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KEY LARGO - Today, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP)
Florida State Parks celebrated the 50th Anniversary of John Pennekamp Coral Reef
State Park, America’s first undersea park. This event completes the year long
recognition of the 75th Anniversary of Florida State Parks and caps off an
11-day celebration in Key Largo.
“I am thrilled to be a part of today’s event celebrating John Pennekamp Coral
Reef State Park’s golden anniversary,” said DEP Secretary Mimi A. Drew. “Today’s
event allowed park visitors a chance to show appreciation for the underwater
majesty, historical and natural significance and economic benefit of this unique
park.”
Designated as America’s first undersea park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State
Park, protects and preserves a portion of the only living coral reef formation
in the continental United States. The acquisition of John Pennekamp Coral Reef
State Park by the state of Florida was championed by John D. Pennekamp, former
editor of the Miami Herald and major player in the establishment of Everglades
National Park. John D. Pennekamp, Jr., son of the park’s namesake, spoke at
today’s event and nearly 30 members of the Pennekamp family attended.
“Pop loved to bring us to the park so that we could not only experience the
beauty of the reef, but also see the hard work required to keep the park
accessible to all,” said grandson of John D. Pennekamp and Friends Board Member
Thomas Pennekamp. “We’re thankful for the continued strong support of the
Florida Park Service and the many volunteers in keeping the park a haven for
those who love to experience the wonder of nature firsthand.”
For 11 days, Key Largo has celebrated this momentous occasion around the
community welcoming educators, environmentalists and underwater enthusiasts from
around the world. Events included a Lionfish roundup, a photo contest and
various dives, seminars and cleanups. Yesterday, the iconic underwater statue
Christ of the Abyss, a gift to the park in its formative years, was celebrated
as part of an underwater birthday ceremony. The newly renovated 30,000 gallon
saltwater aquarium in the visitor center and the recently unveiled Wyland
official 50th Anniversary commemorative painting, “Marine Sanctuary: Mangroves
to the Sea,” were also highlighted to celebrate the anniversary.
Today’s event featured environmental exhibitors, presentations from
individuals who helped shape the state park and tours on the park’s famed
glass-bottom boat. Keynote speaker Dr. Sylvia Earle, a current
Explorer-in-Residence for the National Geographic Society and a world renowned
undersea explorer, discussed the importance of ocean protection and the
celebration of “50 years of caring for the sea.”
“The community has displayed unwavering support for the park and the
anniversary event, as well as what the park means to the nearly 30 million
visitors who have marveled at the beauty of the coral reef over the past 50
years,” said Florida State Parks Director Donald Forgione. “We would like to
extend sincere appreciation to the individuals and organizations that worked to
make this important anniversary a success.”
Supporters of the 50th Anniversary celebration include: Coral Reef Park
Company, Inc., the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Keys and Key West
Tourist Development Council, the Newman PR Firm, the Wyland Foundation, the
Ocean Reef Conservation Association, Inc., Divers Direct, the staff of John
Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and many others.
About John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State
Park offers world class resource-based recreation that has drawn nearly 30
million visitors in its 50 year history. The park features a visitor center
complete with a newly renovated 30,000 gallon saltwater aquarium, picnic areas,
a campground, boat docks, boat ramps, swimming areas and nature trails through
hammock and mangrove communities. The park’s concession offers snorkeling,
scuba-diving, glass-bottom boat tours, canoe, kayak and boat rentals and
diving/snorkeling equipment rentals. The ecological make- up of the state park
enables visitors to experience beautiful coral reefs, mangrove swamps,
subtropical hardwood hammocks and grass flats.
- Total Acres: 63,845
- Upland: 3,221
- Submerged: 60,624
- Campsites: 47
- Shoreline: 77,600 feet
- Fiscal Year
- 2009-2010 Figures
- Visitation: 734,303
- Economic Impact to Community: $27,437,499
- Jobs Generated: 548
About Florida State Parks
Created in 1935 by the Florida Legislature, Florida
State Parks has grown from eight to 160 parks over the last 75 years. Today, the
Florida Park Service manages more than 700,000 acres of Florida’s natural
environment, including 100 miles of beaches, eight National Historic Landmarks
and 39 sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Florida State Parks
has been recognized by the National Recreation and Park Association as the
nation’s first and only two-time Gold Medal winner for the nation’s best park
service. For more information, visit
www.floridastateparks.org. |
2012 State of Florida