A Joint Effort to Revamp a Community Asset
A recent meeting between the Islamorada Village Council and the Monroe County School Board brought together community leaders to address long‑standing disagreements over upgrades to Founders Park, the baseball field that serves as the home venue for Coral Shores High School’s program.
Moderated by former Marathon City Manager George Garrett, the discussion centered on a phased approach that would initially focus on installing a synthetic turf surface, new fencing, modern dugouts and batting cages, with the aim of having the work completed before the start of the next baseball season.
While acknowledging the need for future enhancements, the parties agreed to set aside plans for bleachers, a concession stand and a press box for a later stage, allowing the immediate improvements to stay within a manageable scope.
Village staff will not be responsible for ongoing maintenance of the upgraded facilities; instead, the school district anticipates annual upkeep costs remaining under $50,000, a figure that informed the decision to limit initial spending.
The license agreement spans 20 years, providing a long‑term framework for the partnership, and final approval votes are scheduled for July 27 and 28, after which the project can move forward.
Looking Ahead
Although the current phase excludes larger amenities, officials have indicated that discussions about bleachers, a concession stand and a press box will resume once the initial upgrades are evaluated, ensuring that the park continues to meet the community’s evolving needs.