Designation and Naming of Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was designated as the first underwater park in the United States in 1959. Its original boundaries extended to a depth of 60 feet. In the spring of 1960, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially declared the area as the Key Largo Coral Reef Preserve. The formal dedication ceremony took place on December 10 of that year. The park was named in honor of John D. Pennekamp, a Miami newspaper editor who played a significant role in its establishment. On April 14, 1972, the park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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President Eisenhower declared the area the Key Largo Coral Reef Preserve in 1960, and the park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Park Boundaries and Conservation Efforts at Pennekamp Coral Reef
Initial plans for the park outlined borders that included extending eastward across the Island of Key Largo as far as the coral reef and northwestward, encompassing additional waters. The park’s major attractions focus on the coral reefs and surrounding marine ecosystem, which have been protected and preserved through these designations. The park forms an integral part of the Florida Keys’ efforts to conserve coral reef environments.
The park’s designation aimed to safeguard the unique underwater habitats and promote environmental awareness. Over time, the boundaries and management of the area have been adjusted to maintain conservation efforts and public enjoyment. Pennekamp Park is recognized for its pioneering role in underwater park development within the United States and continues to serve as a valuable natural and historic site in the region.
For more information on local conservation and environmental initiatives, see the Florida category.
