Visit Everglades City and the Ten Thousand Islands of Southwest Florida, the Everglades

MarGood Park Reopens

Goodland

Goodland is buzzing with excitement as Margood Park reopens its gates this month, marking the beginning of another season filled with history, fun, and community spirit. The park, which has been a cornerstone of the area for decades, is ready to welcome locals and visitors to explore its scenic beauty and rich history once again.

Margood Park in Goodland, FL

Margood Park’s story goes way back, all the way to the 1940s. The land was originally owned by Rex and Ruby Johnson, a couple from New Jersey with a colorful past in the circus world. In the late 1940s, when public land became available for purchase in Goodland, they jumped at the opportunity. The Johnsons built a concrete building that served as a movie theater, charging just 25 cents for a ticket. The building still stands today and is a cherished part of the park’s heritage. Over the years, the property transformed—from a movie theater to a museum and restaurant, and eventually into the Mar-Good RV Park, complete with a chickee bar, public restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.

In 2004, the park’s future took a pivotal turn when the property was sold to Collier County for $2.5 million, preserving the land from potential condominium or high-rise development. Thanks to funding from the Florida Forever Funds, which are allocated to preserve Florida’s historic or environmentally significant lands, Margood Park was saved from commercialization. While the park remained relatively unchanged after the purchase, it continued to be a popular gathering spot for locals, particularly for its beautiful inlet and unique foliage. The massive rubber tree that stands at the center of the park is one of the many natural wonders that visitors have come to admire.

Fast forward to 2011, when renovations began on Margood Park after Collier County approved a $1.1 million contract for its transformation. The project, which included the construction of a canoe and kayak launch, walking paths, and picnic areas, was a significant upgrade to the park’s offerings. The park also saw the demolition of several small cottages, but four of these charming structures were preserved for historical purposes and are slated for refurbishment in the future.
Today, the park stands as a testament to Goodland’s history, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and community spaces. The building that once housed the movie theater has been converted into a museum to showcase artifacts from the park’s early days, including Calusa Indian relics and the original movie projector. It also serves as a community center, making it a hub for locals and visitors alike. A lovely walking path winds throughout the park, which is landscaped with native South Florida plants, and there are plenty of amenities to enjoy, including a covered picnic area, a gazebo, and space for festivals and markets.

One of the historic fishing cottages the Goodland Arts Alliance hopes to restore. Photo by Celeste Navara
One of the Historic Fishing Cottages Photo by Celeste Navara

Margood Park’s seasonal reopening is always a momentous occasion in Goodland, as it marks the return of a place where families gather, friends reconnect, and memories are made. Whether you’re here to explore its rich history, relax by the water, or enjoy a local festival, Margood Park offers something for everyone.

Come discover the charm, history, and beauty that make Margood Park a true Goodland treasure.

See you at the park!

2025-01-16T10:50:22-05:00January 23, 2025|Community|

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Go to Top