Monroe County Commissioners recently approved allocating $2 million toward the new Discovery Center & Aquarium at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo.
The allocation, the largest single contribution to a capital project in the Florida State Parks Foundation’s 33-year history, will help fund state-of-the-art educational experiences that create connections between Florida’s coral reef and park visitors.
Construction on the $52 million facility is underway. The foundation and the park’s official citizen support organization, the Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, have teamed up on a capital campaign to pay for new interpretive and educational elements.
The Discovery Center & Aquarium is expected to open in 2028.
“This is a monumental day for the foundation, for John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Friends, and for every park visitor who will enjoy this incredible new Discovery Center and Aquarium for years and years to come,” said Julia Gill Woodward, CEO of the parks foundation. “This $2 million allocation is beyond generous — it is a truly extraordinary contribution that will have a tremendous impact on this project.”
“This is not just an investment in a beautiful, state-of-the-art new facility,” said Monroe County Commissioner Holly Raschein at the ground-breaking in April. “It’s an investment for future generations to visit Monroe County, connect with our precious natural and cultural resources, and continue our legacy of conservation and environmental stewardship.”
In addition to more than 23,000 gallons of aquarium space devoted to native marine wildlife and ecosystems, the Discovery Center & Aquarium will feature several interactive experiences, exhibits and displays designed to foster a sense of stewardship for Florida’s coral reef — the only living reef formation on the coast of North America.
The facility will also further the work conducted by the Mote Marine Laboratory, whose scientists have restored more than 200,000 corals to Florida’s reef and will continue their efforts in and around the park.
“We are so thankful to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners, the Monroe County Tourism Development Council and everyone who had a hand in making this a reality,” said Chuck Hatcher, Florida State Parks director. “John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the gateway to the Florida Keys, and the new Discovery Center & Aquarium will serve as an amazing centerpiece for millions of visitors who come to explore our state parks and natural resources in the area.”
Originally created in the 1950s, the park is visited by some 400,000 people each year. Beyond its role in coral reef conservation and restoration, the park is also a destination for scuba diving, saltwater fishing, snorkeling, swimming and paddling.
“People come to the Florida Keys from all over the world to experience one-of-a-kind places like John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park,” said Kara Franker, president and CEO of the Monroe County Tourism Development Council. “The park is an incredible economic driver for our region, and our hotels, restaurants and local businesses will all benefit from this new facility. We are proud to support the new Discovery Center & Aquarium and cannot wait to see it come to fruition.”
