This digital rendering of the proposed Cracker Pavilion shows how placing the pavilion across the canal gives people the opportunity to experience the Fakahatchee if they choose not to walk the boardwalk.

Although we feared that damage to the State Park System by a major hurricane might suck up
funds for the Boardwalk Expansion Project, I’m happy to report that this is still full steam ahead. Permitting will probably be in place around February 2018. This includes monies for the new restrooms and the new interpretive Environmental Education Center, funded by the last Florida legislative session.

Over the summer the park received a donation from our neighbors in Big Cypress National Preserve – enough long-life synthetic wood planking to resurface the entire length of the existing Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk. It’s now all neatly stacked in pallets in the Harmon Building for when we’re ready.

FOF has also just been awarded a $46,720 grant by Collier County’s Tourist Development Council to fund wayfinding in the park. Wayfinding refers to information systems that guide people through a physical environment and enhance their understanding and experience of the space. The grants provide funds for creating a useful visitor map, as well as information kiosks/boards at our hiking, biking and canoeing trailheads. Visit our Plan Your Visit page for online information.