MARATHON — The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Curry Hammock State Park, located in the heart of the Florida Keys, garnered 8.1 million votes to win a $25,000 grant from Coca-Cola in the 2012 America Is Your Park Campaign.

“Curry Hammock State Park staff and volunteers work tirelessly to provide excellent nature-based recreation and educational opportunities for visitors,” said Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione. “With these funds from Coca-Cola, we will be able to make improvements to the park to ensure we are providing the highest-quality experience for our visitors.”

Curry Hammock State Park will receive $25,000 from Coca-Cola for park improvements. Projects will be focused on improving access for all visitors, additional equipment for recreational activities and playground upgrades. The park is being recognized due to the outreach efforts of many people, including local residents, volunteers, park visitors, school groups and fans of the park from across the nation.

The Department is focused on improving access to state parks as well as encouraging residents and visitors to invite their families and friends to enjoy Florida's natural resources. Curry Hammock State Park offers great opportunities for wildlife viewing along its 1.5 mile nature trail and nearshore kayaking trail. When the wind is blowing, the beach is a popular place for kite boarding and windsurfing. The shallow seagrass flats, surrounding the park, are perfect for anglers of all ages. Picnic shelters with tables, grills and a playground are the perfect location for family and group picnics overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Family-style campsites are available for overnight stays where stargazing in the warm ocean breezes are a highlight.

Coca-Cola asked people to vote for their favorite park this summer in the third-annual America Is Your Park campaign at LivePositively.com/parks. Park lovers voted between May 23 to July 15 for their favorite park to win the title of "America's Favorite Park" and a recreation grant. The grant is provided to help restore, rebuild or enhance activity areas in parks where people can play and be active. Only national, state or local, public parks located in one of the 50 United States (or Washington, D.C.) were eligible for participation. Coca-Cola awarded $190,000 in recreation grants to four state parks through this campaign.For more information, please visit: http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/dynamic/press_center/2012/08/americas-favorite-park.html