What comes next for both parks.

Ansin gives us room to move. Stormwater shows how a tree, a bench and a view can turn a stop into time well spent. I want both kinds of places in our neighborhood, and I want to keep telling the stories of the people and choices that make them possible.

For Ansin, “build this” is an invitation to add to a good beginning. More shade. A place to sit together. A park we return to, and stay in a little longer.

About this story

Firsthand account and original photographs from September 14, 2026. Published September 15; updated September 16 with the owner’s bench inscription transcription, additional photography, official opening context and an explicitly labeled AI concept. The iguana is part of the visit account, not shown in these photographs.

Village announcement: Ansin Family Park · UF/IFAS botanical reference, not confirmation of this tree

Ansin and Stormwater: a walk through two parks.