December 2018 – Happenings around the Park

Published on December 25, 2018 by Erin White

December 2018 – Happenings around the Park

Volunteers –

We kicked off the month with a December 5th brunch in honor of all “Lakes Park Ambassador” volunteers. Your dedication helps to make Lakes Park THE place for families to gather and play in Lee County. Ambassadors from the Train Museum, the Botanic Garden, the Nest, and every other volunteer assignment in the park gathered in the park to enjoy holiday music, networking, and noshes. This event was hosted at The Lodge by Parks and Rec, and sponsored by the Foundation. CHECK OUT OUR GOOGLE ALBUM full of photos from the event –

Wildlife –

Great Horned Owl at Lakes Park Fort Myers, FL — Great Horned Owl seen at Lakes Park! Photo Credit: Jose V Padilla, MD

A great horned owl was recently spotted in the park by Lee County Bird Patrol. This is the first time in several years that this species has been seen in the park. Our park is a stop on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. We are proud to help Lee County maintain an environment where wildlife can co-exist with people in the middle of a bustling urban area. Lee County Bird Patrol conducts a “Morning Meander” at Lakes Park once monthly on the first Saturday at 8:00 AM. Why not join them on January 5th – who knows what birds you might encounter?

Maintenance –

Gazebo in the cactus garden at Lakes Park Fort Myers FL — Gazebo in the cactus garden

In addition to assembling a new shed in the Community Garden, Parks & Rec re-roofed the gazebo in the cactus garden section of the Fragrance Garden. Good to know, in case anyone needs a place to wait out a rain shower. Volunteers also performed maintenance on a chilly morning this December – the Children’s Garden is getting a botanical makeover! Much pruning and weeding and clearing out has commenced, organized by the Foundation’s Secretary and all-around awesome volunteer leader, Kathy Busick. Check out these photos of Lakes Park’s “A Team” volunteer troops braving the cold to get the job done! Not pictured: Kathy Busick, Bill Cable, and Jean Montgomery.

Volunteer work day in the Children's Garden at Lakes Park Fort Myers FL — Work Day in the Lakes Park Children’s Garden: Bill Emmet (pictured) and Bill Cable teamed up to clear out an overgrown are by the back wall of the Children’s Garden

Work Day in the Lakes Park Children's Garden, Fort Myers FL — Work Day in the Lakes Park Children’s Garden: Ross Becker, Lee County Parks & Rec Program Specialist; volunteers Sherwin Kruger, Susan Kruger, and Karen Jarboe

Holiday Fun

Wednesday the 19th of December was a “special edition” of the Farmer’s Market. The idea was generated by the owners of Local Roots, following the success of “trick or treat” at Halloween. A special mailbox built by Dennis Baer and painted by one of the Local Roots vendors, Alisha of Twisted Acres. Around 200 children stopped by, many of whom used the mailbox to post their letters to Santa. Elves were on hand to add to the merriment.

Over in the Children’s Garden, 45 parents and their children listened to the Zaniacs tell the tale of the old woman who swallowed a bell. And the Holiday Express train ran all morning long. It was an awesome day to enjoy all that the park has to offer during “season”. CLICK THE SLIDESHOW BELOW TO SEE ALL THE FUN!

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