The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners, along with Parks and Beaches and Project Management, invited the community to celebrate the grand opening of Pine Channel Nature Park on Aug. 24. The commissioners made a splash at the event, opening the park for all to enjoy.
“This is a momentous occasion for the community, years in the making,” said Monroe County Parks and Beaches Director John Allen. “A lot of work went into the beautiful park, and we look forward to years of enjoyment from this recreational space.”
For the past year, Monroe County has been improving the property at the west end of Big Pine Key, formerly known as the Big Pine Key Swimming Hole, with funding from the Tourist Development Council and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The area offers an 11-foot raised scenic viewing area and other amenities for the use of Monroe County residents and visitors, including parking spaces, bike racks, restrooms, a kayak and canoe hand-launch area, 9,500 square feet of boardwalk, tiki huts and picnic areas with tables, benches and barbeque grills. The park is fully ADA accessible. Swimming is allowed at the park at your own risk.
In addition, the park is also the new home of a historic Henry Flagler concrete mile marker that is more than 100 years old. In March, Monroe County Project Management, in partnership with the FDOT, worked together to restore the marker that was experiencing significant deterioration. There are only two other known surviving markers of this type, one in Key Largo and a restored one at Miami’s Gold Coast Railroad Museum. Monroe County is also adding a tribute at the park when funding becomes available to honor the many volunteers who helped stranded pilot whales years ago at the park.
The Pine Channel Nature Park is located on the west end of Big Pine Key at 29550 Overseas Hwy.
Students from Big Pine Academy joined in the celebration and helped cut the ribbon. The students – and everyone in attendance – were treated to ice cream following the ceremony provided by The Vineyard Church. 
From left, county commissioners Jim Scholl and Michelle Coldiron, Mayor David Rice, Mayor Pro Tem Craig Cates and commissioner Holly Raschein celebrate the opening of the Pine Channel Nature Park. 
Monroe County Project Management’s Steve Sanders, left, and Suzi Rubio ceremoniously blow the conch shell to open the newest park in Monroe County. 
Kudos to the Monroe County’s Parks and Beaches staff, who work tirelessly every day to keep parks and beaches throughout the Florida Keys in tip-top shape, even when the ‘feels like’ temperature outside is 102 degrees. 
Monroe County Project Manager Cary Knight joins project management staff and FDOT and WSP employees at the recently restored Henry Flagler-era mile marker, which is now housed at the park.
