What's New
News is listed chronologically starting with the most recent postings at top. You can also check out our Press Release Archive page to view all Public Service Announcements by release date.
Here’s a round up of what’s new at your Lee County parks, preserves and facilities:
New York Mets coaches to hold clinic in Fort Myers:
The New York Mets will send as many as 40 minor-league players and coaches to Fort Myers for a fall instructional program starting in mid-September. Read the article on MarcoIslandFlorida.com.
Scarecrows in the Park:
The Lakes Park "Halloween Extravaganza & Fall Festival" featured on FortMyersBeachTalk.com
Bunche Beach Featured:
Bunche Beach was recently featured on FortMyersBeachTalk.com. Click HERE to read article.
2010 Summer Camp Coloring Contest Winners:
Click HERE to view the winners of our 2010 Summer Camp Coloring Contest.
New at Bunche Beach:
One of Lee County Parks & Recreation’s most popular beach preserves now features new amenities.
Bunche Beach, which fronts San Carlos Bay at the end of John Morris Road in south Fort Myers, now features nearly 100 parking spaces, two kayak launches, green restrooms (aka composting toilets that don’t smell), a boardwalk and two fishing piers.
Other innovative features may not be readily noticeable at the 719-acre site. Use of solar power and subsurface stormwater treatment are two examples.
The enhancement project was funded by the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP), Florida Communities Trust (FCT), Lee County Tourist Development Council Beach & Shoreline Fund (TDC), and development fees from Lee County Parks & Recreation. Major funding for this project was through grants.
This 719-acre facility is a natural tidal wetlands area that is located on San Carlos Bay. It is a pristine, completely natural area that is indicative of the entire area before the introduction of exotic plant species. Call it “Old Florida.” This is living ecosystem that ranges from a sandy beach to mangrove forests and salt fl ats and contains a wide variety of wildlife for viewing and offers great photographic opportunities from the fl ora and fauna to fantastic sunsets.
The site is open dawn until dusk. No pets or alcohol are permitted.
More than 250 people gathered in June when the ribbon was offi cially cut at the parking lot and site of the outdoor activity area. County and tourism offi cials made speeches and unveiled a plaque recognizing recently deceased D.J. “Petro” Petruccelli, who served 25 years on the Lee County Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee. The event also featured free kayaking, guided tours of the green building
Six Mile Cypress Slough Featured
Six Mile Cypress Slough was recently featured on FOX 4 Morning Blend. Click HERE to watch video.
San Carlos Pool Featured
The San Carlos Pool was recently featured in the Examiner.com.
Lee County Parks featured for National Park & Recreation Month
Check out Lee County Parks and Recreation feature articles in the Examiner.com and the Waves section of the News-Press.
The Schandler Hall Park Expansion Project Ribbon Cutting
On Saturday, August 7, 2010, 10:00 a.m. at Schandler Hall Community Park, 419 Royal Palm Park Road Fort Myers, FL 33905 the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Schandler Hall Community Park Expansion Project took place. Click HERE for more information on the ribbon cutting ceremony or click HERE to for panoramic views of the project.
For a detailed description of this capital improvement project and other current projects click HERE.
Oil Spill Updates
The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau has created a special page on its Web site that is updated daily. Keep informed about the oil spill by visiting http://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com/oil-spill.
Become a Coast Watch Volunteer
The Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Volunteer Florida) is encouraging individuals who live along or are visiting coastal communities to watch for oiled wildlife, vegetation, and beaches by becoming a Coast Watch volunteer. Click HERE to learn more.
Lakes Regional Park Farmers Market: The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation has teamed up with a local non-profit Farmers Market in the efforts to help raise money for their future Botanical Garden. The Farmers market will be at Lakes Park every Friday morning (Jan. 29 - May 28) from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. We had our first market on Friday, Jan. 29 and it was a huge success. We do hope you can come out one Friday morning and help support these 2 organizations.
The following fee increases are now in effect:
| Program | Fee |
|---|---|
Fun Day (1 day) |
$12 |
| Spring Break Camp (5 days) | $62 |
| Spring Break Camp (6 days) | $75 |
| Spring Break Camp (7 days) | $85 |
| Traditional Summer Day Camp (1 week) | $67 |
| Teen Summer Camp (1 week) | $67 |
| Outdoor Education Specialty Camp (1 week) | $57 |
| Special Needs/Spring Break Camp (6 days) | $87 |
| Special Needs/Spring Break Camp (7 days) | $95 |
New Lakes Park Community Garden opens to public: The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation (LPEF), in association with Lee County Parks and Recreation, is announcing the grand opening of the Community Garden of Lakes Regional Park, which is the first phase of the Lakes Park Botanic Garden. Click HERE to view photos of the Grand Opening.
This project represents a significant step for Lee County and the park because the site is a true botanic garden. The Lakes Park Botanic Garden was the dream of the LPEF founder, John Armenia. Lee County Parks and Recreation is working with LPEF to make his vision a reality. Although the Botanic Garden is still in the planning stages, the first phase – the Community Garden – is open now and welcomes gardeners.
The Community Garden comprises 53 raised garden beds (4-by-8 feet) in a sunburst arrangement. The beds are fenced off and only registered gardeners will be admitted. The annual fee is $50 and all proceeds benefit the foundation and the park. This progressive concept is an effort to revive the practice of growing produce and plantings close to home. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis by logging on to www.lakesparkenrichmentfoundation.org. Click on Community Garden for registration, payment and regulations.
Volunteer Garden Manager Austin Tincher will direct sign-ups and operations. Call (239) 533- 7529 or e-mail gardenplots@leegov.com. Applications to lease a garden plot are also available at the LPEF Web site, www.lakesparkenrichmentfoundation.org. Classes, demonstrations and other opportunities will be available to registered gardeners.
Gardeners can pay for daily parking or can purchase an annual pass. Go to www.leeparks.org or call (239) 533-7275.
Lee Parks staffer recognized for ADA work: Amanda Gutierrez, a senior supervisor for Lee County Parks & Recreation, has been recognized by the ADA Advisory Board of Southwest Florida for her support of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Gutierrez supervises the special needs, inclusion and ADA efforts for Lee County Parks & Recreation, an agency recognized for its progressive approach to accessibility throughout its facilities and parks.
The ADA Advisory board is working with Gutierrez to educate Lee County business owners about ADA laws and ways businesses can meet accessibility codes. If you are interested in having a member of the ADA Advisory Board of Southwest Florida present at your workplace or conduct a free inspection, call the Center for Independent Living at (239) 277-1447.
For more information, go to www.leeparks.org or visit the Center for Independent Living of Southwest Florida at www.cilfl.org.
Read an article by the Naples News about the award here.
Lynn Hall Memorial Park: Currently there is a colony of bats that sleeps during the day under the pier at Lynn Hall Memorial Park on Fort Myers Beach. These bats have been identified by the state laboratory as Brazilian Free Tail Bats. While bats are beneficial to the environment they do carry diseases and can be infected with rabies. If you find a bat DO NOT HANDLE IT. Please report any injured or sick bats to 239-229-0649. For more information on bats in Florida visit the Florida Bat Conservancy.