FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PHOTOS, SCHEDULE ATTACHED Lakes Regional Park to Host National Public Gardens Day on Friday, May 10 FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 12, 2013) Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation is hosting a day-long celebration in recognition of National Public Gardens Day on Friday, May 10, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free and open to the public, the event includes garden tours; birding tips and tours; guest speakers including well-known local author Charles Sobczak and cartoonist Doug McGregor; demonstrations by local garden clubs, nurseries and growers; children s story-telling and activities and more. In addition, the culmination of the 2013 Botanic Gardens at Lakes Park Photography Contest will take place at noon with the presentation of the awards. The winning photos will be on display during the day. The day begins with a bird walk at 7:30 a.m. and a second bird walk at 9 a.m., starting in the gardens and continuing to the new wetlands area of the park. Hourly tours of gardens include the succulent collection, ginger garden, the butterfly garden, heritage rose garden, vertical garden, water garden, bromeliad garden, the wedding gazebo and community garden. Continental breakfast will be available in the morning, as well as refreshments throughout the day. For a schedule of events, visit www.lakespark.org. A variety of activities and programs will showcase the many gardens and other special features of Lakes Park, said Susan Moore, active member of the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation. The day will emphasize the impact of Lakes Park on our local natural environment and all the benefits the park has to offer. Lakes Park joins more than 500 public gardens in the nationwide celebration, and May 10 is officially designated as National Public Gardens Day in Lakes Park by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners. The event is being sponsored locally by the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation, a 501C3 organization that enriches the park with many projects including an expansion of the Botanic Garden at Lakes Park. The foundation s main focus is to assist Lee County Parks and Recreation
in the continued implementation of the $30 million Lakes Park Master Plan, enhancing the park's environmental aesthetics, wildlife habitat and recreational amenities for the community to enjoy for many years to come. For more information on the foundation, visit www.lakespark.org. The Lee County Bird Patrol is also assisting in this event. National sponsors include the American Public Gardens Association, Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, and Rain Bird Irrigation. Free Parking is available by downloading a voucher at www.lakespark.org. Lakes Regional Park is located at 7330 Gladiolus Drive between US 41 and Summerlin Dr. For more information contact Marsha Asp, Vice President of Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation, at 239-851-6434. Media Contacts: Marsha Asp, Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation, 239-851-6434 or marshaasp@comcast.net Teri Hansen, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-849-3300 or teri@prioritymarketing.com -END-
Activities: National Public Garden Day May 10 Bird Tours 7:30 a.m. & 9:00 a.m. (meet at registration table) Garden Tours 8a.m.. 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a..m. & 1:00 pm (meet at registration table) Succulent garden Fragrance garden Community garden Speakers/audio-visual presentations (Railroad Museum) Doug McGregor, cartoonist - Patterns of Nature Charles Sobczak, local author of many nature/wildlife books Vince McGrath, local birding expert Jim Price, The Crooked Garden butterfly gardens Russ Luther, ECHO container gardening Children s story-telling Mary Anne Williams 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. (Gazebo) Children s activity 10 a.m. Demonstrations & Displays 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. (Shelters C-1 & A-8) Garden clubs, nurseries, garden-related businesses, conservation organizations Photography contest winners (The Lodge) Photo Contest, Raffles Award ceremony at Noon (The Lodge) Food & Drink: Continental breakfast 7:00 9:00 a.m. ( The Lodge) Refreshments 9:00 2 pm (The Lodge, Whistle Stop Concession) Free Parking Download a free parking pass at www.lakespark.org Cost: Free and open to the public