For 15 years, Kissimmee Park Observatory in St. Cloud, Florida, has been our shared gateway to the cosmos. From personal tours under the stars to breathtaking astrophotos captured through our telescopes, we’ve cherished every moment of bringing the wonders of the night sky to you. It’s with a heavy heart—and a spark of excitement for what lies ahead—that we share this bittersweet news: we have held our last private observing session at Kissimmee Park Observatory, as we are closing our doors to the public and preparing to move to a new home.
When we began this journey in 2009, St. Cloud was a quiet little town where the Milky Way shone brightly overhead. But as our area has grown into one of the fastest-expanding regions in the country, we’ve faced increasing challenges—traffic congestion, population growth, and, most significantly for us, light pollution that has dimmed the once-pristine skies. The stars that once dazzled us are harder to see, and it’s time for us to seek a new place to call home.
We’re currently preparing to buy property in Kentucky, where Bortle 3 dark skies promise a return to the crystal-clear views we’ve missed. We’re eager to embrace a simpler, slower life, far from city lights and bustling crowds, where we can once again share the beauty of the universe. While we’re sad to leave our Florida community and the memories we’ve built with you, we’re hopeful for this new chapter.
Our website, kpobservatory.org, has evolved into “DMH Astro“; a place where I can share my astrophotography going forward. I’ll continue to share astrophotos, important astronomical updates, and perhaps even new observing opportunities in the future. We invite you to stay connected and follow along as we find our new home under the stars—just keep an eye out for updates on where we land!
Thank you for being part of our journey. We’ll miss sharing the night sky with you here in Saint Cloud, but we carry forward the joy of those moments and the hope of new skies to explore together.
I am so heartbroken to read this. We moved a block away from here a year ago and I kept telling myself we’d go as we underwent renovations and getting acclimated. My husband and I just drove through Orangewood Avenue today. My youngest is fascinated with the cosmos and I wanted to take her to your observatory for her birthday in August. I’m so sorry I delayed and missed the opportunity to go and share with her the experience. When we moved here we had no idea what was planned for the area. It’s so disheartening that the development is not only impacting our animal friends as their homes and refuge are decimated, but now to hear that your wonderful mission to share the stars has a well, there are no words. I wish you all the best and pray that the home you found remains for eons to come. I guess we’ll have to make a trip to Kentucky!
Thank you Cyd! Sorry that we missed hosting you and your daughter at KPO. As I mentioned, there are lots of mixed feelings about leaving what has been a wonderful home and observatory. I will certainly be building a new observatory, although it will be a couple years before it will be ready. There’s been talk of setting up an Astronomy Bed & Breakfast, so stay tuned.
We’ve been in the area long enough to agree with you. Growth and expansion has changed the area to just another development by pushing out the wonders that made the area unique. An Observatory/bed and breakfast sounds wonderful. Count us in!
So sad to read this, but totally understand. Saint Cloud is a hard place to be these days. I was able to have a private viewing twice and you had indicated things might go this direction. Hope to see you under clear dark skies again some day!