continued from page 51
CAPE CORAL PARKS AND RECREATION CENTERS
Cape Coral’ s award-winning Parks and Recreation Department manages nearly 40 facilities, from a water park and golf course to marinas, a beach, art studio, nature parks and athletic complexes— all for city residents and visitors to enjoy. Whether you’ re looking for a spot to practice your sport, eager to learn a new hobby or just want a place to picnic with the family, check the city’ s facilities and programs. Seniors can join one of several senior centers and participate in exercise classes, trips to the theater and fulfilling camaraderie. Kids can learn to sail, play tennis or take part in various after-school, pre-kindergarten and summer programs highlighting a menu of themes and talents— from athletics to theater. For locations, upcoming activities and other details, contact: Cape Coral Parks and Recreation, 573-3128 City Hall Complex, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd. CapeCoral. net
SPECIALTY PARKS
Bernice Braden Park 2051 Cape Coral Parkway East
This waterfront, linear park near the Cape Coral Bridge and the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce is a popular spot for fishing, picnicking and taking in the view.
Burnt Store Boat Ramp 230 Burnt Store Road South
The 4.5 acre boat launch facility provides access to the canals and lakes in north-west Cape Coral, Matlacha Pass and the Gulf of Mexico. Picnic shelter and restrooms are available.
Cultural Park 528 Cultural Park Blvd.
This 16-acre campus is home to the Cape Coral Historical Society and Museum( CapeCoralHistoricalMuseum. org), Cultural Park Theatre( CulturalParkTheater. com), the Cape Coral Art League( CapeCoralArtLeague. org), and a rose garden.
Del Prado Linear Park
This two-mile, lighted, paved pathway is 10-feet wide, offering ample space for runners, walkers, cyclists and skaters. It runs along both sides of Del Prado Blvd. between Diplomat and Kismet parkways. The east side includes fitness stations, and the west side circles a lake and goes past a rain garden.
Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve & Kayak Shack S. E. 23rd Terrace( north of Veterans Memorial Bridge)
Stroll the walking trail and boardwalk to the Caloosahatchee River at this 365- acre wetland preserve, and stop at the visitor center to learn more about the region’ s ecosystem. Spend some time at the Veterans Memorial, which includes several memorials standing tribute to those who’ ve served in the U. S. armed services. On weekends from November through May, you can rent a kayak at the Kayak Shack( 574-7395) to explore by water.
Horton Park and Boat Ramp 2600 S. E. 26th Place( south of Veterans Memorial Bridge)
Launch your boat for direct access to the Caloosahatchee and Gulf of Mexico. This small park along the river is a great place to enjoy the vistas and picnics.
Rosen Park 2414 S. E. 15th Terrace
This river-front park, north of Four Mile Cove Eco Park, features two boat ramps with ample boat trailer parking. It also has 19 wet slips that can accommodate boats up to 40 feet long, available for annual or transient rental.( 574-0809) Barbecue areas, picnic shelters and restrooms are available.
Seahawk Air Park 1030 N. W. 28th St.
Home of the Cape Coral R / Sea Hawks( RSeaHawks. org), a club for radiocontrolled airplane enthusiasts, this park has an airstrip and is the site of an annual air show, drawing pilots and spectators from throughout the region.
Sirenia Vista Corner of Ceitus Parkway and Old Burnt Store Road
A great place to spot manatees in the winter months, this 8-acre waterfront park in the northwest Cape has manatee viewing and fishing areas, and a kayak launch providing access to the Great Calusa Blueway through Matlacha Pass.
ATHLETIC FACILITIES
Cape Coral Athletic Division, 573-3128 1015 Cultural Park Blvd.
The city has 53 fields in 11 athletic complexes where weekly league competitions and regional, state and national tournaments take place. The city’ s athletic division offers youth and adult sports, including basketball, football, baseball and tennis. A number of other organizations for all ages, ranging from soccer and cheerleading to BMX motocross, also use the facilities.
Burton Memorial Park 1502 N. E. 3rd Terrace
This is the home of the Cape Coral Girls’ Softball League( CapeFastPitch. com), which has hosted several state softball tournaments. Picnic shelters, restrooms, basketball and tennis courts and playground are also located here.
Caloosa Park 610 Del Prado Blvd.
This 15-acre complex has two lighted youth football fields, a track, concession stand and restrooms. It is home of the Cape Coral Junior Football Program for Boys and Girls, and is the site of regular Pop Warner football and cheerleading events.
Cape Coral Sports Complex 1510 Sports Blvd.
The largest of the Cape’ s athletic complexes, this 52-acre park has five soccer fields, five softball fields, four baseball fields plus three concession stands, a playground capecoralchamber. com 52