Lee County Parks & Recreation invites the public to participate in shaping the future of local preserves by providing input on potential new amenities and trails, including Four Mile Cove in Cape Coral

“This exciting project aims to enhance outdoor experiences at four key preserves through a partnership with the National Parks Service – Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program,” county officials said in a release issued today.

The four preserves under consideration are:

• Four Mile Cove Preserve – 2151 Four Mile Cove Parkway, Cape Coral

• Oak Hammock Preserve – 2200 Carter Lane, Alva

• Pine Lake Preserve – 27225 Kent Road, Bonita Springs

• West Marsh Preserve – 6571 Felix Romano Ave, Fort Myers

Following Hurricane Ian, Lee County Parks & Recreation requested master planning assistance from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) for these four preserves due to limited staffing capacity. In response, FEMA enlisted the National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program to provide recreation planning assistance as part of Lee County’s recreation recovery efforts. This initiative addresses public demand for additional passive recreational opportunities within the preserves.

The public is encouraged to share feedback on what they would like to see at the trailheads and within these preserves. Input can be provided in two ways:

• Online Survey: Available on the Lee County Parks & Recreation homepage (www.leeparks.org) and social media pages.

• In-Person Feedback: NFM Family Fall Festival held from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 25, at North Fort Myers Recreation Center, 2000 North Recreation Park Way, North Fort Myers.

The survey will remain open until Friday, Nov. 1.

“Public participation is vital for anyone who enjoys Lee County’s preserves and recreational sites, as it allows residents and visitors alike to offer valuable input on potential improvements,” the release states.

The National Park Service- Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program helps communities and land managers with local conservation and outdoor recreation efforts around the country. The National Park Service team works with local knowledge experts to develop or restore parks, trails, rivers and conservation areas, evolve resiliency strategies to a changing climate, recover from natural disasters, and create new and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities. For more information visit www.nps.gov/orgs/rtca.

For additional details about Lee County Parks & Recreation locations, amenities, and upcoming events, visit www.leeparks.org, call 239-533-7275, or email leeparks@leegov.com. Stay connected on social media by following leeparksandrecreation on Facebook and Instagram.

Source: Lee County