January 2024 Newsletter
The Mission of the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation is to enhance the beauty and experience of Lakes Park.
January, 2024
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Happy New Year!
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE LAKES PARK ENRICHMENT FOUNDATION
LAKES PARK TURNS FORTY!
What an exciting time it is for our beloved park. When the County Commissioners purchased the property that is now Lakes Park in 1984, I don’t think they could have ever imagined it would become the “Central Park” of Lee County!
The history of Lakes Park is fascinating. From Rock Quarry with train lines running through it to a park with a swimming beach and thousands of invasive exotic Australian Pines to the glorious park, it is today. If you don’t know the history you will before the year is over. We are planning a history series on our website and social media as well as enhancing our storyboards in the park.
Start learning by reading our Story Boards/Informational Kiosks located in the circle along the lake near the water features. I’ll bet you didn’t know the half of it.
We plan to celebrate so plan on joining us Saturday, April 20th for an Anniversary Blowout!
Be on the lookout for a Lakes Park Passport complete with coupons and a calendar of events. There will also be lots of special events during the months to come.
In addition to the 40th anniversary of Lakes Park, it is the 20th Anniversary of our Foundation. In the 20 years since we started our mission to “Enrich our Park and Enhance our Community," we have raised nearly $2 Million to build the Botanic Gardens, add Exercise Stations, place informational signage and so much more. Without your support, none of this would have been possible.
Congratulations are also in order for our much-loved Farmers Market which celebrates 15 years in Lakes Park.
So…stay tuned and pass the word 2024 is a year to remember and we want you with us for it.
Barbara Manzo
President LPEF
barbara.manzo@lakespark.org
239-229-0387
A Special Thank You to Tropical Hardware
2605 Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Thanks to Diana Jones and Melissa Kasamauski from Tropical Hardware for their generous donation of 721 Seed Packets from Burpee to the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation. The flower, vegetable and herb seeds will be put to good use in all of the gardens!
The Royal Palm Garden Club is donating this beautiful Dahoon Holly in Memory of their dear friend Winnie Stone who passed away 2 weeks short of her 101st birthday
It will be planted on Friday, January 19th, 2024 as part of the Florida Arbor Day in our Fragrance Garden behind the wedding gazebo
Garden clubs across the state will plant more than 400 trees on January 19th, 2024, to celebrate Florida Arbor Day and the 100th anniversary of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs (FFGC)
COOL THINGS TO DO AT LAKES PARK!
Bird & Nature Walk at Lakes Park every First Saturday, of every month!
The tour is FREE with paid parking
Parking is $1/hour or $5/all day
WHEN? 8am Please arrive a few minutes earlier-walks start promptly at 8am
Meet at Shelter A7 located near the Train Station
Bring water, binoculars & sunscreen.
Please wear comfortable shoes & dress for the weather
INFORMATION: Call (239)533-7275
Lakes Park Farmers Market is a true, local outdoor market selling produce, native plants & flowers, artisan foods, crafts + more.
Established in 2010 with only 20 vendors, it's now one of the largest markets in Lee County with 50 vendors!
* Oct 2023-June 2024
* Wednesdays
* 9am-1pm
🍉🍊🍏🥑🌽🍆🍓🥝🍇🥥🧄🍄🥕🧅
Local Roots, LLC has teamed up with the 'Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation' to help raise money and awareness for the gardens.
The Botanic Garden Tours at Lakes Park
Meet at the entrance to the Children’s Garden to learn about the plants in the botanic garden.
Tours are on the second Saturday of each month
⏱ 9:00am-10am
📞(239) 533-7578 EMAIL- Info@LakesPark.org
The gardens are thriving, providing an enjoyable stroll as one discovers the unique expressions in each bed, mirroring the distinct visions of their respective owners.
Amidst this flourishing beauty, our community has contributed over 200 pounds of fresh produce and food items to the CCMI food pantry and soup kitchen! Looking forward to a successful 2024.
Story Time in The Children's Garden
Where? Children's Garden
When? 3rd Thursday of every month
Time? 10:30am-11:30am
This program is intended for kids 2-5 years old with their parent or guardian
Purchase an engraved brick for a loved one & support The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation's mission to enhance the beatification of Lakes Park!
Follow this LINK to make a General Donation
The Mission of Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation is to enhance the beauty and experience of Lakes Park
And as always THANK YOU for your support!
Lakes Park is located at 7330 Gladiolus Dr, Ft. Myers, FL 33906
239.533.7578
Copyright © *|2024|* *|Lakes Park|*, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
*|PO Box 61076|* *|Ft. Myers, FL, 33906|*
The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation
7330 Gladiolus Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33908
(239) 533-7578
Donations
PLEASE MAIL DONATIONS TO:
Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation
P.O. Box 61076
Fort Myers, Fl. 33906-1076
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION oF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Registration #CH31520