November 2023 Newsletter
The Mission of the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation is to enhance the beauty and experience of Lakes Park.
November, 2023
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT:
Dear Friends of Lakes Park,
We have finished a hugely successful Fall Festival with our "Scarecrows in the Park." This attracted the largest number of visitors to date. Thirty-five scarecrows made by local families, schools, churches, and businesses covered the gamut of movie characters from Davey Jones' Locker to the Minions. Check out the winners below.
Moving right along to Thanksgiving and the Christmas Holidays, everyone is busy, busy, and what better place to unwind and enjoy nature than Lakes Park? Our programs are in full swing with Garden Tours, Bird Walks, Children’s Story Time, and the Farmers Market. The gardens look fantastic thanks to all the hard work of our volunteers.
If you haven’t been to the park in a while, check out our Interactive Murals in the Children’s Garden and the beautiful Fallen Heroes Memorial just to the right of the Children’s Garden.
Special thanks to all our participants and sponsors for our Scarecrows event, and if you didn’t get to ride the Halloween Train, in just a little bit, you will be able to ride the Holiday Train.
See you in the park!
Enjoy,
Barbara Manzo
President LPEF
'SCARECROWS IN THE PARK' contest winners!
'SCARECROWS IN THE PARK' contest at The Lakes Park Fallπ Festival was a BIG hit & a great turnout! π Thank you to everyone who participated.
People's Choice Winners:
π₯1st place: Soccer Shots SWFL- (Spider-Man)
π₯2nd place (tie): Doc Ford's FMB- (Davy Jones) & O'Hern Family- (Winifred Sanderson)
π₯3rd place: Yates Family- (One in a Minion)
New Lakes Park Railroad locomotive delivered in time for the Holiday Express train ride!
Volunteers and Lee County staff have joined forces to warmly welcome the latest addition to the Lakes Park train fleet, the Florida Central (FCEN) 55. This newly acquired train is now stationed in the train yard and is undergoing commissioning to ensure a delightful experience for our guests during the upcoming holiday season.
Embark on a festive journey by visiting the Lakes Park and Gulf Railroad in Fort Myers for a ride on the Holiday Express! Operating from December 15th to December 31st (Closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve), the Train Village route transforms into a dazzling display with holiday decorations and lighting for our enchanting nighttime rides. Our dedicated volunteers have invested countless hours in adorning the entire route with tens of thousands of lights and decorations, featuring our renowned "Dancing Lights" synchronized to music, creating a truly spectacular and one-of-a-kind display in Southwest Florida.
The train operates on weekdays from 10 am to 2 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm, and on weekends from 10 am to 9 pm. Admission is free for ages 1-5 and $6 for ages 6 and above.
All Aboard for a magical holiday experience!
Halloween Express Train!
FELI Hurricane Project Groundbreaking
The FELI Hurricane Project groundbreaking marks the initiation of construction for the project. This event typically involves ceremonial digging of the first shovel of soil, symbolizing the beginning of the development of the FELI Hurricane Project. It's a significant milestone that signifies progress and the commencement of the physical work associated with the project. The groundbreaking ceremony involved key stakeholders, project leaders, and community members coming together to celebrate and mark the official start of the FELI Hurricane Project.
Board Meeting and Birthdays!
On Thursday, October 26, 2023, the Lee County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board convened at Lakes Park. As a delightful coincidence, lunch was graciously provided by our Foundation, making the gathering even more special as it also marked Barbara’s birthday celebration!
Debbie and Kathy in the Garden!
Debbie and Kathy are planning the upcoming Farmer's Market table sale in the garden. With a passion for creating an inviting market experience, they're curating fresh produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal delights!
Winner of The Naples Botanical Gift Basket Raffle!
Kathy Busick presents the Naples Botanical Gift Basket, complete with a one-year membership to the Naples Botanical Gardens, to our lucky raffle winner, Marilyn Marousek. Our sincere gratitude extends to the Naples Botanical Gardens for this thoughtful and much-appreciated gift basket.
It's important to note that the proceeds from this raffle will be directed towards acquiring additional plants to honor those affected by Ian. Your support contributes to the growth and restoration of our botanical haven. Thank you for making a difference through your participation in this meaningful cause.
Pair of American Bald eagles
One or both of these majestic American Bald Eagles have been a daily sight at Lakes Park over the past month. You can observe them perched in the dead tree located adjacent to the park's exit.
Garden Tours Will Resume
The strolling garden tours will resume on Saturday, November 11th with Dr Wesley Higgins and Paula Novander.
Meet at the entrance to the Children’s Garden to learn about the plants in the botanic garden.
Tours are scheduled for the second Saturday of each month at 9:00 AM.
Bird Patrol Led Nature Walks
1st Saturday of every month!
Next walk is December 2nd
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!
Follow this link for a brick donation and this link for a general donation. Thank you for your support!
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Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation
P.O. Box 61076
Fort Myers, Fl 33906-1076
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PLEASE MAIL DONATIONS TO:
Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation
P.O. Box 61076
Fort Myers, Fl. 33906-1076
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