Marineland of Florida

Marineland of Florida, south of St. Augustine, was one of the first theme parks in the state. Opening in June, of 1938, the park was the first attempt at capturing and sustaining sea creatures. Over time it became immensely popular and by the 1960's was the undisputed top theme park in Florida. A number of motion pictures were filmed there and the park became famous for its trained dolphins. But the opening of Walt Disney World Resort in 1971 began a decline in attendance which eventually resulted in the park falling into disrepair. Eventually, it was sold to a group of buyers who planned to build time-share condominiums. But this venture failed and the park barely survived due to the determination and generosity of employees and devoted individuals. During 1999, two hurricanes forced the park to close for a couple of months and it was closed again in 2004 for renovations. Due to the loss of most of its dolphin populaton during the times of hardship, it was reopened in March of 2006 as an educational facility, but without its two large Oceanariums. However, a newly constructed Dolphin Conservation center now resides in the park, home to a small number of bottlenose dolphins. Part of the old Marineland property is now a wildlife preserve, while another portion will likely be the site of a condo development. Adjacent to the park is now a Marine Laboratory operated by the University of Florida.

 

Photo taken in 1961 with the 135mm F:4.5 Hektor lens on the Leica M3. Kodachrome 10 slide film.