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

SOUTHWEST 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 activities in southwest Florida include:

Friday, July 4 at 7:30 a.m.
The annual Fourth of July Firecracker 5K at Highlands Hammock State Park benefits the Avon Park High School Cross Country Program. Race day entry fee is $15 per person and park admission fee is waived for all participants. Interested participants should contact Chet Brojek for additional information at (863) 385-4736.

Saturday, July 5 at 10:00 a.m.
Guests are invited to bring the whole family for a reading of the Declaration of Independence. The event will start at 10:00 a.m. with the reading at 11:00 a.m. The historic settlement will be open for self guided tours along with the nature trail and canoe rentals. For more information or special assistance, call (239) 992-0311. Park entry fee is waived.

Saturday, July 5 at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Ranger led tour starts at the park’s visitor center and follows portions of the Old Fort King Road that Dade and his command traveled. For more information, call (352) 793-4781.

Saturday, July 5 at 10:00 a.m.
Beginning at 10:30 a.m. guests can sign up for the guided Saturday Walking Tour of Ybor City which begins at the museum, then continues out into the surrounding National Historic Landmark District. After the tour, guests can pick up a gallery guide and enjoy the Ybor City Art Walk. The cost for the walking tour is $6.00 and admission to the museum is $3.00.

Wednesday, July 10 at 10:00 a.m.
Participants will explore the prime birding areas of the park and learn to identify the species. A limited number of binoculars will be provided.

Friday, July 11 at 10:00 a.m.
Park Rangers will guide a 2.5 mile kayak tour. Participants will learn the history of Black Island and see Lovers Key wildlife. For more information, call (239) 463-4588.

Friday, July 18 at 10:00 a.m.
Park Rangers will demonstrate a variety of tackle and fresh bait rigs, the best places to drop a line, and learn the rules and regulations that pertain to game fishing. For more information, call (239) 463-4588.

Tuesdays, July 22 and 29 at 10:00 a.m.
Guests can find out what washes ashore on the beach during the night and learn about coastal wildlife as a park naturalist hosts a leisurely one mile walk through the estuary and along the beach. For more information, call (239) 463-4588.

Wednesdays, July 16 and 30 at 9:30 a.m.
Sea turtle presentation will provide interesting facts about the ancient visitor and updated information about current nests. For more information, call (239) 597-6196.

Friday, July 11 at 9:30 a.m.
Park rangers will host a discussion about the Gopher Tortoise. There will be a short walk and a sighting is possible, although not guaranteed. For more information, call (239) 597-6196.

Saturday, July 12 at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
This family-friendly program highlights demonstrations of building tools, natural dyeing techniques and candle making. For more information, call (352) 793-4781.

Friday, July 18 at 9:30 a.m.
Park rangers will host a native plant walk along the beach, across the dunes and through cool, shaded hammock areas. Space is limited, so interested participants should call ahead for reservation. For more information, call (239) 597-6196.

Saturday, July 19 at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Program will highlight Soldier life during the Second Seminole War and the events leading up to Dade’s Battle on December 28, 1835. For more information, call (352) 793-4781.

Friday, July 25 at 9:30 a.m.
Park ranger will demonstrate the basic techniques of castnetting. All ages are invited, but interested participants should call ahead as space is limited. For more information, call (239) 597-6196.

Saturday, July 26 at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Program will highlight the life of an 1830’s trader. For more information, call (352) 793-4781.

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