Today I stopped by Larry & Penny on my way home, I walked around the lake and took some photos. Click Here To See More. Larry & Penny Thompson Park is dedicated to the memory of Larry Thompson, a popular humorist and columnist with the Miami Herald for more than 25 years. Mr. Thompson was a nature enthusiast and advocate of park beautification. The parkland, which was once part of the Richmond Naval Station, was acquired in December 1974 as part of a 1,010 acre land transfer from the federal government and included the Miami Metrozoo property.In the campground, you'll see remnants of fruit groves, which once belonged to the University of Miami. These groves acts a natural buffer in the campground and feature avocado, mango and lychee trees.Larry & Penny Thompson is one of the last portions of wilderness in Miami-Dade County, with wildflowers, palmettos, and rock pinelands. The facility truly harmonizes the recreation experience with Miami-Dade County finest natural assets.