|
Having its ultimate missions to protect environment in the SW
Florida region and support environmental education efforts of the
next generation and thus to bring up thoughtful, engaged citizens
that will learn to see the connection between the human activity and
the condition of the nature and wildlife around, SDS in cooperation
with some community-minded groups and non-profit organizations
developed an idea of creating
LaBelle
Nature Park.
The originality
of this project is in its usage, as the LaBelle Nature Park is
classified as
Community Park
(as opposed to a neighborhood or regional park) and is designed
for all
age groups
(as opposed to only serving children, youth, adults, or seniors).
Furthermore its
User-oriented
and
Resource-based
approach will provide a unique opportunity not only for ideal
family
outdoor recreational event but for one having environmental
educational component. This educational component will help to
increase public understanding of the value and importance of
Florida’s natural and cultural resources.
In addition to all this, the LaBelle Nature Park has the potential
to be the site of restoration project to
reopen portions of the old river. The current
oxbow
waterway is open within the park but closed (filled with
sediment) behind the lots outside the park. This fact is especially
important as it stresses once again that though water-based
recreation is important to Florida’s economy and quality of life,
many water bodies are unsuitable for recreational use due to
pollution. |
