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-

National Public Garden Day—May 10 Activities:

• 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