CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENT

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

KISSIMMEE PRAIRIE PRESERVE DESIGNATED
DARK SKY PARK

~Florida state park named the first Dark Sky Park in the Southeastern United States~ 

WHAT:          Dark Sky Park Designation Ceremony

WHEN:          Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016
                      4:30 - 10 p.m.

WHERE:       Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
                      33104 NW 192 Ave.
                      Okeechobee, FL 34972

How:             Entry into the park is $4 per vehicle, up to eight people. If you wish to
                      bring a flashlight, please bring one with a red lens.

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park has been designated as an official Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association. This designation distinguishes parks that have an exceptional quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for public enjoyment. The event will include an astronomical slide presentation, telescope observations, live musical entertainment, and a food and drink vendor. 

“People travel long distances to see the night sky at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park,” said Donald Forgione, director of the Florida Park Service. “We are proud of this designation as the first park in Florida to offer a view of the night sky without distractions.”

Located in Okeechobee County, this Florida state park offers a terrific view of the Milky Way and other night-sky features. The park is nearly 54,000 acres and is surrounded by public lands and ranches, making the sky very clear on a cloudless night.  

Among the park’s amenities is an astronomy pad dedicated for observing the night sky. Several astronomy groups come to the park to take photos, star hop, host star parties or simply gaze at the night sky.

For more information, contact Evan Hall 863-462-5360 or Evan.Hall@dep.state.fl.us.

More information about the designation and the park can be found here.

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails 

The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of three National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first three-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005 and 2013 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association.

Florida’s 174 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. Download the Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app, available on iTunes and Android Market, to plan your trip and enhance your experience while visiting. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/1343282