Florida >> Islamorada >> Parks >> Founders Park
A huge public park in the center of Islamorada, Founders Park has a marina, boat ramps, beach, baseball fields, olympic pool, and a skate park. On the Bayside in Islamorada Founders Park is famous for sunsets and even has a dog park.
Sign at the Entrance to Founders Park, Islamorada, FL
Founders park is located at mile marker 87 (bayside) in Islamorada. The park is huge (40 acres) and runs from US1 to the Bay.
Founders Park
87000 Overseas Highway Islamorada, FL 33036
Phone: 305.853.1685
Inside Founders Park is Plantation Harbor Marina (305-852-2381), which includes 88 slips, boat ramps, and a fuel dock with gas and diesel. The channel to approach the marina is between markers 78 and 78A on the Intercoastal and has a depth of 5 to 6 feet - the channel has a controlled depth of 5 feet.
The boat slips at Founders Park are 22 feet wide and have finger piers of 40 feet, which means the marina can accommodate big boats. Rates are $3 per foot and that includes water and power.
2008 Update - Ramps Now Open
The boat ramps at founders park are now open - the marina makeover is done.
Islamorada residents can use the boat ramps at no charge. Non residents pay $10 to launch a boat. There is parking for your trailer during the day but no overnight trailer parking.
Other Boat Ramps
The closest boat ramps to Founders Park are at Smugglers Cover (bayside ) and Holiday Isle (ocean side). Holiday Isle charges non guests $25 to launch a boat and is located at mile marker 84.5.
Founders Park has a big beach and swimming area. The water is shallow so it’s a good place for young children to play in the water. Adjacent to the beach is Founders Park Watersports where you can rent a kayak, pedal boat, or hobie cat. There are showers and barbeques.
The park has an Olympic swimming pool, skate board park, baseball fields, a vita exercise course, tennis courts, a fishing jetty and even a dog park.
The beach and swim area at Founders Park, Islamorada, FL
Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons are offered in the pool at Founders Park. You can take a group lesson or private lesson with a Red Cross Water Safety Instruction.
The skateboard park allows BMX, skateboards, and inline riders. You are required to have a helmet, elbow pads and knee pads.
Founders Park Water Sports offers a summer sailing camp for kids starting at age 7. Most children attending the camp are between 10 and 12 years old. Camp runs from june to August for 9 weeks. Call 305-434-8984 for more information.
One of the most unique events at Founders Park is the Float in Movies. Bring your float, get in the pool and watch a G or PG rated movie under the stars. Movies are usually scheduled every 3rd or 4th Friday of the Month and start at dark. There is an amphitheater at Founders Park where concerts are held.
The pool at Founders Park, Islamorada
The skate park at Founders Park, Islamorada
Yes, this is a public park. The entrance fee is $8 for adults and $5 for children 3 to 17, and seniors. There are additional charges to use the pool ($3) and the skate park ($3).
Residents of Islamorada can use the park free.
By Inside Florida on 08-28-2008
We are renting a house in Islamorada between Christmas and New Year’s. Do we count as “residents”?
Is the pool available for lap swimming?
By Lynn Wilkinson on 10-27-2008
If you can provide proof (like a rental agreement or hotel bill) that you are staying in Islamorada then you are considered a resident and pay $3 a day to swim - enjoy.
By Inside Florida on 10-27-2008
Have a Question or Comment? Submit it below!
Can I visit and enjoy the park for just the day , how much is the entrance rate.
Thank You,
Eduardo
By Eduardo Juan on 08-27-2008