ISLAMORADA PRESERVE SET TO SEE ENTRANCE & MORE AMENITIES

Plantation Tropical Nature Preserve is a 3.5-acre park located in Islamorada that is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

A conceptual design is in the final stages for improvements to Islamorada’s Plantation Tropical Preserve. A new access point, parking, landscaping and covered pavilions are among the amenities proposed for the 3.5-acre site located near Tavernier Creek. 

Owned by the village and located in Tavernier, the park is open from sunrise to sunset each day. The park contains a rare segment of Rockland hammock, and it’s home to the Children’s Memorial Garden and butterfly garden. 

Proposed preserve enhancements go back to 2020 when the village council unanimously approved to buy property located at 146 Sunshine Blvd. for $200,000. The purchase opened up opportunities to expand the preserve and promote more conservation areas, parks and recreational facilities. It also allowed the village to create a buffer between a wastewater pump station and nearby residences. 

“It also was an ideal location to create a new entrance that’s safe and easy to access from the highway, especially for all residents who live in the neighborhood of Tavernaero,” said Peter Frezza, village environmental resources manager. “The park does get used a lot by dog walkers.” 

With property purchased, the village demolished a mobile home and leveled property by adding fill. Native plants were put in the ground to provide a buffer for area neighbors. Frezza said they’re looking to provide passive park amenities. 

“We don’t want to do anything gaudy and draw tons of attention to the park,” he said. “It’s a low-key park for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

The preserve is next to a canal which provides public access to Tavernier Creek, the Florida Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

In July, the village council picked CSA Central, Inc. to provide a conceptual site plan for Plantation Tropical Preserve. A recent open house with the village, CSA and community outlined proposed improvements including new ADA access, gravel parking, signage, covered pavilions and new access on Sunshine Boulevard. 

Frezza said final design plans for Plantation Tropical Preserve should be wrapped up by the end of March. No firm timeline has been set on construction. 

Improvements to Plantation Tropical Preserve add to the work at two other preserves in the village. At Green Turtle Hammock Preserve, work is concluding on a large, two-story pavilion and scenic overlook of Florida Bay. Restrooms, kayak launch, docking facilities and a parking area were also part of enhancements to the preserve. The preserve, with its 8.7 acres, was acquired in 2006. The property was once home to Councilman Henry Rosenthal.

Key Tree Cactus Preserve enters its last phase of development. Restrooms and a gazebo were installed. There’s also a new exit out of the park into U.S. 1. In March 2021, village council members said “yes” to the developments at the park, which contains about 9 acres on Upper Matecumbe Key. 

Frezza said those wishing to provide further comment on the preserve or parks can do so by getting in touch with him at 305-664-6427 or email peter.frezza@islamorada.fl.us.

Jim McCarthy is one of the many Western New Yorkers who escaped the snow and frigid temperatures for warm living by the water. A former crime & court reporter and city editor for two Western New York newspapers, Jim has been honing his craft since he graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 2014. In his 4-plus years in the Keys, Jim has enjoyed connecting with the community. “One of my college professors would always preach to be curious,” he said. “Behind every person is a story that’s unique to them, and one worth telling. As writers, we are the ones who paint the pictures in the readers minds of the emotions, the struggles and the triumphs.” Jim is past president of the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club, which is composed of energetic members who serve the community’s youth and older populations. Jim is a sports fanatic who loves to watch football, hockey, mixed martial arts and golf. He also enjoys time with family and his new baby boy, Lucas, who arrived Oct. 4, 2022.