Frequently Asked Questions
Use the links below to jump directly to a category or facility.
All Facilities| Summer Camp | Recreation Programs | Youth Sports
Parking Stickers & Pool Passports | East Facilities (Buckingham, Lehigh, Alva)
Bowditch Pointe Park | Bunche Beach |Bonita Beach Area| Lynn Hall Beach
Punta Rassa Boat Ramp | Dog Friendly Parks | Six Mile Cypress Slough
Lakes Park | Miscellaneous
Q. |
Are pets including dogs allowed in county parks? |
A. |
No, the County has provided other facilities that are for pet use such as, “Dog Beach”, “Barkingham Park”, "K-9 Corral" at Estero Park, "Pooch Park" at Judd Park, Sanibel Causeway Islands (on-leash only), and John Yarbrough Linear Park (on-leash only.) Check them out HERE. |
Q. |
I have a handicap plate placard do I still pay for parking? |
A. |
Yes, unless you have a 'DV' Disabled Veteran motor vehicle plate or a wheelchair lift inside the vehicle. |
Q. |
Does the $60 camp registration fee include lunch |
A. |
No the fee does not include lunch but does include field trips. |
Q. |
What types of none-school age programs and evening programs do you offer? |
A. |
Each recreation facility offers a variety of programs for all ages. Please refer to our online brochure for the individual center’s current class information. Click HERE for current brochure. |
Q. |
What my child will need to wear for the class of ballet/tap/jazz/tumbling/polynesians/baton? |
A. |
Guidelines are established by individual contract instructors. For specific information contact the center you are interested in attending. |
Q. |
I would like to know when is the registration date for the Afterschool open recreation at your facilities. |
A. |
The After school recreation known as Club Rec is for children 6-12, and Club Rec Plus for children 13-14, and is $50 for each of 2 sessions (pre and post winter break). Registration for Club Rec opens approximately 1 - 3 months before the new session. Continue checking leeparks.org registration tab for when it is posted. |
Q. |
What youth sports do you have and how do I sign my child up? |
A. |
Various youth sport organizations use our park facilities. They include Little League, AAU baseball, Pop Warner Football, and youth soccer. All youth leagues run independently of Lee County and the respective leagues handle registration. Please contact your local league for individual details. Contact the supervisor at the park you are interested in using and they can provide the current youth sport contacts. Here's a link to Youth Sports Contacts. |
Q. |
Where can we purchase parking stickers? |
A. |
Parking stickers can be purchased at the following locations: Please Note: Lee County Parks and Recreation parking decals issued after July 31, 2008 will not be valid for parking in the Captiva Island North Lot (Alison Hagerup Beach Park). Visitors parking in this lot will be required to pay the hourly rate. |
Q. |
Can we rent the shelters at Buckingham, Alva, or Lehigh Community Park? |
A. |
Shelters at Buckingham, Alva, or Lehigh Community Park are on a first come first served basis. The Buckingham shelter is very large and we expect individual and parties to share. This allows more people the opportunity to use the shelter without having it monopolized by one small group “renting” for the day. |
Q. |
How do I rent the pavilion/kitchen at Veterans’ park? |
A. |
The staff at Veteran's Park Recreation Center handles the permitting of the pavilion. Please call 239-369-1521 for more information. |
Q. |
Where do I pay to park and how much is it? |
A. |
If you are parked in the handicap parking area you would pay the individual parking meters. If you are parked in the parking lot you would pay at the pay station located by the walk in entrance to the park. The fee is $1.00 per hour. The yearly parking sticker is also good here. |
Q. |
I have a handicap plate/placard do I still have to pay for parking? |
A. |
Yes, unless you have a 'DV' Disabled Veteran motor vehicle plate or a wheelchair lift inside the vehicle. |
Q. |
Can I reserve one of the shelters at Bowditch Point? |
A. |
No, the shelters are available on a first come, first serve basis. |
Q. |
What are Bowditch park hours? |
A. |
Bowditch park is open from 8am to ½ hour past sunset. |
Q. |
Is there a fee for use of Bunche Beach? |
A. |
No, not at this time. |
Q. |
Are pets including dogs permitted at Bunche Beach? |
A. |
No, the County has provided other facilities that are for pet use such as, “Dog Beach”, “Barkingham Park”, "K-9 Corral" at Estero Park, "Pooch Park" at Judd Park, Sanibel Causeway Islands (on-leash only), and John Yarbrough Linear Park (on-leash only.) Check them out HERE. |
Q. |
Now that the county has purchased the surrounding property are there going to be improvements made at Bunche Beach? |
A. |
Yes, there will be a study/survey to find out what the public wishes are and those will be weighed against what is desirable and viable to have the area remain as pristine preserve. Nothing will be fast coming as far as improvements. |
Q. |
Are we allowed to have a fire on Bunche beach? |
A. |
No, no open fires are permitted. |
Q. |
Can we fish at Bunche Beach? |
A. |
Yes, Florida fishing regulations apply. |
Q. |
Can we camp overnight at Bunche Beach? |
A. |
No, no camping allowed. |
Q. |
Can I launch my kayak or canoe at Bunche Beach? |
A. |
Yes provided it can be done by hand and they are brought in on a vehicle top (no trailers). |
Q. |
How much does it cost and when do I have to pay to park at Lynn Hall? |
A. |
The payment for parking is strictly enforced from 7am to 10pm and the fee is $1.00 per hour. Fine for non-payment is $18.00 |
Q. |
I have a handicap plate/placard do I still have to pay for parking? |
A. |
Yes, unless you have a 'DV' Disabled Veteran motor vehicle plate or a wheelchair lift inside the vehicle. |
Q. |
Are pets including dogs allowed on the beach at Lynn Hall? |
A. |
No pets are permitted inside the boundaries of the county facility. The Town of Ft Myers Beach does permit pets on their beaches. Check out our dog friendly facilities HERE. |
Q. |
Where else can I park? |
A. |
Behind “Winds” or under the sky bridge or one mile up the road at Bowditch Point Park. Fees apply. |
Q. |
Can I reserve a shelter at Lynn Hall? |
A. |
No, shelters are available on a first come first serve basis. |
Q. |
Can I hold a parking space for my friend? |
A. |
You can not place any item, block, reserve or physically occupy a space. A parking space may only be held or occupied by a licensed motorized vehicle. |
Q. |
Do I need a license to fish from the pier at Lynn Hall? |
A. |
No, the pier is a licensed pier, but Florida fishing regulations apply. |
Q. |
Where do you pay to park at Punta Rassa? |
A. |
At the pay station located directly in front of the ramps |
Q. |
How much does it cost to park at Punta Rassa? |
A. |
$5.00 for 24 hours with a maximum of $15.00 for 72 hours (3 days). The yearly parking sticker is also good at this facility. |
Q. |
I have a handicap plate/placard do I still have to pay for parking? |
A. |
Yes, unless you have a 'DV' Disabled Veteran motor vehicle plate or a wheelchair lift inside the vehicle. |
Q. |
Can I stay longer than 72 hours at Punta Rassa Boat Ramp? |
A. |
Yes, prior permission from the facility supervisor required |
Q. |
Does the Toll Facility give change for parking at Punta Rassa? |
A. |
No, they will not give change. The pay station accepts dimes, nickels, quarters and one dollar bills. As long as it is accepting one or the other you are required to pay for parking. Fine for non-payment is a minimum of $18.00. |
Q. |
I have a vehicle trailer combination and there are no spaces left for it, but there are spaces for single vehicles can I unhook and put one in each space? |
A. |
No, trailers must remain connected to the tow vehicle. |
Q. |
Are pets including dogs allowed in the County parks? |
A. |
County ordinance prohibit pets in any county park, with the exception of “Dog Beach”, “Barkingham Park”, "K-9 Corral" at Estero Park, "Pooch Park" at Judd Park, Sanibel Causeway Islands (on-leash only), and John Yarbrough Linear Park (on-leash only.) Check them out HERE. |
Q. |
Where can you take your dog to the park? |
A. |
“Dog Beach”, “Barkingham Park”, "K-9 Corral" at Estero Park, "Pooch Park" at Judd Park, Sanibel Causeway Islands (on-leash only), and John Yarbrough Linear Park (on-leash only.) Check them out HERE. |
Q. |
Where can you take your dog to the beach? |
A. |
Dog Beach off State Road 865 next door to Lovers Key State Park. Check out our dog friendly facilities HERE. |
Q. |
Can we take dogs across the park from Barkingham Dog Park to the new playground and shelter at Buckingham Community Park? |
A. |
Dogs are only allowed in the designed dog park area. Safety concerns dictate that dogs are not allowed in picnic or playground areas. |
Q. |
What are the hours of operation? |
A. |
Preserve Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m.—Sunset year round. Interpretive Center Hours are · November—April; Mon.—Sat. 9:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m. · May—October; Tues—Sat. 10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m. |
Q. |
How much does it cost? |
A. |
The cost for parking is $1/hour with a $5.00 max for the day. Walk-ins and bicycles are free. There is no additional cost to walk along the boardwalk on your own or enter the Interpretive Center. There is a variable fee associated with programs. |
Q. |
What is a Slough (slew)? |
A. |
A slough is often called a swamp. It is a wooded wetland that changes seasonally from a slow moving body of water to dry areas with intermittent ponds. All the water is fresh water from rain. For more information click HERE. |
Q. |
How many acres of wetlands make up the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve? |
A. |
The Slough consists of 2,200 acres, roughly 9 miles long and 1/3 mile wide. It has a 57 square mile watershed (including SW Florida International Airport). |
Q. |
Do alligators live here? |
A. |
Yes! The Six Mile Cypress Slough preserve offers 2,220 acres of land for alligators to roam. They are sometimes difficult to see as they are shy and stay hidden. When it is sunny, they sunbathe on logs or banks. Oftentimes, only their head is visible, but you can estimate the size of the animal by the space between their eyes and nostrils: inches=feet. For example, if there appears to be 6-7 inches between the eyes and the nostrils of an alligator, chances are the length is 6-7 feet. |
Q. |
What type of wildlife can I see? |
A. |
The opportunity to see certain animals at the Slough varies with the seasons. It also depends on your keen eye and quiet exploration through the preserve. Alligators, turtles, herons, and hawks are just a few of the species you may expect to see in the Preserve. Also, look for evidence of animals such as woodpeckers’ marks and animal tracks. |
Q. |
How does the Slough change throughout the seasons? |
A. |
The Slough changes both with the wildlife it attracts and the habitat is provides. During the rainy season, the Slough is a slow moving body of water drifting through native plants that are brimming with food for eager wildlife. When the water is low, animals can forage on the ground and plants can germinate their seeds. Every season shows a new perspective of the Slough. |
Q. |
What types of facilities are at the Slough? |
A. |
The Slough has a boardwalk trail that guides you through the Preserve, as well as an amphitheater, picnic area, restrooms and a new Interpretive Center Green Building. The site is handicap accessible. |
Q. |
How much time does it take to walk the boardwalk trail? |
A. |
The boardwalk trail is 1.2 miles long. The time it takes to walk the trail is up to the individual. Guided walks usually take approximately 1 ½ hours, and walk the lower loop trail which is ¾ of a mile. |
Q. |
What programs for groups are offered? |
A. |
At the Slough variety of programs are offered, ranging from Animal Adaptations (which utilizes artifacts like an alligator skull, turtle shells, or other items) to a Sensory Guided Walk. Fees vary from $1.00/ person to $3.00/person. For more information, or to learn about our teacher’s packet please call Heather Gienapp at 432-2040. Registration required. |
Q. |
Are programs offered at this facility for the general public? |
A. |
Yes. At the Six Mile Cypress Slough May-October free guided walks are offered on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. November-December and April free guided walks are daily at 9:30 a.m. January-March free guided walks are daily at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. No registration required. |
Q. |
What are the park hours? |
A. |
The Park hours are from 8AM to Sunset, seven days a week |
Q. |
Is there a fee for use of Lakes Park? |
A. |
Yes, a parking fee is required. The rate is $1.00 per hour or $5.00 for all day. Payment can be made at two locations on either end of each parking lot. They are located under small shelter type structures, labeled with red signs that read “Pay Station.” These machines accept any combination of quarters, dimes or nickels and $1.00 bills, they also accept credit cards. They do not give change. There is also an annual parking sticker available that is good for many Lee County Parks and Recreation Facilities and Boat Ramps. At this time, the sticker fee is $50.00 and good for one year. The sticker is assigned to a specific vehicle, if you use multiple vehicles you will have to purchase a sticker for each individual vehicle. You can also get a sticker by calling 239-533-7275. Minimum fine for non-payment is $18.00. |
Q. |
Can I bring my pets including dogs to Lakes Park? |
A. |
No, but the County has provided other facilities for pet use such as, “Dog Beach”, “Barkingham Park”, "K-9 Corral" at Estero Park, "Pooch Park" at Judd Park, Sanibel Causeway Islands (on-leash only), and John Yarbrough Linear Park (on-leash only.) Check them out HERE. |
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Q. |
How long are the trails through Lakes park? |
A. |
If you walk, run, bike, roller blade, etc. We have about 3.2 miles of trails. Bicycles are available for rent. For information, please call Wheel Fun Rentals at 332-2453. (No motorized vehicles, unless for disabled purposes, then electric only is allowed.) |
Q. |
Do I have to rent a shelter to use one at Lakes Park? |
A. |
B. No, Non-reserved shelters are on a first come first serve basis. To ensure exclusive use for your party, reservations must be made ONLINE or by calling 239-533-7275. NO MAIL RESERVATIONS. |
Q. |
Can I bring and use my own grill? |
A. |
A. Yes, you may bring and use your own grill, however, you may not place used charcoal in the trashcans or dump them on the ground. We provide several grills other than the one’s located at the shelters that are available on a first come first serve basis. |
Q. |
If we reserve a shelter at Lakes Park can we use an outside vendor for things like catering, bounce houses, etc? |
A. |
Yes, but some activities require the vendor to have additional insurance on file with the County prior to the event. The vendor and service they provide must have prior approval from the park first. For information, please call 239-432-2034. |
Q. |
Can we feed the Alligators? |
A. |
A. No, Florida Law prohibits the feeding or molestation of Alligators and carries a $500.00 fine if caught. When humans feed alligators, they then associate humans as a food source. They then become aggressive and dangerous. When this occurs, we have no other choice than to have them removed and destroyed. Relocation is not an option because they will always associate humans with food. |
Q. |
Can we fish in the lake at Lakes Park? |
A. |
A. Yes, fishing is allowed, but no fishing is permitted on the beach or within 100 feet of the marina/concession. Florida fishing regulations apply. |
Q. |
Can I use my own boat in the lake? |
A. |
A. Yes, but you must fill out a NO COST PERMIT for launching of a private watercraft and the craft must be a U.S.C.G. approved vessel. This permit can be obtained at the Lakes Park Office from 8 AM til 5 PM seven days a week. No gasoline engines are permitted at any time. They cannot even be on the vessel. Electric motors are permissible. The permit is good only during the operational hours of the park and vessels must be launched and retrieved from a specific area designated for this purpose. For more information, please call 239-432-2034. |
Q. |
Can we swim in the lake at Lakes Park? |
A. |
A. No, Swimming is prohibited at Lakes Park due to safety reasons. |
Q. |
What are the rates and hours of operation of the miniature Railroad at Lakes Park? |
A. |
The regular rates are $3.00 per adult and $1.00 for ages 5 years and under. They have special rates for groups and Special Events. The hours of operation, weather permitting, are Monday - Friday 10AM – 1:45 PM, Saturdays 10AM – 3:45, Sundays 12PM – 3:45 PM and Holidays 10AM – 3:45PM. For more information call 239-267-1905 during the hours of the days listed above or visit their website at www.trainweb.org/lprr. |
Q. |
Can I camp at Lakes Park? |
A. |
No, camping is not permitted |
Q. |
I have a handicap plate/placard do I still have to pay for parking? |
A. |
Yes, unless you have a 'DV' Disabled Veteran motor vehicle plate or a wheelchair lift inside the vehicle. |
Q. |
How do I get on the Lee County Parks and Recreation mailing list? |
A. |
Call 239-533-7275 and request to be put on the mailing list. |
Q. |
What is the number to Cape Coral and Ft. Myers Parks & Recreation? |
A. |
Cape Coral Parks & Recreation 239-573-3128 and Ft. Myers Parks & Recreation 239-338-2287 |
Q. |
What is the number to the Franklin Locks? |
A. |
239-694-2582 |
Q. |
What is the number to Cayo Costa? |
A. |
941-964-0375 |
Q. |
Where can you go camping in Lee County? |
A. |
Caloosahatchee Regional Park at 239-693-2690 or call State Parks and Recreation at 941-964-0375 |
Q. |
What is the number to State Park information? |
A. |
941-964-0375 |
Q. |
Where is a good place to roller blade and ride your bike? |
A. |
Lakes Regional Park Also, see the Lee County MPO Bicycle Facilities Map (3.1 MB File) |
Q. |
Is alcohol permitted? |
A. |
No alcoholic beverages are permitted in any park facility. |
Q. |
Can we use a baseball or football field whenever we like? |
A. |
Unless permitted by another group or closed for maintenance, the drop-in user can enjoy any community park field. However, all organized leagues and teams must provide proper insurance and pay fees where applicable. To assure field usage for a birthday party, etc., permits can be obtained at a nominal fee. |
Q. |
I am interested in being a campground host at Caloosahatchee Park who should I contact? |
A. |
The person in charge of scheduling campground hosts at Caloosahatchee Park is Kathy Ball telephone number 239-694-0398 . |
| Bonita Beach Park and Area Back to top | |
Q. |
How many parking spaces are available at Bonita Beach Park, beach access 1 and beach access 10? |
A. |
There are 86 total spaces at Bonita Beach with 4 of those reserved for disabled parking. There are 24 spaces at Access #1 with one of those dedicated for disabled. There are 40 spaces at Access #10 with 2 of those spaces designated for the disabled. |