Founders Park — Attraction in Islamorada

Rude. Rude. Rude.

We drove in and saw if you drove past the gate you had to pay. We were looking for a place to take a nice stroll after our lunch and were fine with walking instead. We parked in the parking lot to the right which has no signage posted stated you needed to pay. We began walking on the path to the right, and about 3 minutes into our walk we came across a sign on the side of the trail stating that you needed to pay at the main gate. No problem.. we thought. We will wrap around to the gate on our walk and pay on our way back to the truck so we didn't have to backtrack. Not even one minute later, a young girl on a gator drove up to us and said. You need to pay to walk around the park. We told her of our plans to head to the gate and that we understood. In a then seemingly "gotcha" moment. She stated "yes, we saw you pull in at the park gate and back up, avoiding paying."

This was extremely unprofessional and although we are from out of town, I do not recommend this place to anyone. We were instructed to walk directly to the gate through the field and not via the route we were wanting to take staying on the pavement.

She then watched us walk all the way to the main gate to pay. We paid $16 which in my opinion is ridiculous for the amenities. The staff felt like they were on you like hawks. It was quite irritating and I'm usually very laid back.

Upon looking at other reviews, learned that usage is free for disabled veterans. That was not advertised anywhere, nor were we asked when we went to pay.

This place is a joke. I can't imagine trying to have a good time while being monitored 24/7. Do not recommend a visit to out of towners or...

Founders Park an excellent spot for getting a workout in, going to a beach and stopping at the tourist/visitor center. My family always sleeps in and I am always up early. I went several mornings to workout while everyone was still sleeping. We stayed on Windley Key and I just drove over to Plantation Key to hit the park. I just showed my rental agreement at the pool office the first day we arrived and we got in for free the rest of the trip. And, anyway, the outdoor fitness center (okay pneumatic resistance and some circuit training machines) is available even if the park isn’t technically open yet. It’s really for the locals to play pickle ball, tennis, soccer and swim laps.

One of only three beaches in Islamorada. The only one where kids can play. We used the beach for an afternoon. Water was nice. Snorkeled along the mangroves there and the rocks just outside the swimming area. A couple barracudas and some other colorful fish. Shot hoops with my kid to get hot before jumping in the water. The day we went, they had a day long concert. It was nice music to go along...

I already LOVED this park BEFORE yesterday, July 4th 2022, but yesterday's Independence Day Celebration blew me away. I told my husband that it 'felt like Mayberry' :-)

First off, the band was INCREDIBLE, so many talented musicians with all kinds of instruments being played. Before the fireworks, a gal from Parks and Rec gave a heartwarming announcement about 'love of country' and her appreciation for those who have given some or ALL to protect it. Following this moving speech, a young gal from Coral Shores High School sang our National Anthem which brought me and my husband to tears.

I heard a young boy say 'Best Fourth of July EVER!"

You can say that again - and I'm SIXTY!!

Thank you Islamorada Parks and Recs. Thank you sponsors including The Upper Keys Rotary Club. Special thanks to the Key West International Airport for supporting the Upper Keys!!

See you next year FOR SURE!!

Laurie and Mark on...