Public Invite: Monroe County Celebrates Completion of Projects at Harry Harris Park in Tavernier

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 the park that the storm severely damaged. The last reconstruction projects of the damaged areas at Harry Harris 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.”

The public is invited to a small celebration on Tuesday, June 14 at 5 p.m. at Harry Harris Park. Mayor Rice will speak a few words, a ribbon-cutting will re-open the park in full for the first time since September 2017 without restrictions, and Parks and Beaches Director John Allen will give a tour of some of the reconstructed areas of the park. The ceremony and tour should take about 30 minutes.

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 basketball court was resurfaced and new sod was installed on the ballfields.  In 2021, final fencing sections were replaced, and in May 2022, the beach, jetty, and Wilkinson’s Point was completed finishing 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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