×
×
homepage logo
STORE

Let’s explore: ECWCD offers several recreational activities

By Staff | Apr 22, 2015

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN The boardwalk at Jim Fleming Park.

Warmer weather provides a great backdrop for outdoor recreation and exploration. The East County Water Control District (ECWCD) reminds residents and visitors today that there are plenty of outdoor educational and recreational activities to explore in Lehigh Acres utilizing the district’s three community parks and waterways.

“Lee County owns and operates Lehigh Acres’ parks such as Veterans, Trailhead and the Lehigh Community Park, and some people may not realize that ECWCD owns and operates three neighborhood parks as approved in its legislation-including Barbara Farrell Park, Charley Matheny Park and Jim Fleming Ecological Park,” said David E. Lindsay, district manager.

ECWCD preserves and protects water reserves through drainage, conservation, mitigation, navigational and water management practices in Lehigh Acres (eastern Lee County) and the western portion of Hendry County. ECWCD’s 311 miles of canals collect stormwater both naturally and from road run-off. Canals help to store water, and move the excess water from roads, ditches, yards, etc. with the aid of water control structures and retention areas.

With so many waterways being nearby, residents often wonder what activities are allowed in district canals and other district-owned property such as parks, preserves, stormwater treatment areas and rights-of-way, said Lindsay. Unless otherwise posted, fishing, walking, and boating (with certain times of vessels) are allowed.

Lindsay noted, that ATV use is prohibited on district lands. These areas play an important role to keeping our local area free from flooding, helps improve water quality and allows ECWCD to recharge aquifers. Any disruption to these important ecosystems could cause community wide issues. There are recreational facilities that allow for ATV use such as Lazy Springs on SR82 at the Lee/Hendry County Line or the Redneck Yacht Club.

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN Charlie R. Matheny Park on Lake Camille.

For those residents and visitors looking to explore the beauty of Lehigh Acres, try:

Fishing – Unless otherwise posted, fishing is allowed in ECWCD’s waterways, but you must hold the appropriate state licenses. Community members are free to partake in passive recreational fishing in both the lakes and canals, unless otherwise posted, for some of the area’s blue grille, shell crackers, and largemouth bass-just to name a few. Do not climb on or tamper with ECWCD’s property gates, structures, etc. Keep in mind motorized vehicles are not allowed on right-of-ways.

Boating – Kayaks, canoes and other paddle-craft as well as all electric powered vessels are allowed in ECWCD’s waterways unless otherwise posted. For rules and regulations on the use of state, federal and county waterways refer to each agency directly. Boats should not be left in the canals or lakes overnight. All vessels with combustible engines are prohibited in ECWCD’s waterways because these engines can leak gas and oil which will pollute area waterways. In addition, the high speeds of these vessels can also cause erosion and damage to canal banks and both native vegetation and habitat.

Walking Unless otherwise posted, individuals are allowed to walk in district rights-of-ways, preserves, etc. from dawn until dusk.

Parks

Jim Fleming Ecological Park – What once was desolate 3.5- acre parcel- one of the last remaining pieces of Lehigh Acres’ original wetlands- has been transformed into a pristine ecological park. It is situated on the quickly developing main drag of Lee Blvd. in Lehigh.

In 1999, the Lehigh Corporation donated the 3.5 acre-parcel after great persuasion from Fleming. Construction on the pristine ecological park began in July 2007 after all necessary funding and approval came through. JFEP collects stormwater from a quarter mile section of water and retains it.

Daily from dawn until dusk, community residents can experience JFEP’s two pavilions, barbeque facilities and a stroll along the 500-foot boardwalk. The park also includes an 8-space parking lot, bike racks and several benches.

The park is located on the corner of Lee Blvd. and Xelda Ave.

Charley Matheny Park This park borders Lake Camille and provides community members with use of its pavilions, green space and barbeque facilities. Community members can fish and kayak in Lake Camille but use of gas motor boats and swimming are prohibited.

The land and funds for the park were donated in 1999 which allowed for the park’s 2002 completion. The pavilions were built by Lee County and dedicated to ECWCD. The Park is located at Lake Camille on Joel Blvd.

Barbara Farrell Park borders Lehigh Acres Community Park North and provides local residents with use of its pavilions, green space and barbeque facilities.

The land and funds for the park were donated in 1999 which allowed for the park’s 2002 completion. The pavilions were built by Lee County and dedicated to ECWCD. The Park is located at Williams Ave. and 5th Street.

The following are Stormwater Treatment Areas:

Harns Marsh is located in the eastern portion of Lee County located off of Sunshine Blvd. in Lehigh. In the early 1980s, ECWCD transformed the 578-acre farmland into an active stormwater facility helping to filter water and reduce flooding to the Orange River. The water control structures have helped create a lush habitat for snail kites, limpkin and more than 140 species of animals.

“The abundance of wildlife at Harns Marsh creates an exciting opportunity for individuals to explore the beauty of southwest Florida,” said David E. Lindsay, ECWCD District manager. “It is important for visitors and residents to understand the vital role water quality and conservation plays in keeping our community and environment safe.”

Harns Marsh is a stormwater treatment area that is open to passive exploration from dawn to dusk as long as maintenance allows. To get there, travel north on Sunshine Blvd., turn left on Olive Ave. N. and left on 38th St. W.

The ECWC if located at 601 East County Lane. For more information, you can contact Carla Ulakovic, community project specialist for the ECWCD from Monday to Friday.

Let’s explore: ECWCD offers several recreational activities

By Staff | Apr 22, 2015

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN The boardwalk at Jim Fleming Park.

Warmer weather provides a great backdrop for outdoor recreation and exploration. The East County Water Control District (ECWCD) reminds residents and visitors today that there are plenty of outdoor educational and recreational activities to explore in Lehigh Acres utilizing the district’s three community parks and waterways.

“Lee County owns and operates Lehigh Acres’ parks such as Veterans, Trailhead and the Lehigh Community Park, and some people may not realize that ECWCD owns and operates three neighborhood parks as approved in its legislation-including Barbara Farrell Park, Charley Matheny Park and Jim Fleming Ecological Park,” said David E. Lindsay, district manager.

ECWCD preserves and protects water reserves through drainage, conservation, mitigation, navigational and water management practices in Lehigh Acres (eastern Lee County) and the western portion of Hendry County. ECWCD’s 311 miles of canals collect stormwater both naturally and from road run-off. Canals help to store water, and move the excess water from roads, ditches, yards, etc. with the aid of water control structures and retention areas.

With so many waterways being nearby, residents often wonder what activities are allowed in district canals and other district-owned property such as parks, preserves, stormwater treatment areas and rights-of-way, said Lindsay. Unless otherwise posted, fishing, walking, and boating (with certain times of vessels) are allowed.

Lindsay noted, that ATV use is prohibited on district lands. These areas play an important role to keeping our local area free from flooding, helps improve water quality and allows ECWCD to recharge aquifers. Any disruption to these important ecosystems could cause community wide issues. There are recreational facilities that allow for ATV use such as Lazy Springs on SR82 at the Lee/Hendry County Line or the Redneck Yacht Club.

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN Charlie R. Matheny Park on Lake Camille.

For those residents and visitors looking to explore the beauty of Lehigh Acres, try:

Fishing – Unless otherwise posted, fishing is allowed in ECWCD’s waterways, but you must hold the appropriate state licenses. Community members are free to partake in passive recreational fishing in both the lakes and canals, unless otherwise posted, for some of the area’s blue grille, shell crackers, and largemouth bass-just to name a few. Do not climb on or tamper with ECWCD’s property gates, structures, etc. Keep in mind motorized vehicles are not allowed on right-of-ways.

Boating – Kayaks, canoes and other paddle-craft as well as all electric powered vessels are allowed in ECWCD’s waterways unless otherwise posted. For rules and regulations on the use of state, federal and county waterways refer to each agency directly. Boats should not be left in the canals or lakes overnight. All vessels with combustible engines are prohibited in ECWCD’s waterways because these engines can leak gas and oil which will pollute area waterways. In addition, the high speeds of these vessels can also cause erosion and damage to canal banks and both native vegetation and habitat.

Walking Unless otherwise posted, individuals are allowed to walk in district rights-of-ways, preserves, etc. from dawn until dusk.

Parks

Jim Fleming Ecological Park – What once was desolate 3.5- acre parcel- one of the last remaining pieces of Lehigh Acres’ original wetlands- has been transformed into a pristine ecological park. It is situated on the quickly developing main drag of Lee Blvd. in Lehigh.

In 1999, the Lehigh Corporation donated the 3.5 acre-parcel after great persuasion from Fleming. Construction on the pristine ecological park began in July 2007 after all necessary funding and approval came through. JFEP collects stormwater from a quarter mile section of water and retains it.

Daily from dawn until dusk, community residents can experience JFEP’s two pavilions, barbeque facilities and a stroll along the 500-foot boardwalk. The park also includes an 8-space parking lot, bike racks and several benches.

The park is located on the corner of Lee Blvd. and Xelda Ave.

Charley Matheny Park This park borders Lake Camille and provides community members with use of its pavilions, green space and barbeque facilities. Community members can fish and kayak in Lake Camille but use of gas motor boats and swimming are prohibited.

The land and funds for the park were donated in 1999 which allowed for the park’s 2002 completion. The pavilions were built by Lee County and dedicated to ECWCD. The Park is located at Lake Camille on Joel Blvd.

Barbara Farrell Park borders Lehigh Acres Community Park North and provides local residents with use of its pavilions, green space and barbeque facilities.

The land and funds for the park were donated in 1999 which allowed for the park’s 2002 completion. The pavilions were built by Lee County and dedicated to ECWCD. The Park is located at Williams Ave. and 5th Street.

The following are Stormwater Treatment Areas:

Harns Marsh is located in the eastern portion of Lee County located off of Sunshine Blvd. in Lehigh. In the early 1980s, ECWCD transformed the 578-acre farmland into an active stormwater facility helping to filter water and reduce flooding to the Orange River. The water control structures have helped create a lush habitat for snail kites, limpkin and more than 140 species of animals.

“The abundance of wildlife at Harns Marsh creates an exciting opportunity for individuals to explore the beauty of southwest Florida,” said David E. Lindsay, ECWCD District manager. “It is important for visitors and residents to understand the vital role water quality and conservation plays in keeping our community and environment safe.”

Harns Marsh is a stormwater treatment area that is open to passive exploration from dawn to dusk as long as maintenance allows. To get there, travel north on Sunshine Blvd., turn left on Olive Ave. N. and left on 38th St. W.

The ECWC if located at 601 East County Lane. For more information, you can contact Carla Ulakovic, community project specialist for the ECWCD from Monday to Friday.

Let’s explore: ECWCD offers several recreational activities

By Staff | Apr 22, 2015

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN The boardwalk at Jim Fleming Park.

Warmer weather provides a great backdrop for outdoor recreation and exploration. The East County Water Control District (ECWCD) reminds residents and visitors today that there are plenty of outdoor educational and recreational activities to explore in Lehigh Acres utilizing the district’s three community parks and waterways.

“Lee County owns and operates Lehigh Acres’ parks such as Veterans, Trailhead and the Lehigh Community Park, and some people may not realize that ECWCD owns and operates three neighborhood parks as approved in its legislation-including Barbara Farrell Park, Charley Matheny Park and Jim Fleming Ecological Park,” said David E. Lindsay, district manager.

ECWCD preserves and protects water reserves through drainage, conservation, mitigation, navigational and water management practices in Lehigh Acres (eastern Lee County) and the western portion of Hendry County. ECWCD’s 311 miles of canals collect stormwater both naturally and from road run-off. Canals help to store water, and move the excess water from roads, ditches, yards, etc. with the aid of water control structures and retention areas.

With so many waterways being nearby, residents often wonder what activities are allowed in district canals and other district-owned property such as parks, preserves, stormwater treatment areas and rights-of-way, said Lindsay. Unless otherwise posted, fishing, walking, and boating (with certain times of vessels) are allowed.

Lindsay noted, that ATV use is prohibited on district lands. These areas play an important role to keeping our local area free from flooding, helps improve water quality and allows ECWCD to recharge aquifers. Any disruption to these important ecosystems could cause community wide issues. There are recreational facilities that allow for ATV use such as Lazy Springs on SR82 at the Lee/Hendry County Line or the Redneck Yacht Club.

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN Charlie R. Matheny Park on Lake Camille.

For those residents and visitors looking to explore the beauty of Lehigh Acres, try:

Fishing – Unless otherwise posted, fishing is allowed in ECWCD’s waterways, but you must hold the appropriate state licenses. Community members are free to partake in passive recreational fishing in both the lakes and canals, unless otherwise posted, for some of the area’s blue grille, shell crackers, and largemouth bass-just to name a few. Do not climb on or tamper with ECWCD’s property gates, structures, etc. Keep in mind motorized vehicles are not allowed on right-of-ways.

Boating – Kayaks, canoes and other paddle-craft as well as all electric powered vessels are allowed in ECWCD’s waterways unless otherwise posted. For rules and regulations on the use of state, federal and county waterways refer to each agency directly. Boats should not be left in the canals or lakes overnight. All vessels with combustible engines are prohibited in ECWCD’s waterways because these engines can leak gas and oil which will pollute area waterways. In addition, the high speeds of these vessels can also cause erosion and damage to canal banks and both native vegetation and habitat.

Walking Unless otherwise posted, individuals are allowed to walk in district rights-of-ways, preserves, etc. from dawn until dusk.

Parks

Jim Fleming Ecological Park – What once was desolate 3.5- acre parcel- one of the last remaining pieces of Lehigh Acres’ original wetlands- has been transformed into a pristine ecological park. It is situated on the quickly developing main drag of Lee Blvd. in Lehigh.

In 1999, the Lehigh Corporation donated the 3.5 acre-parcel after great persuasion from Fleming. Construction on the pristine ecological park began in July 2007 after all necessary funding and approval came through. JFEP collects stormwater from a quarter mile section of water and retains it.

Daily from dawn until dusk, community residents can experience JFEP’s two pavilions, barbeque facilities and a stroll along the 500-foot boardwalk. The park also includes an 8-space parking lot, bike racks and several benches.

The park is located on the corner of Lee Blvd. and Xelda Ave.

Charley Matheny Park This park borders Lake Camille and provides community members with use of its pavilions, green space and barbeque facilities. Community members can fish and kayak in Lake Camille but use of gas motor boats and swimming are prohibited.

The land and funds for the park were donated in 1999 which allowed for the park’s 2002 completion. The pavilions were built by Lee County and dedicated to ECWCD. The Park is located at Lake Camille on Joel Blvd.

Barbara Farrell Park borders Lehigh Acres Community Park North and provides local residents with use of its pavilions, green space and barbeque facilities.

The land and funds for the park were donated in 1999 which allowed for the park’s 2002 completion. The pavilions were built by Lee County and dedicated to ECWCD. The Park is located at Williams Ave. and 5th Street.

The following are Stormwater Treatment Areas:

Harns Marsh is located in the eastern portion of Lee County located off of Sunshine Blvd. in Lehigh. In the early 1980s, ECWCD transformed the 578-acre farmland into an active stormwater facility helping to filter water and reduce flooding to the Orange River. The water control structures have helped create a lush habitat for snail kites, limpkin and more than 140 species of animals.

“The abundance of wildlife at Harns Marsh creates an exciting opportunity for individuals to explore the beauty of southwest Florida,” said David E. Lindsay, ECWCD District manager. “It is important for visitors and residents to understand the vital role water quality and conservation plays in keeping our community and environment safe.”

Harns Marsh is a stormwater treatment area that is open to passive exploration from dawn to dusk as long as maintenance allows. To get there, travel north on Sunshine Blvd., turn left on Olive Ave. N. and left on 38th St. W.

The ECWC if located at 601 East County Lane. For more information, you can contact Carla Ulakovic, community project specialist for the ECWCD from Monday to Friday.