July 2010 Broward County Parks Newsletter

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July 2010 Newsletter

July Is Parks and Recreation Month!

So says Florida Governor Charlie Crist, who on May 18 signed a proclamation continuing an initiative started 25 years ago when the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) declared that July Is Parks and Recreation Month. According to the proclamation, “Florida recognizes the benefits derived from quality public and private recreation and park resources at the local and state level.â€

Among the benefits of parks and recreation cited in the proclamation:

· parks and recreation programs enhance our quality of life by contributing to a healthy lifestyle, increasing communication skills, building self esteem, teaching life skills and providing places for enjoyment

· parks and recreation programs boost the economy, enhance property values, attract new business, increase tourism and reduce crime

· recreation builds family unity, strengthens neighborhood involvement, offers opportunity for social interaction, enhances education, develops creativity, and promotes cultural diversity

· our parks and trails ensure ecological beauty, provide space to enjoy nature, help maintain clean air and water and preserve plant and animal wildlife

· recreation, therapeutic recreation and leisure education are essential to the rehabilitation of individuals who have been ill or disabled

In other words, “Find It All – At a Broward County Park.†Get out and enjoy. For more information, go to www.broward.org/parks.

Independence Day Weekend Hours

All Broward County regional parks and nature centers, including water parks and campgrounds, and all natural areas will be open on Friday, July 2, and Monday, July 5, with the exceptions of the Markham Park Target Range, which will be closed on Friday, and Deerfield Island Park, which will be closed on both days. AllGolf at C.B. Park, Butterfly World at Tradewinds Park, the Tennis Centers at Piccolo and C.B. parks, and Ski Rixen at Quiet Waters Park will also be open on both Friday, July 2, and Monday, July 5. All neighborhood parks will be closed on both days. All parks will be open during their regularly scheduled hours on Saturday, July 3, and Sunday, July 4.

Look! Up in the Sky!

Looking for a prime spot for enjoying the Fourth of July fireworks? Look no farther than Vista View Park in Davie. Last year more than a thousand people did just that, taking advantage of the hilly park’s status as one of the highest elevations in South Florida. This year Fireworks Viewing will be offered till 11 p.m., and dependent on weather conditions, visitors may be able to see the displays from Davie, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Sunrise, and possibly even Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. Most of these shows are scheduled to begin at 9 p.m., but you’re welcome to bring lawn chairs or blankets and come early to get a good spot – the park opens at 8 a.m., and the entry fee is good for admission all day; present your receipt for reentry.

You are also welcome to bring your own refreshments, although no hard liquor and no glass containers are allowed. Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis, and no fireworks (including sparklers) will be permitted in the park. Admission is $1.50 per person before 7:30 p.m. and $2 per person after 7:30 p.m. For more information, call Vista View at .

Keep Your Critters Cool

Summertime, and the living is easy, right? Just because you’re enjoying sun and surf, however, don’t neglect your pet’s summer needs. Did you know, for instance, that July 5 is the busiest day for animal shelters? That’s because many pet owners don’t take precautions to prevent Independence Day stress. The fireworks you and friends and family find exciting may provoke confusion and exhaustion in your pet. Dogs, especially, are sometimes upset enough to crash through windows, jump fences, or break chains to escape.

If loud noises disturb your pet – its reactions to thunderstorms should provide a clue – consider leaving the animal behind while you go out for Fourth of July festivities. At home, have someone remain inside with your pet while fireworks go off outside. Your vet may provide tranquilizers for particularly sensitive animals.

Another summer hazard, especially in subtropical South Florida, is heat stress. Never take a pet with you in the car if it will be unattended for any length of time. An outdoor temperature of 85 degrees can translate to an interior temperature of 120 degrees in just 30 minutes.

Even at home, supply drinking water and shade if your pet is to be left outside on hot days. And if you “strut your mutt†in one of our parks, remember that early morning and after sundown are easier on the heat-sensitive pads of your dog’s paws. For more information, contact the Parks Animal Care Specialist at .

Water Fun for Everyone

· Splash Luaus – Fri., July 16 and 23, 6-10 p.m. – Splash Adventure at Quiet Waters Park (); $5/person, includes two hours of swim time, children’s games, bounce house, prizes, and a movie.

· Family Fun Night – Fri., July 23, 6-8 p.m. – Castaway Island at T.Y. Park (); $6.50/person, includes two hours of swim time and a variety of games for all ages.

And remember, all four of our water parks – Splash Adventure and Castaway Island, along with Paradise Cove at C.B. Park () and Tropical Splash at Central Broward Regional Park & Stadium () – are now open daily, 9:30 a.m. to 5:20

p.m. Fees vary; call the park of your choice.

House and Garden

Secret Woods Nature Center in Dania Beach launches its Summer Home Landscape Series 2010, an annual series of seven free lectures designed for average homeowners who are interested in adding to the beauty of their homes through landscaping. Participants will learn ways to save money on their cooling and water bills, attract wildlife, and preserve native vegetation; they’ll improve the appearance of their yards and neighborhoods as well as increase property values. All classes are held in the nature center’s air-conditioned Assembly Hall from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sundays, July 11 and 18, August 1, 8, 15, and 29, and September 5. The topic for July 11 is “Toys for Real Gardeners.†The lecture series will be followed by a

Native Plant Sale on Saturday, September 11. For more information, call Secret Woods at . The nature center is accessible via Broward County Transit Route #6.

Sea Turtles and Their Babies

The Anne Kolb Nature Center at West Lake Park in Hollywood presents its popular long-running summer program Sea Turtles and Their Babies at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, beginning on Wednesday, July 7, and running through Friday, August 27.

This educational series covers a variety of topics related to the beleaguered sea turtles and their plight. Following an hourlong video presentation and lecture, participants will accompany a naturalist on a hatchling release to see what these tiny creatures face during their first crucial minutes of life. Participants will also learn to identify the species of sea turtles found in South Florida, their habitat, breeding and nesting, identification of crawls and nests, conservation efforts, past exploitation, and current management problems now facing sea turtles.

Reservations and prepayment are required – no walk-ins are accepted, and space is limited. The program is also subject to change or cancellation if weather conditions are not favorable. The fee is $5 per person, and participants should also bring quarters for parking meters at the release sites. For more information, call Anne Kolb at . The nature center is accessible via Broward County Transit Route #12.

Summer Social

Adults ages 18 and up with developmental disabilities can enjoy deejay music, dancing, socializing, and refreshments at a free Summer Social, from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, July 16, at Tree Tops Park in Davie. For more information, call the Parks Special Populations Section at /8170.

Equestrian Camp Continues

If you’re into “horsing around†for the summer, there’s still time to saddle up for the weekly 2010 Tradewinds Horse Camp, which runs through August 19. The program, for ages 9 through 16, is from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. (There is no camp July 5-8.)

Each four-day session includes daily riding instruction, weather permitting. Instruction also includes: breeds and colors; anatomy of the horse; appropriate riding equipment, tack, and general care of the horse in the show ring and on the trails; nutrition and feeding; and routine, preventive, and therapeutic maintenance. Other activities include videos, indoor/outdoor games, and farm activities.

Registration is offered Saturdays and Sundays only at the stables on the north side of Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek. Class size is limited and early registration is recommended. Fees must be paid and a release and waiver of liability signed at registration. Children must provide their own lunches and refreshments. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required. Participants should also bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel.

The fee is $350 per four-day session. For more information, call the Tradewinds Park Stables at . The park and stables are accessible via Broward County Transit Route #34.

Fridays = Fun at Long Key

One of Broward County’s best-kept secrets, Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center in Davie, is the place for fun on two Fridays this month. On July 16, Fun Friday Nature invites ages 5 to 12 to drop by the park’s Discovery Room for nature-themed games, crafts projects, and storytelling. The program runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with activities recurring over the course of the day.

Then, on July 23, join a park naturalist for a Nature at Night Hike, which runs from 8 to 9 p.m. Explore the nature trails of Long Key and search for nocturnal animals as they emerge. Preregistration is required by the day before the hike.

Both programs are $3 per person. For more information, call Long Key at .

Paw Hero Presenters

Nine new Parks volunteers, ranging from a retired city commissioner to the wife of a Navy sailor deployed to another country, are the latest to join a team of volunteers that will bring the popular Paw Heroes program to thousands of children enrolled in free or low-cost recreation programs throughout Broward County this summer, June 21 through August 6.

Paw Heroes, a joint venture between the Broward County Animal Care and Regulation and the Parks and Recreation divisions, has as its purpose promoting responsible pet ownership and sharing the importance of animal empathy and compassion with schoolchildren ages 6 to 17. For the past two years, the program has been funded by an animal-welfare grant from the Community Foundation of Broward and primarily supported by a team of Parks volunteers.

These volunteers will bring the interactive, fun, and fact-filled educational program to more than 50 County and city park sites this summer. The program will also continue in the fall after school resumes, with presentations to schoolchildren as part of their regular educational curricula.

To complement each presentation of the program, all participants are given silicone bracelets with the words PAW HERO and the phone number for Animal Care and Regulation, as well as pencils and a series of “baseball cards†featuring photos and information about popular breeds of cats and dogs. Each child is encouraged to become a Paw Hero by reporting instances of animal neglect and abuse.

Paw Hero Presenter is a volunteer classification through the Parks and Recreation Division’s new Volunteers Improving Parks, or VIP, program. For more information call the Parks Animal Care Specialist at or the Volunteer Coordinator at .

Extension Education’s Family Nutrition Program

Did you know that 12 percent of Florida’s population (7 percent of children) lives below the poverty level? Hungry children often have learning and behavioral problems, and as poverty levels rise, the nutritional and health risks to children and people of all ages increase. In Florida, 1.24 million people receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (formerly Food Stamps). It is estimated that most recipients exhaust these benefits five to 10 days before the end of the month, or well before their next monthly benefit is received.

Extension Education’s Family Nutrition Program (FNP) receives federal dollars from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, via the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, and is authorized to provide nutrition education to SNAP-eligible participants in Broward County, to help them understand how to make wise food choices on a limited budget using SNAP benefits and how to choose a

physically active lifestyle to improve overall health.

The FNP, as part of the Parks and Recreation Division, has had significant impacts in Broward elementary schools. During the 2009-10 school year, research-based and factual nutrition programs were delivered to more than 5,000 kindergartners and first- and second-grade students. FNP taught more than 120 nutrition lessons in 17 Broward elementary schools in 10 municipalities, as well as provided 80 healthy food tastings and food demonstrations designed to encourage participants to try new foods. With the help of approximately 260 Broward County teachers, who provided more than 9,561 hours of follow-up nutrition education in the classroom, healthy nutrition messages were reinforced throughout the school year.

FNP staff surveyed students each time they visited a school to ascertain knowledge gain and behavioral changes made over the course of the nutrition programming. Results showed that 99 percent of students planned to consume more fruits and vegetables, exercise more, and eat three meals per day, and they indicated they know more about nutrition and healthy eating as a result of attending the nutrition lessons.

The FNP partnership has significantly affected the lives of thousands of elementary schoolchildren, and FNP programming and the promotion of healthy nutritional messages will continue in the 2010-11 school year to serve more students in elementary, middle, and high schools. For more information, call the Family Nutrition Program at .

Events Calendar

Quote of the Month

“We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise we harden.†– Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832), German writer and philosopher

Special Attractions

Batting Cages (AllGolf at C.B. Park) – Butterfly World (Tradewinds Park) – Cable Water-Skiing (Ski Rixen USA at Quiet Waters Park) – Campgrounds (C.B. Park, Easterlin Park, Markham Park, Quiet Waters Park, T.Y. Park) – Dog Park (Barkham at Markham Park) – Educational Farm (Tradewinds Park) – Exhibit Halls (Anne Kolb Nature Center at West Lake Park, Fern Forest

Nature Center, Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center, Secret Woods Nature Center) – Golf Facilities (AllGolf at C.B. Park – Multipurpose Athletic Fields ( Piccolo Park,

Central Broward Regional Park & Stadium, Tradewinds Park) – Observatory (Markham Park) – Riding Stables (Tradewinds Park, Tree Tops Park) – Skate Parks/Tracks ( Piccolo Park, Quiet Waters Park) – Target Range (Markham Park) – Tennis Centers ( Piccolo Park, C.B. Park) – Velodrome ( Piccolo Park) – Water Playgrounds/ Waterslides/Swimming (C.B. Park, Central Broward Regional Park & Stadium, Quiet Waters

Park, T.Y. Park)

Mission Statement

The Parks and Recreation Division is dedicated to providing exceptional services and facilities essential to the quality of life in Broward County while preserving our natural areas.

Your Opinion Counts!

We’d like to know what you think about our programs and facilities. Please take a moment to tell us how we’re doing by filling out this survey.

SWIM Central

Broward County Commission's primary resource and referral service for available swim programs in cooperation with various cities and nonprofit organizations.Call 954-357-SWIM (7946).

Founded in February 1956 and accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies, Broward County Parks and Recreation Division manages more than 6,500 acres, encompassing 19 regional parks and nature centers, six neighborhood parks, and 21 natural areas at various stages of development. Facilities include water parks, campgrounds, a target range, a stadium, skate parks, an observatory, mountain bike trails, an educational farm with stables, and a velodrome and other sports facilities. Hours and fees vary by location. For more information, visit www.broward.org/parks.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations in order to participate in County programs, services, and activities must contact the Special Populations Section at or TTY at least 10 business days prior to the scheduled meeting or event to request an accommodation.

Broward County Board of County Commissioners

Sue Gunzburger D. sAlbert C. Ken KeechlIlene Lieberman

Ritter E. Rodstrom Jr. Wasserman-RubinLois Wexler

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