Explore Lakes Park
Dear Friends of Lakes Park,
Its official, Spring has arrived! Can you believe March is almost over and Easter and Passover are around the corner!?
Lakes Park is in full swing and everyone is enjoying the gorgeous weather.
Lots of news so please read the stories that follow. We held our first Story Time for the little ones and over 50 people attended! Check the dates of the next one. The Farmer’s market is a beloved event every Wednesday and we are working on carrying it through to June. Make sure you join us for the Ding Darling Carnival. We will be planting 30 new trees in the park in honor of Earth Day. If you haven’t seen the new Police Memorial stop by the entrance to the Children’s Garden, and it is just on your right. The Train will run the Easter Bunny Express this year and everyone is looking forward to that. You are never too old to enjoy a train ride through the park. Garden Beds are looking good, thanks to our wonderful Volunteers and Staff.
The park is in great shape so come out and enjoy the beauty and the birds and all our plants and critters.
Our supporters have been very generous and as a result we are able to keep supporting the park with all that we do.
Thanks to all of our patrons and supporters!
See you there,
Barbara Manzo
President LPEF
Get Involved
Help us improve our park! Volunteer, donate or attend our fundraising events.
Volunteer
Join our fabulous volunteer community to support maintenance and expansion of the Lakes Park Gardens, including the Fragrance Garden, the Community Garden, and the Children’s Garden.
Donate
Raised funds will go for enhancements throughout the park, such as rebuild garden beds in the Community Garden, expansion of the irrigation system in the Botanic Garden, improved educational signage along the trails and continued enhancements to the Children’s Garden.
Community Garden
Are you a gardener but don’t have the space for veggies? Rent one of our Community Garden beds! You will be surrounded by fellow gardeners and a beautiful park. Tools are available and beds come well amended. Rental period is one year.
E.Z Rider Tours
Back up and running!
At the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation, we believe that everyone should benefit from the beauty and fun at Lakes Park, which is why we created and are funding the E.Z. Rider Lakes Park Assisted Tour Service! The E.Z. Rider is a six-passenger golf cart available to guests of Lakes Park by advance reservation which transports individuals and families who could not otherwise enjoy the park.
Call 239-533-7578 to reserve.
News & Events
Latest Newsletter
Lakes Park Calendar
Wondering what’s Happening in Lakes Park? From volunteer days to no park fee weekends, Check out our Calendar here for more info.
RECENT HIGHLIGHTS
Farmers market is BACK every Wednesday! The plant sale is the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month.
| On March 16th, the Lee County Sheriff Department unveiled their Fallen Officer’s Memorial at Lakes Park adjacent to our Children’s Garden. The LCSO Fallen Deputy Memorial is designed to honor those deputies and K-9 killed in the line of duty. Beginning on February 12, 1972, and until October 22, 2006, ten deputies and a K-9 have been killed. These deputies have left behind family and loved ones. Their sacrifice and that of their families is in itself a dedication to their memory. This memorial is a remembrance of these heroic deputies. It is designed to recall each one of these heroes. The three black granite tablets entomb their lives forever. The mourning deputy kneeling before the memorial reminds us of the never ending anguish. The K-9 killed in the line of duty oversees and protects their memory. The black granite pavers surrounding the memorial reflect upon the hope for the future. The granite benches allow us time for contemplation. This privately funded memorial, 501c3, is set within Lakes Regional Park. It is outlined with palm trees and shrubs. The setting is transitioned into a beautiful grotto. The sun reflecting off the highly polished granite invites all the citizens of the county. This peaceful and introspective memorial becomes a constant reminder of those lives taken from us. The life-size sculptures include both deputies and K-9. The Deputy is kneeling with his head bowed, holding a folded flag. His colleague stands over him, with her hand on his shoulder, giving comfort. Our lost K-9 stands beside the memorial, ever vigilant. The sculptures and memorial are being created by some of our most influential artists in the country. The design and quality are constructed to last a hundred years. This memorial will be an ongoing reminder of all of those who have and will make the greatest sacrifice. |
| New Garden beds! Here is Dan Flavin and other volunteers prepping the forms to make new concrete boards for the new style of raised garden beds. There will be more photo opportunities as these beds are installed. |
| Earth Day – Volunteers needed! SIGN UP HERE Please note the following: Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian MUST wear closed-toe shoes Bring reusable water bottle, sunblock, & bug spray if you have them: Bring gloves Bring Shovel Bring Bucket MUST pre-register Water refill stations will be provided |
| Bird Patrol Led Nature Walks 1st Saturday of every month! 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. |
| Volunteer work in the park! Creating art from Ian debris and donated materials. We have cleaned out the pond, repaired the shed, installed new bricks, and spread mulch. We are continue to sell plants to raise money for the park. |
The Wheel Fun Update
The wheel of fun will is open! check out their website here. From their site
“Staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy. Outdoor recreation is a way to relieve stress, get some fresh air, and stay active. Low-contact outdoor activities like bike riding are great ways for people to get their bodies moving, as stated by the CDC.
Rent a bike or boat at the premier recreational rental spot Wheel Fun Rentals. Featuring 25 years of experience, excellent customer service, Swan pedal boats, pedal boats, kayaks, electric boats, cruiser bikes, specialty cycles and way more! Enjoy delicious food from the Whistle Stop!
At Wheel Fun Rentals at Lakes Regional Park, we have two fantastic locations to rent bikes & boats at Ft. Myers’ favorite park – one at the Whistle Stop Ice Cream Shoppe (near the Train Ride), and the other by the beach near the main entrance.”
