County to mark park, rec month with free weekend
Lee County Parks & Recreation is celebrating Park and Recreation Month in July with the theme “The Power Of Parks and Recreation” and offering free admission and parking for two days at select sites.
“The month-long celebration highlights how parks and recreation make Lee County stronger, more vibrant and more resilient,” the county shared.
As part of the festivities, it will offer free pool admission and free parking on July 25-26 at some county parks, beach sites, boat ramps and pools. The Parks & Recreation sites will include:
– Parks: Caloosahatchee Regional Park, Hickey Creek Mitigation Park, Lakes Park, Manatee Park and Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
– Beach sites: Bonita Beach Accesses No. 1 and No. 10, Bonita Beach Park, Bowditch Point Park, Bowman’s Beach on Sanibel, San Carlos Bay-Bunche Beach Preserve, and Turner Beach (north side only of Blind Pass) on Captiva
– Boat ramps: Alva, Davis, Imperial River, Matlacha, Pine Island Commercial Marina, and Punta Rassa
– Pools: Lehigh Community Pool, North Fort Myers Community Pool, Pine Island Community Pool and San Carlos Community Pool
The county noted that other recreational sites owned or maintained by other government entities are not included in the free swim/free parking weekend. They include: Barefoot Beach, beach access points managed by the town of Fort Myers Beach, and city of Sanibel sites, including the south side of Blind Pass.
The annual initiative is part of Lee County’s recognition of Park and Recreation Month. On June 16, the Lee County Commission approved a resolution proclaiming July as Park and Recreation Month, highlighting the department’s role in enhancing the social, economic and environmental quality of life throughout the community.
Throughout July, the community is encouraged to share stories, photos and memories that showcase the importance of parks and recreation in their lives on social media using #ThePowerOf.
Lee County Parks & Recreation will also host a variety of events for all ages and abilities, including guided walks, fitness classes, aquatic classes, open play sports and more.
The celebration aligns with the nationwide initiative led by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
For more information about Lee County Parks & Recreation, visit www.leeparks.org, contact 239-533-7275 or leeparks@leegov.com, or follow leeparksandrecreation on Facebook and Instagram.
Residents and visitors can also explore more than 30 locations and earn rewards through Parks, Points & Perks. Learn more at www.visitfortmyers.com/ParksPass.