Nearby Nature Newsletter July 2018

“When was the last time you spent a quiet moment just doing nothing – just sitting and looking at the sea, or watching the wind blowing the tree limbs, or waves rippling on a pond, a flickering candle or children playing in the park?”

– Ralph Marston (1907-1967), American football player

Discover Parks This July

July is Park and Recreation Month – a tradition that dates back to 1985. Both the National Recreation and Park Association and Broward County Parks and Recreation Division have long supported the initiative to remind people of the benefits of parks and recreation. This year’s theme is “A Lifetime of Discovery.” As part of this theme, we ask residents and visitors to explore our parks beyond their comfort zones and enjoy some “undiscovered” facilities and programs. For bicycle enthusiasts, did you know Broward County Parks has the only velodrome in the state at Brian Piccolo Park? Or that Central Broward Regional is home to the only internationally-certified cricket field? Or that we host a financial literacy program for children ages 8 to 12 at Roosevelt Gardens Park? There’s so much to do in Broward County Parks. If you discover something new in our parks this month, snap a pic and share it on social media under the hashtag #DiscoverBroward.

Independence Day Hours

All Broward County regional parks and nature centers, neighborhood parks, and natural areas, as well as water parks and campgrounds, will be open on Wednesday, July 4 (with the exception of Deerfield Island Park, which is open on weekends only). The holiday gate entrance fee of $1.50/person (children 5 and under free) will be in effect at applicable parks. The Parks and Recreation Division administrative offices will be closed.

Independence Day Celebration

Time to celebrate our nation’s independence at the Red, White, and View Fireworks Viewing on Wednesday July 4 at 9 p.m. Catch the fireworks at Broward County’s highest elevation at Vista View Park in Davie. Depending on weather conditions, the fireworks displays from Davie, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Sunrise, and possibly even Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood may be seen.

Most displays are scheduled to begin at 9 p.m., but you’re welcome to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets as early as 8 a.m. to secure a good spot. Admission before 7:30 p.m. will be the park’s regular holiday gate entrance fee of $1.50/person (children 5 and under free); admission will increase to $2/person at 7:30 p.m. Present your receipt for reentry if you leave and want to come back later.

You can bring food, snacks, and drinks to this event, although no hard liquor and no glass containers are allowed. No fireworks (including sparklers), horses, or trailers will be permitted in the park. The park’s playgrounds and shelters will be closed after 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call or more information, call or more information, call or more information, call Vista View at 954-357-8898.

Award-Winning Sea Turtle Program

The Marine Environmental Education Center (MEEC) at the Carpenter House in Hollywood recently won a 2018 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The facility, which opened in March 2017, is a partnership between Broward County and Nova Southeastern University. NACo honored the center for creating a successful public-private partnership that provided value to the surrounding community with its sea turtle conservation programs. At the center, visitors can participate in interactive displays, beach walks, supervised interaction with a rehabilitated sea turtle in the center’s converted swimming pool, and other activities.

Get Set to Get Wet

Stay cool in the blue during this red-hot summer at Broward County water parks.

All four of our water parks – Splash Adventure at Quiet Waters, Paradise Cove at C.B. Smith Park, Tropical Splash at Central Broward Regional Park & Stadium, and Castaway Island at T.Y. (Topeekeegee Yugnee) Park – are open daily this month from 10 a.m. to 5:20 p.m. Entrance fees vary; call the park of your choice for additional information.

Two water parks are hosting evening family events:

• Splash in Space – Superhero-themed family nights will be held on Fridays, July 6 and 20, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Splash Adventure. The fee is $6/person, plus sales tax, and includes splash time, games, a movie, and more. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Preregistration is required.

• Splashtacular Family Fridays – Themed activities will be held on Fridays, July 13 and 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Castaway Island. The fee is $7/person, plus sales tax, for ages 13 months and up. Enjoy games, races, music, and more during this fun-filled family night.

C.B. Smith is accessible via Broward County Transit Routes #5, #7, #16, #23, 95 EXPRESS, and Pembroke Pines Gold, Blue East, and Green; Central Broward Regional via Routes #18, #19, #36, #40, #81, 441 Breeze, Lauderdale Lakes North/South, and Lauderhill #1, #5, #6, and #7; Quiet Waters via Routes #14 and Deerfield Beach #1 East/West; and T.Y. via Route #12.

Ready. Set. Safe.

The best protection is preparation throughout this year’s hurricane season, which lasts until November 30. Learn how to keep your home and family safe before, during, and after a hurricane at Broward County’s Hurricane preparedness, response, and recovery website.

Watch for Wildlife

Alligator mating season is at its peak. Amorous alligators can be especially aggressive and territorial, and since there are plenty of bodies of water throughout our park system, we urge our visitors to be extra-cautious.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, mating season for alligators occurs in May and June. Females start building nests of soil, vegetation, and other debris to deposit an average 32 to 46 eggs in late June or early July. The nests typically stand two to three feet high and seven to 10 feet in circumference. Incubation requires approximately 63 to 68 days, and hatching occurs from mid-August through early September. The following safety tips are recommended for our guests at our parks:

1. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid the water's edge.
2. Acknowledge that alligators, snakes, and other wild animals live in our parks.
3. Do not approach, feed, or taunt alligators, snakes, or other wildlife.
4. Pets, in parks where permitted, must be on a leash no longer than six feet.
5. No swimming or wading except in designated areas.
6. Use common sense while in our parks.

Six Ways to Keep Critters Cool This Summer

We’re in the dog days of summer, so don’t forget about your pets needs during this sweltering season. Here are some tips to ensure your pooch has an enjoyable summer, just like you.

1. Reduce Independence Day anxiety for animals by leaving them at home while you enjoy the fireworks.
2. Minimize heat stress. Don’t leave pets in the car unattended as temperatures begin to soar. An outdoor temperature of 85 degrees can translate to an interior temperature of 120 degrees in just 30 minutes.
3. Provide plenty of water and shade.
4. Take your pets on walks during the early morning or after sundown to not affect their heat-sensitive paw pads.
5. Keep dogs on a six-foot leash if visiting our parks.
6. Take your pooch to the Barkham at Markham dog park, which has three-acres of leash-free play space, shelters, and dog fountains. There is a fee.

Parks Foundation of Broward County

The Parks Foundation of Broward County is a 501(c) (3) organization founded in 2014 in support of Broward County Parks and Recreation Division. The foundation welcomes individual memberships and corporate partnerships at all levels to help promote our parks and programs, preserve our natural areas, and provide more green space for our community. Donations are accepted atBrowardParksFoundation.org.

Quick Links

From 5K runs, guided hikes, and night-time nature strolls, there’s tons to do in Broward County Parks. For more information check out our calendar, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Subscribe/Unsubscribe to the Highlights Newsletter Parks and Recreation is a service of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations in order to participate in programs, services, and activities must contact the Special Populations Section at 954-357-8170 or TTY 954-537-2844 at least five (5) business days prior to the scheduled meeting or event.