May 2023 Newsletter
The Mission of the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation is to enhance the beauty and experience of Lakes Park.
May, 2023
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT:
Dear Friends of Lakes Park,
To All our wonderful Visitors and Patrons
I hope you have been enjoying Lakes Park since it re-opened after Hurricane Ian! Though I’ve said it before it bears repeating if it weren’t for our dedicated staff and wonderful volunteers we wouldn’t be in the wonderful place we are today. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that we have a quiet hurricane season and no storms develop in the Gulf!
As you know, we had to cancel our major event of the year “Scarecrows in the Park” due to the storm but we are preparing for a bigger and better event this fall. As the Summer goes on check our Website and Social media for updates. Don’t forget anyone can construct a Scarecrow and what better way to engage the family!
Our Summer Camp at the Park is underway and thanks to your generosity once again LPEF is funding outings that stimulate our campers minds to places like IMAG. Let’s keep those donations coming!
Check out our stories below for all that is happening at the Park this Summer.
Stay safe and enjoy your Summer.
Enjoy,
Barbara Manzo
Community Garden Updates!
Here are some summer photos from the garden. This year is unusual of course because of our late start but it did recover nicely and it seems as though there are more gardeners leaving their beds producing this year. Many are profuse with sweet potatoes or cowpeas (black eye peas) These are advantageous to grow as they replace nutrients in the soil.
The Garden Team is getting geared up for the annual renewals and sign-up for new gardeners. We will be once again doing in person orientations in the garden that was discontinued in 2020 because of COVID.
We were able to have several harvests and in our abbreviated season we were able to donate 93lbs of food and produce, which was greatly appreciated by the Community Cooperative.
2023 Lakes Park Fall Festival!
Refreshed gazebo
New facia boards painted a beautiful color purple. All work done by volunteers and material paid for by the LPEF.
New Bench!
New bench being installed by the Peace Pole in the Fragrance Garden.
Barbara Manzo, Nancy MacPhee of the VCB and Faustino Moroles meeting in the Children’s Garden to discuss having a interactive photo mural painted on our sound barrier wall.
The last photo is of the succulent garden gazebo that was just repaired and the facia board painted purple.
Farmers Market is running til the end of June!
Great Summer gifts from Palm Friends!
You can purchase these patriotic Palm Friends every Monday and Thursday morning in the Children’s Garden. Support the gardens by purchasing one of these cute friends, only $10!
Bird Patrol Led Nature Walks
1st Saturday of every month!
Next walk is August 5th
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!
FREE Ranger-led Summer Programs
This program for mindful birding and kids nature exploration walks. This starts on Friday June 16th at 8:00 am!
Volunteer work in park!
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