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

CENTRAL 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 central Florida include:

Daily at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Florida Naturalists will narrate a two hour nature and ecological cruise on the St. Johns River. Guests should pack a picnic lunch and bring the whole family to see this fragile ecosystem first hand. Regular park entrance fees apply. Tour boat rates are $20.00 for adults, $18.00 for seniors and $14.00 for children ages three to12. For more information, visit www.sjrivercruises.com.

Friday, July 4 at 9:30 a.m.
The park will offer a hayride around Buster Island, through several different plant and animal communities, ending at the trail to the re-created 1876 Cow Camp where visitors can see a Cow Hunter in action. A hat and sunscreen are recommended for the hay ride. Regular park entry fees apply. For registration and information, call (862) 696-1112.

Friday, July 4 at 10:00 a.m.
Program will demonstrate how visitors can enjoy the beach while helping to protect the sea turtle and discover the park's role in ensuring their future. Participants will also learn about the different species that frequent Florida beaches, the life cycle of a loggerhead sea turtle and the perils sea turtles face throughout their journey through life. Regular park entry fees apply. For more information, call (386) 517-2086.

Friday, July 4 at 10:00 a.m.
July 4th celebration will feature a guided walk and talk with a park ranger on Charlie Gafford Trail to learn about the ecosystems found in the park. The walk will last approximately one hour. Regular park admission fees apply.

Saturday, July 4 and 12 at 10:30 a.m.
The ranger-led, 3.5 mile low tide bike ride, short rest and return trip will promote physical and healthy lifestyles in the outdoors. Riders should be prepared for weather conditions on the beach which could be influenced by heat or cold, wind and sand. Participants will meet at Island Joe’s pavilion and should bring at least one pint of water, a bike and a healthy snack. Regular park entrance fees apply.

Saturday, July 5 at 8:00 p.m.
Guests will join park staff for a slow tram tour through the back country of the park to observe the park’s wildlife at dusk. The tour will last approximately 90 minutes and may be bumpy and dusty depending on road conditions. Regular park admission fees apply. For more information, call (863) 815-6791.

Wednesday, July 9 at 9:00 a.m.
The park will host Hurley's national tour of professional surfers who will offer advice and let kids ride their surfboards. This event is free with regular park entrance fees. For more information, visit www.hurley.com.

Friday, July 11 at 10:00 a.m.
Participants will walk down the beach and learn significant features of the habitat, including vegetation and the importance of the wrack line. Participants can explore the beach for shells, shorebirds, crabs and sea turtles. Participants are encouraged to bring a hat and wear sunscreen. For more information, call (386) 517-2086.

Saturday, July 12 and 26 at 10:00 a.m.
Participants will learn the park’s history and how to identify plant species that grow there while enjoying 1.8 mile, ranger-led, wagon ride. Regular park admission fees apply. For more information, call (386) 329-3721.

Friday, July 18 at 10:00 a.m.
Participants will enjoy two children’s stories and make manatee puppets at this family-oriented program. For more information, call (386) 517-2086.

Sunday, July 20 at 8:30a.m.
An experienced birder from the St. Johns County Audubon Society will guide participants on a bird walk along the boardwalk and grounds at Fort Mose Historic State Park. Guests should bring binoculars and field guide if possible. The event is weather permitting. Regular park admission fees apply.

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