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NPS Photo JR
Contact: General Park Information:, 305-242-7700 Contact: Media contacts only: Linda Friar, 305-242-7714 Contact: Mary Plumb, 305-242-7017 HOMESTEAD, Florida: Replacement of the roof on the park’s main visitor center, named after Ernest F. Coe, will result in temporary access changes to this building and the nearby park headquarters building during the next 3 months.
This visitor center will be open for business throughout the project except during the first 30 days of construction, during which a temporary visitor center and bookstore will be located in a trailer in the parking lot. After the first 30 days, the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center will reopen for the duration of the project. Visitor center hours for permanent and temporary facilities will remain 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., every day of the week.
While the project is underway, visitors to the headquarters building will not be able to enter through the main building entrance located on the side facing the visitor center. Signage will direct all entry to the headquarters building to an employee’s entrance on the back side of the building, which will be open during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday).
The roof replacement is necessary to repair leaks in the roof and will occur in four phases. During the third phase, the covered deck on the east side of the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center that extends out over the pond will be temporarily closed to visitors.
"We are dedicated to providing visitor services regardless of this construction,” says acting Everglades National Park Superintendent Shawn Benge. "Park visitors will continue to have experienced rangers available to provide guidance for planning a visit into the park and to have an opportunity to browse for gifts or mementos in the book store. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause; however, we are sure the improvements to this facility will result in a better-quality visitor experience for years to come.”
WHAT: Replacement of the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center roof will result in temporary access changes to this building and to Everglades National Park’s headquarters building during the next 3 months. The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center and Bookstore will be open for business throughout the construction period, except for phase one when a temporary trailer in the parking lot will serve as the visitor center and bookstore.
WHEN: Depending on the weather, construction is expected to begin approximately July 28 and last for 90 days.
WHERE: Everglades National Park’s headquarters building and the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center are located at 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, Florida 33034. |
Last updated: April 14, 2015