Uniquely
Southwest Florida

Today visitors can relax, exercise and explore at Lakes Park with
several miles of paved and unpaved trails, boardwalks, canoeing
and kayaking, fishing, picnicking, bird watching, and a fragrance                                   

garden, which is the impetus for the forthcoming Lakes Park Botanic

Garden.

The history of Lakes Park is a study in the majesty and strength of
nature. As late as the 1960s, this beautiful preserve was a man–made
quarry. Transformed by time into a haven for wildlife and nature lovers,
it is a monument to the enduring power of nature. Purchased by
Lee County in 1978, the park was developed in 1984 for the community
to enjoy.

With the help of Hurricane Charley in August 2004, many invasive exotic trees
were downed throughout the park, helping to validate the drastic need for removal
of this vegetation which resulted in the park escalating its exotic removal program.
In the last few years, new playgrounds and water parks have been added, the Miniature Train and Railroad Museum and new concession facilities with food sales, bike and watercraft rentals have been expanded.

Every year, 700,000 people enjoy Lakes Parks's natural beauty for exercise and family recreation. Additionally, the Lakeside Country Bash brings top flight country music stars to the area and benefits the on-going efforts of the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation.

 

Click here to visit the offical Lee County Parks & Recreation Web site.

 

It's For The Birds

Did you know that the islands of Lakes Park are home to a great number of birds in Lee County? In fact, it is one of the most important nesting rookeries in the country. In nesting seasons, over one-thousand (1,000) nests are in the rookery. Nesting species include:

  • White and Glossy Ibis
  • Great Blue Heron
  • Little Blue Heron
  • Green Heron
  • Anhinga
  • Cattle Egrets
  • Great Egrets
  • the rarely seen Black Crown Night Heron
  • and even Scarlet Ibis

In the fall, Lakes Park is a great place to see migrating birds. The rookery is monitored year round by the Lee County Bird Patrol. These volunteers count the birds and their young, then report their findings to via eBird.org. www.eBird.org is a joint project, powered by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at Cornell University and the National Audubon Society. The Lee County Bird Patrol offers tours of the rookery and bird viewing walks in the park. Check out the tour schedule at www.BirdPatrol.org.