Rotary Park Environmental Center
- (239) 549-4606
- www.capecoral.net/department/parks_and_recreationhome/rotary_park_environmental_center/index.php
Cape Coral, FL 33914
Consisting of 97 acres, that includes mostly salt marsh, some upland and a lot of rock just under the surface, this park is the result of funding from a grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection stipulating the area be preserved. In the mid-1980’s, the Rotary Club of Cape Coral was looking for a worthwhile project where they could utilize the funds they raised through various activities on something to benefit the community. The site currently known as Rotary Park was then city property with no plans for development. So, after many years of hard work, Rotary Park opened in 2001 as the result of the combined effort of three local Rotary Clubs, the Department of Environmental Protection and the City of Cape Coral.
**Please note - this preserve contains marshland and is very swampy at certain times of the year. That means be prepared for mosquitoes when you visit**
The preserved area can not be developed (that is why it is called a preserve) excluding the 9 acres of upland that the building, the dog park, and the open areas currently occupy. The 4,200 square foot environmental center is used for gardening and nature related classes, exercise classes, summer camp, and is home to the annual Burrowing Owl Festival, and several large native plant sales throughout the year. The facility is also available to rent for small to medium sized gatherings, as long as you don’t mind partying with a few creatures! A variety of small critters reside in the nature center including snakes, fish, lizards, and turtles.
Rotary Park is the home of the Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House, donated and cared for by the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife. You can view all the beautiful butterflies and plants from the outside of the butterfly house every day and you can pick up information on butterflies and how to attract them to your yard. Volunteer time, plants, and supply donations are welcome. Monetary donations are also accepted by the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife for maintenance of the butterfly house.
Free tours of the butterfly house are given each Monday, Friday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
Visit the Liam J. Perk Playground or try out the exercise equipment. Please visit the Liam J. Perk Foundation website for Liam's story. http://www.liamjperkfoundation.org/
Glover Bight - Glover Bight Trail is a wheelchair accessible, 3/10 mile boardwalk, located within Rotary Park. The trail passes through mangrove wetlands and ends at Glover Bight, an area of oyster bars and shallow flats that is a great place to view wading birds, especially during low tide.