April 2023 Newsletter
The Mission of the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation is to enhance the beauty and experience of Lakes Park.
April, 2023
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT:
Dear Friends of Lakes Park,
Wow we’ve been busy. Thank you to all the volunteers & supporters of Lakes Park and our wonderful donors we continue to restore the park to bring you your favorite programs. Take a look at the following pictures and stories to see what’s been going on.
The ever popular Farmers Market is being extended through June. Our Second Story time in the Park was another huge success. Check out our website and Facebook page to keep track of when they our happening.
A special Earth-day program combined with the JN Ding Darling Carnival was a huge success. There were much needed Trees (provided by the Chris Brown Memorial Fund) planted by enthusiastic volunteers. A special thanks to our Board Member Dr. Wes Higgins for heading up the event. See the article below.
If you are enjoying this newsletter please tell your friends to sign up on our website to receive it too. Thanks to the Tourist Development Council who helps us publish it with a grant and of course Stephanie who puts it together for us!
Enjoy,
Barbara Manzo
President LPEF
Volunteer Crafts!
LakesPark Garden Volunteers have been hard at work this month creating crafts to sell at the Farmers Market on Wednesdays. They have created adorable ladybug rocks for our Story Time events. All donations and purchases have been greatly appreciated. They have helped replenish the Fragrance Gardens, Succulent Gardens, and the Children’s Gardens with new plants.
Some of the items for sale include Palm Friends. These are a very whimsical ornament used from debris left over from Hurricane Ian and transformed into one-of-a-kind art to showcase plants or hang on your wall.
We are also selling Italian Pottery which was donated and transformed into creative pieces. Shells, ladybugs, and birdhouses are among the other crafts for sale. Come check them out and say hello!
Earth Day Tree Planting
The Lakes Park Enrichment foundation in conjunction with the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau and Keep Lee County Beautiful, sponsored a tree planting at Lakes Regional Park in celebration of Earth Day. Fifty-two people planted 36 trees around the south lake. The trees included shade trees, (Black Olive and Wild Tamarind); flowering trees, (Jacaranda, and Poinciana); and native trees (Simpson's Stopper and Geiger).
The volunteers included individuals, families, seniors and groups such as All Hands and Hearts and Theta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. After all their hard work the volunteers enjoyed a ride on the Lakes Park and Gulf Railroad, a ⅛th scale train running on a 7½ inch gauge track that takes riders for a mile-long train ride in the park. The “Ding” Darling Day Conservation Carnival at Lakes Park rounded out the festivity of the day.
The sponsors of the tree-planting celebration were Lowes, Chris Brown Fund, Jasmine Garden Club and Brenda Norris. Thank you to all the volunteers and sponsors that made this a wonderful celebration of nature at the park. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s event.
Story Time in the Children’s Garden at Lakes Park – April update
After a few rainy days, the sun came out to shine on the April 13th Story Time in the Children’s Garden! It was another big turnout, with over 50 parents and kids enjoying songs, stories and art projects all featuring LADY BUGS!!
Geared for an audience of 2 to 5-year-olds, we welcome you to join us on Thursday, May 11th at 10:30 am for our last StoryTime of this season. Are you ready to go on a bear hunt??
Farmers Market is running til the end of June!
New Electric Powered Locomotive
The Train Museum of South Florida, who operates the Lakes Park railroad, has just purchased a new electric powered locomotive. It resembles the full size restored engine 143 and it has sound effects like a real train.
The train runs Monday – Fridays from 10am until 2pm and on weekends and County Holidays from 10am – 4pm.
Bird Patrol Led Nature Walks
1st Saturday of every month!
Next walk is May 6th
Tour is FREE with PAID PARKING. Parking is $1/hour or $5/all day.
WHEN: 8 A.M. the FIRST Saturday of every month. Please arrive a few minutes before 8 A.M.
Walks start promptly at 8 A.M.
WHERE: LAKES REGIONAL PARK, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers, Fl. 33908
Please meet at Shelter A7. Enter Lakes Park gate from Gladiolus. Turn right. Drive to end of road, continue through the parking lot. Shelter A7 is located near the Train Station.
INFORMATION: Call (239)533-7275
Please wear comfortable shoes and dress to be outside. Bring water, sunscreen and binoculars.
All are welcome.
Hope to see you there!
Volunteer work in park!
