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Parks & Recreation

Rotary Park Environmental Center

Location
Rotary Park Environmental Center
5505 Rose Garden Road
Cape Coral, FL 33914
Hours
Monday: 8:00am-4:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am-4:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am-4:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am-4:00pm
Friday: 8:00am-4:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am-4:00pm
Like the Rotary Park Facebook Page to see upcoming events/programs

PARK AMENITIES:
  • Environmental Center
  • Liam J. Perk Playground
  • Thomas J. Allen Butterfly House
  • Wagging Tails Dog Park (registration required)
  • Glover Bight Boardwalk & Observation Tower  
  • Picnic Shelters (3) w/ BBQ grills*
  • Observation Tower
  • Nature Trails
  • Ponds
  • Butterfly and Native Gardens
  • Free Mulch (you haul)
  • Walking Path w/ Fitness Stations
  • Restrooms
Rotary Park has limited parking. Click here to view Rotary's overflow parking map

Consisting of 97 acres, Rotary Park is the result of funding from a grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection stipulating the area be preserved in perpetuity. 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. After many years of hard work, Rotary Park opened to the public 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 upland area is occupied by the environmental center, butterfly house, dog park, playground, picnic shelters, and some open space for playing. The 4,200 square foot environmental center is used for a variety of programs, classes, and activities. This facility is available to rent for gatherings, as long as you don’t mind partying with a few creatures! The facility is home to an assortment of snakes, lizards, turtles, and fish, most of whom were unwanted pets that have been given up by their owners and now reside at the park. 

Get more information on Rotary Park by clicking on the links below for details on that topic and/or scroll down to see all details.

* Trails

* Butterfly House
* Playground
* Programs & Classes
* Excellent Events
* Florida Friendly Landscaping
* Birding
* Dog Park
* Little Free Libraries


TRAILS

Please note - this preserve contains marshland and is very swampy at certain times of the year. That means be prepared for mosquitos when you visit

There are several rugged trails at Rotary Park and a boardwalk at Glover Bight.  Part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, Rotary Park has a rugged trail that is less than one mile long and passes through uplands & salt marshes. Possible wildlife sightings include gopher tortoises, alligators, snakes, and a large variety of wading & migratory birds. At times, sections of this trail may be underwater, particularly during the rainy season, so visitors should wear appropriate footwear. 

The Glover Bight Trail is a 3/10 mile wheelchair-accessible boardwalk located within Rotary Park; however, this trail is partially closed due to damage from Hurricane Ian.

Both trails have observation towers that people can climb to get a bird’s eye view of the area.  A good time of day to come to the park is early in the morning. Walk quietly for the best chance to see wildlife. Please keep in mind these are nature trails, so NO running, biking, or dogs are permitted on the trails.

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BUTTERFLY HOUSE

The Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House was established in 2009 and is maintained by volunteers from the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife. Access to the Butterfly House is limited to free guided tours, which are currently being offered on Monday, Friday and Saturday starting at 10:30 a.m.


PLAYGROUND

Visit the Liam J. Perk Playground or try out the exercise equipment sprinkled throughout the park. Please visit the Liam J. Perk Foundation website for Liam's story. http://www.liamjperkfoundation.com/

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PROGRAMS & CLASSES
Numerous activities for children and adults are held at Rotary Park throughout the year. Yoga, butterfly gardening, informational programs about wildlife, paint-n-sip parties, summer camp, guided walking and paddling tours, and more. Please check the Parks & Recreation program guide to see the current schedule. 

Eco-Adventure Nature Camp - Children will experience tons of fun at this nature camp with plenty of indoor & outdoor activities such as hiking & exploring in the swamp, learning about the creatures that inhabit the park, plus cooperative games, sports, and crafts. This camp is offered in weekly sessions during the summer and meets from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. 

Looking to come to Rotary Park for a field trip? Check out our rates & options here.

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EXCELLENT EVENTS

Rotary Park plans several excellent events throughout the year, including the annual Burrowing Owl Festival, a semi-annual native, butterfly & edible plant sale, Just for Fun Dog Show, Family Camp Out at Jaycee Park, a Polynesian Show, Star Gazing party. Check the current program guide or Activity Calendar for details of upcoming events.

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FLORIDA FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING

The City of Cape Coral encourages all residents to embrace the University of Florida’s “Florida Yards & Neighborhoods” program. There are many free, informative classes held at Rotary.

To keep Florida beautiful and have clean water, it is important to minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides in our yards. One of the easiest ways to do that is to plant Florida friendly grasses, shrubs, and trees. This outreach program was designed to help residents learn how to create and maintain attractive landscapes that will help protect Florida’s natural resources. There are many free, informative classes held at Rotary Park. See the current Parks & Recreation program guide for the schedule.

For more information on Florida Friendly Landscaping, visit http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/

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BIRDING
Part of the Great Florida Birding TrailRotary Park has a rugged trail that is less than one mile long and passes through uplands & salt marshes. Possible wildlife sightings include gopher tortoises, alligators, snakes, and a large variety of wading & migratory birds. At times, sections of this trail may be underwater, particularly during the rainy season, so visitors should wear appropriate footwear.

Visit the Ecotourism page of this website for more information on birdwatching and a list of birds found in Cape Coral, or click here to see the latest bird alerts.


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WAGGING TAILS DOG PARK

Pets are not permitted on athletic fields, playgrounds, beaches, picnic areas, nature trails, or boardwalks, but there is a dog park in Cape Coral located at Rotary Park for our four-legged friends. Wagging Tails Dog Park includes a 1.25 acre fenced-in area for small and large dogs, as well as several park benches and shaded areas for owners to socialize while their pets play and interact with other dogs. Registration is required to use Cape Coral's only dog park. 

Registration Information:  The fee is $20 per dog per year. Registration for the dog park goes by the City's fiscal year, which runs annually from October 1 through September 30. No matter when you register, the registration will be paid through the end of September. There is no pro-rating or daily rate.

--> Click here for the 2024 Registration Form


Completed forms and annual dues can be paid in the Rotary Park office from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, excluding government holidays and special events, or sent by mail. For more information, call 239-549-4606.

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LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES
Visit our Little Free Library! Take a book • Return a book.
LFL's are currently located at Rotary Park, Four Freedoms Park, Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, Jaycee Park, Sirenia Vista Park, Kiwanis Park, Camelot Park, Yacht Club Community Park, Pelican Baseball, Special Populations, Cape Coral Art Center, Jason Verdow Park, Jim Jeffers Park, and Joe Stonis Park.

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Activity Calendar