Resources & FAQ

Do you need a membership?  A membership is needed at our four large recreation centers. It costs $10 per person or $25 per family and it is a lifetime membership. Estero Recreation Center, Veterans Recreation Center, North Fort Myers Recreation Center, Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center.

How do I find and sign up for classes and programs? You can find a list of classes and programs on each recreation centers webpage or by searching the online registration website. You can sign up for classes online also, but you will need to have purchased a lifetime membership in-person before you can enroll online.

Can I volunteer with Parks & Recreation? YES! We are always looking for volunteers who want to give back to the community. Check out our volunteer page for more information.

Do you have summer camps and things for kids to do after school? Yes! Check out our camps page for more information.

Do you have camps during winter break?  No, but LCPR does offer Spring Break, Summer Camps, and Fun Days when school is not in session.

Do you you offer ADA accessibility and program accommodations? Yes! Check out our park finder to find ADA accessible facilities. We also have special needs programs and offer program accommodations. Click here for more information.

Do any of your parks have Wi-Fi?  Yes!  So do our Recreation Centers. Lakes Regional Park, Estero Community Park, Veterans Community Park, Terry Park

Where can I reserve a pavilion?  Reserve one online at these parks:  Lakes Regional Park, Estero Community Park, Veterans Community Park, Caloosahatchee Regional Park, Matlacha Community Park, Manatee Park

Do you allow pets in your parks?  Yes! Many of our parks allow for on-leash dog walking except for certain parks deemed sensitive wildlife areas. See a list of dog parks and dog-friendly parks.

How long does it take to walk the Six Mile Slough Preserve boardwalk?  About 90 minutes. The boardwalk is 1.2 miles long. The length of time it takes to complete the trail depends on the individual. 

When are manatees at Manatee Park?  When the Gulf temp is below 68 degrees. Call (239) 690-5030 ext. 3. 

Can I bring a grill or fryer for my gathering?  Yes - gas grill.  No - fryers are not allowed.  Grills are allowed at any LCPR site which already has a permanently installed grill on-site.

Can I fly my drone in Lee County Parks?  Yes, but only in accordance with federal and state law.  The following resources may be informative: knowbeforeyoufly.org, FAA Regulations Part 107 and Florida State Statutes Section 330.41, 330.411, and 934.50.

Do you have Pickleball? YES! Indoor Pickleball is offered at various times at the Estero Recreation Center, Matlacha Community Center, North Fort Myers Recreation Center and Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center. We also have outdoor courts at many parks throughout the county.

How do I sign my child up for youth sports? All youth leagues run independently of Lee County, and the respective leagues handle registration. Please contact your local league for details, see View Youth Sports Contacts.

Does LCPR have adult leagues?  No. Contact the YMCA at 239-275-9622 if interested in softball or flag football.

What's the deal with the stadiums in Lee County? Lee County is home to spring training for two major league baseball teams which are hosted in Parks & Recreation Stadiums. Get more Twins & Red Sox Spring Training Info.

Can I bring food/drink to the beach?  Yes, but no alcohol and no glass.  Alcoholic beverages is not allowed at LCPR parks/beaches. At certain parks, catering companies may have limited access.

Can I have a fire on the beach?  No. Fire (bonfires, candles, torches) as well as other potentially damaging items (petals, rice, etc.)  are not permitted on the beach. This is to protect our environment and the fragile beach ecosystem. 

Can I reserve a shelter/pavilion/picnic area on the beach?  No. On the beach, they are all first-come, first-serve.

Can I take my dog to the beach?  Yes, but only at Dog Beach, off State Road 865, south of Lovers Key State Park.

Can I camp on the beach?  No, camping is not allowed at any Parks & Recreation beach. Our only campground is at Caloosahatchee Regional Park.

Does LCPR have beach wheelchairs?  No, but check out these local resources:

1. Lover's Key State Park - the Park provides them free of charge at their beach only, call 239-463-4588.
   
2. Sanibel Island - Sanibel Island Police Department (239) 472-3111 or Billy's Bike Rental will provide them. 
   
3. Fort Myers Beach - Fun Rental, call (239) 463-8844.

4. Downtown Fort Myers - Scooters Plus, call (239) 337-1773. 
   

Which parks offer wedding venues? Lakes Park and the Buckingham Community Center are the most popular rentable venues for weddings. All other parks (including the beaches) are first-come, first-served. 

Do you need a permit? No, but please know that fires of any kind as well as throwing rice/pedals is not allowed. Please follow the rules/regulations outlined in Parks Ordinance 18-12.

Is there a limit to the number of people in our party/group? No, as long as your group does not impede enjoyment of the park to others. 

What are the hours?  Most of our parks and beaches are open from 7 a.m. to dusk.

Can I have a tent, chairs, etc. at my event? Yes. Chairs are ok.  Tents up to 10' x 10' are allowed, as long as they can be easily removed and are free-standing. Nothing can be tied to vegetation or other structures. 

Can I have a DJ/music at my event? Yes, with limitations. One small speaker stereo or acoustic guitar is permitted. No public announcement(PA) systems or loud music is allowed.

Can I restrict who is allowed near my wedding?  No. All parks are open to the public. You may have bystanders watching, but will respect your moment and do so from afar.

Do I need a FL marriage license if I'm from out-of-state?  Yes. Visit the Lee County Clerk of Court for more info.

Can I reserve a shelter/pavilion/picnic area?  On the beach, no. they are all first-come, first-serve. Some of our parks have shelter rentals available. Contact the park to make a reservation. 

Can I bring food/drink?  Yes, but no alcohol and no glass.  Alcoholic beverages is not allowed at LCPR parks/beaches. At certain parks, catering companies may have limited access.

Where can my party/group find parking at the beach?  Parking at the beach is very limited in some areas and is completely first-come, first-serve.  All parking lots have an hourly fee for parking.  Consider parking at Summerlin Square and taking the LeeTran beach trolley.  Click here for the beach trolley schedule. 

How do I get a parking pass/sticker?  Online or at the following locations:  Terry Park, Estero Recreation Center, Veterans Recreation Center, North Fort Myers Recreation Center, Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center, Matlacha Community Center 

Can I get a seasonal parking sticker?  No. The LCPR parking pass/sticker is an annual pass ($60).  Whatever month it is purchased, it will be valid until the end of the same month the following year. 

Do I have to pay for a new sticker if mine gets lost, stolen, mutilated or I get a new tag or vehicle?  Yes, $5. There is a $5 replacement fee, as long as your current sticker is still valid. 

Do I have to pay to park (or buy a parking pass/sticker) if I have a handicap placard?  Yes. You are only exempt from paying the parking fee if your vehicle displays a disabled veterans license plate, if your vehicle has mechanical modifications specifically for accommodating a disabled driver or passenger, or if you have a Florida Toll Exemption Permit. 

Can I leave my vehicle for more than 72 hours at Punta Rassa Boat Ramp?  Yes, but permission is required.

Can I put my trailer and vehicle in separate parking spaces?  No. Trailers must be connected to the tow vehicle.

How do I get a pool pass?  The best way is to buy one online. 

Are your pools ADA accessible? Yes! all of our year-round pools are accessible and include a chair-lift.