State Parks Host Recreation and Parks Month Events, Welcome Visitors Without Fees on July 13

NORTHEAST FLORIDA – Governor Charlie Crist, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Division of Recreation & Parks and the Florida Recreation and Park Association have designated July as Recreation and Parks Month, encouraging family, friends and close-to-home fun. To celebrate this designation, all 161 state parks will waive park admission fees on Sunday, July 13.

“Florida’s state parks are an ideal place for children, families and friends to exercise, connect with nature and learn about our state,” said Florida State Park Director Mike Bullock. “The Family. Friends. Fun. events offered at Florida’s state parks during Recreation and Parks Month will enrich the lives of Floridians and visitors by connecting them with natural Florida.”

Since 1985, state, national and local recreation areas throughout America have celebrated July with this designation. This year, Florida State Parks are encouraging family-friendly, outdoor recreation with the launch of its Family. Friends. Fun. campaign to reconnect children and families with nature by engaging them in outdoor activity.

Family-friendly Recreation and Parks Month in northeast Florida include:

Wednesdays, July 2, 9, 23, 30 at 9:00 a.m.
Program will feature techniques for a variety of traditional domestic skills including quilting, rug braiding, basketry, woodworking, and corn shuck crafts. Regular park admission fees apply.

Sunday, July 6 at 2:30 p.m.
Park rangers will demonstrate the lifecycle and importance of the sea turtle. The program will take place at pavilion six on Little Talbot Island. No reservations are necessary and the program is free with regular park admission. For more information, call (904) 251-2320.

Wednesday, July 9 at 10:00 a.m.
Participants will meet a park ranger at the headsprings canoe dock or day use section of the park. The trip is one mile downriver and back. Round trip takes about 2.5 hours. A $25.00 deposit with driver's license is required for rental. Rentals are $10.00 per hour. RSVP is necessary. Regular park admission fees apply. For more information, call (352) 465-8555.

Saturday, July 12 at 11:00 a.m.
Park rangers will host a discussion on the different types of shark teeth that can be found on the area’s beaches. This program will take place at the Ribault Club on Fort George Island Cultural State Park. No reservations are necessary and the program is free. For more information, call (904) 251-2320.

Saturday, July 19 at 8:30 p.m.
Local talented artists will provide an evening of entertainment. Tickets for the FORS (Friends of Rainbow Springs) event are $2.00 and include bottomless coffee. Guests are invited to bring a chair, a mug, a musical instrument or poetry. For more information, call (352) 465-8555.

Saturday, July 19 at 10:00 a.m.
Participants will enjoy games such as the three-legged race, sack-hop race and horseshoes. There will be a competitive race for teams of adult/child. Events are set up for all visitors to safely participate with little or no assistance required. All activities are free with park admission. For more information, call (352) 493-6072.

Sunday, July 20 at 2:30 p.m.
Park rangers will explain the importance of undeveloped beach habitat, including many interesting facts about sea creatures and common shells found in the area. The program will take place at pavilion six on Little Talbot Island. No reservations are necessary and the program is free with regular park admission. For more information, call (904) 251-2320.

Monday, July 21 at 10:00 a.m.
Participants will be challenged with fun hands-on activities dealing with the health of our nation’s water. Presented by the Marion County Stormwater Division. Admission is free. For more information, call (352) 465-8555.

Saturday, July 26 at 11:00 a.m.
Guests will learn about the species that inhabit the natural communities of the undeveloped barrier islands of northeast Florida. This program will take place at the Ribault Club on Fort George Island Cultural State Park. No reservations are necessary and the program is free. For more information, call (904) 251-2320.

Available upon request
Participants will learn the disciplines of archaeology while sifting through soil removed from the dredged boat slip at the park. The controlled program is designed to recover tools and artifacts from the spoil and is limited to groups of 24 people or less. This program is periodically offered to park visitors and can be arranged by school groups. To request this program or for more information, call (352) 795-3817.

For more information on events during Recreation and Parks Month, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.