The Board of County Commissioners and Mayor David Rice cut the ribbon reopening Harry Harris Park in full on Tuesday.

Harry Harris Park Repairs and Reconstruction Complete; Park Fully Open

TAVERNIER, FL – When Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc on the Florida Keys in 2017, Monroe County utilized state and federal Irma repair grant money to harden infrastructure and fix areas of Harry Harris Park in Tavernier that the storm severely damaged. The last reconstruction projects of the damaged areas at the park are now finished.

“This project has been the epitome of a team effort and something to be celebrated,” said Monroe County Mayor David Rice. “Project Management, Facilities Maintenance and Public Works, and our new Parks and Beaches departments have been integral in successfully completing the projects at Harry Harris Park.”

On Tuesday, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners joined the public at a small celebration reopening the park in full. Mayor Rice spoke on the park’s progress, there was a ribbon-cutting with the help of a few Upper Keys Little League ball players, and the Parks and Beaches Director John Allen gave a tour of some of the reconstructed areas of the park.

Reconstruction timeline: In 2018, Monroe County replaced the asphalt approach to the boat ramps and drive lanes, repaired the dugouts, bathrooms, and concessions, including new paint on all buildings. In 2019, the entrance building, the ballfield lighting and lighting control system, and electrical services were replaced, and new scoreboards were installed. In 2020, the walking paths and the basketball court were resurfaced, and new sod was installed on the ballfields. In 2021, final fencing sections were replaced, and in May 2022, the completion of the beach, jetty, and Wilkinson’s Point finished all hurricane-related repairs. Other capital improvements not related to the hurricane were also completed during this time, including a new maintenance building and a boater’s educational kiosk, further improving the park.

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