A Message From The President
 

Have you seen the photos below, submitted by our park patrons? They are inspirational! Sunsets, wildlife, and amazing colors—it makes me realize there’s so much more to summer than the heat.

Just think about what you are missing if you stay inside in the air conditioning to escape the heat. I love being outside, but with the weather, the temptation is to stay cool. One solution is to get up early and catch the sunrise—you won’t be disappointed. A walk in the park early in the morning will reward you with lots of wildlife sightings and birds on their way out of the park.

Teaching your family to appreciate the outdoors can be difficult when they want to stay inside with their phones. However, they can use those phones to take great photos! Make time as a family to appreciate nature. Have your own photo contests and submit the results to us for inclusion in the newsletter.

Remember, the end of August means it’s back to school, and these precious days together are limited.

Happy trails to you!

Please see the news below and don’t hesitate to write or call us with your suggestions and comments. Please share this newsletter with your friends & family. 
Our mailing address is: PO Box 61076, Ft Myers, FL, 33906
 

Barbara Manzo
President LPEF
barbara.manzo@lakespark.org
 

If you would like to donate, click here- https://t.ly/Y9L5m

Find out more here- www.lakespark.org

August brings the last days of summer before back-to-school season, with warm sunshine 🌞, refreshing afternoon showers 💧, lush tropical blooms 🌸, active wildlife 🐊🦋🦅, and plenty of time to enjoy the natural beauty of Lakes Park.

What's Happening in the Park?

Updates, Reminders, and Special Alerts

REMINDER! Make sure to pay for parking to avoid any citations in the mail. 

 ($1 an hour or $5 for the day)

Love orchids? Help protect Florida's native species!

Join UF IFAS Ext - Lee County on Aug. 5 for a Native Orchid Conservation Workshop at Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center, then take part in a hands-on orchid restoration planting at Lakes Park on Aug. 6.

Learn from orchid experts, support local conservation efforts, and help restore native orchids in our parks.
Register for the workshop: https://NativeOrchid.eventbrite.co

"Bath Time at Lakes Park"
Great White Heron

🚂Railroad Museum News 🚂

Bird & Nature Walk 🐦🌿

Join us on the first Saturday of every month for a relaxing and exciting Bird & Nature Walk through beautiful Lakes Park!

🕗 When: 8:00 AM (arrive a few minutes early—walk begins promptly!)
📍 Where: Meet at Shelter A7 near the Train Station
Enter from Gladiolus, turn right, and follow the road to the end through the parking lot.

Bring your sense of adventure along with water, binoculars, and sunscreen. Don’t forget comfortable shoes and dress for the weather!

Discover local wildlife, enjoy peaceful scenery, and connect with fellow nature lovers.

The tour is free with paid parking.🦅

Good birding!
Marie Di Rosa | (239) 789-5755

Garden News!

📚 StoryTime! Will be back in October!📚

August Garden News

We're Gearing Up-Lakes Park Fall Festival, Scarecrows in the Park.

This event brings over 50,000 visitors to the park, with most visiting the Children's Garden to view and vote for their favorite scarecrow. The Fall Festival includes free viewing of the scarecrows and the huge pumpkin patch, offering great photo opportunities. Visitors can purchase pumpkins, enjoy a hayride, inflatables, food, and take a ride day or evening on the Halloween Express train. 

This year's theme for Scarecrows in the Park is "Scarecrows at Work". Visit the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation website for more information or to register. Space is limited to the first 40 scarecrows. 

The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation's mission is to enhance the park and enrich our community. All funds from the Scarecrows in the Park go directly back to the park, making this a great opportunity to support Lakes Park. 

Don't wait, sign up today!

💐 Fragrance Garden & Succulent Garden 💐

During August, the Lakes Park Gardens come alive with colorful plumeria, hibiscus, water lilies, Queen’s Wreath, vibrant bromeliads, and butterfly-friendly blooms. Visit in the cooler morning hours to enjoy sweet fragrances, fluttering butterflies, and the gardens at their summer best.

🌞 Welcome, August—where every garden path leads to something beautiful.
Be sure to take a walk through one or all of our gardens!

“THE MISSION of Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation is to enhance the beauty and experience of Lakes Park.”— Barbara Manzo, President.

The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation is a nonprofit organization tasked with enhancing the beauty and experience of Lakes Park. The Foundation continues to make efforts that grow its membership, volunteerism, and donations.

Currently, the Foundation is working to raise funds that support the following enhancements to Lakes Park:



COMMUNITY GARDEN – replacement of aging raised beds where people learn to grow their own food and donate the extra to a local soup kitchen.

CHILDREN’S GARDEN – planned additions include murals and other educational opportunities.

LAKES PARK SUMMER CAMP – funding of programs and equipment to enhance the Summer Camp experience.

Copyright © 2026 Lakes Park. All rights reserved.
 
Our mailing address is:
PO Box 61076, Ft. Myers, FL 33906

239.533.7578