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by Rich Donnelly, President FOLKS
This past July 19th was a very special day for FOLKS and the Park. Representatives from the Park, FOLKS, the Park Service, and the Architect met on the site to welcome the contractor for the new Welcome and Discovery Center building, Owen Ames Kimball – the new member of the building team. This meeting means that the Building is now officially underway, with a groundbreaking scheduled for December!
Eric Draper, the head of the Park Service, also welcomed the group, sharing his enthusiasm for the project. It has been many years since the Park Service has seen a significant new building project at any of its 175 State Park locations.
Left to right: Laura Ross, coordinating architect for the Park Service, Mark Generales, FOLKS Board Member, Eric Draper, head of Florida Park Service, and Kae Moore, FOLKS Capital Campaign Manager.
It is truly exciting to think of the impact that the new Welcome and Discovery Center will have on the Park as well as the entire Southwest Florida Community. New programs for education and learning, special events, community meetings, lectures, and an air conditioned space for Ranger sponsored programs. Not to mention a truly beautiful and iconic building.
Now FOLKS has work to do as we continue to raise the funds to fit up the building with Exhibits, equipment and furnishings. There are truly exciting times ahead and we hope all members can share that excitement. Come join in!!
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Each year the staff of Lovers Key State Park partners with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to monitor sea turtle nesting on the Park's beaches from April 15 to October 31. A trained Park Ranger patrols the 2½-mile stretch of beach looking for evidence of sea turtle nesting activity.
