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.
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 Burrowing Owl Festival, Liam's Family Time Celebration and Family Fun Walk, and several large native plant sales. 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, frogs, lizards and turtles.
Stop by the butterfly house donated by the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife. You can view all the beautiful butterflies and plants from the outside of the house every day and 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 Memorial Playground or try out the excercise equipment. Please visit the Liam J. Perk Foundation website for Liam's story. http://www.liamjperkfoundation.org/
Be sure to check out our Rotary Park Bird List under "Nature Trails". Please e-mail us your sightings at Rotary Park or any of our environmental parks. rotaryparkinfo@capecoral.net